Key Takeaways:
– Michael Brandt, a co-writer for Wanted, has divulged the reasons behind the halted production of Wanted 2.
– Even though a script exists for the sequel, its momentum diminished because of differing visions for the movie and swift changes at the studio level.
– Director Timur Bekmambetov had proposed a novel concept for the sequel in 2020 using Screenlife technology, but no concrete steps followed.
Released in 2008, Wanted, directed by Timur Bekmambetov and based on a comic series by Mark Millar and J. G. Jones, was a hit action thriller. It starred James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, and Morgan Freeman and garnered impressive box office returns of over $342 million worldwide. Notwithstanding its commercial and critical success, fans are yet to see a sequel even after sixteen years. Recently, Michael Brandt, a co-writer of Wanted, revealed the reasons for the standstill in an interview with MovieWeb.
Script for Wanted 2 Exists, but Momentum Waned
Brandt confirmed that a script for Wanted 2 is indeed ready. He stated, “We had an idea for a sequel. We pitched it, wrote it.” Although there had been interest from the studio and Bekmambetov, the director’s divergent viewpoint resulted in a communication gap. Brandt highlighted, “And it’s just one of those moments where somebody says the wrong thing in terms of our movie going forward, and the script that we’d written going forward. And he suggested some changes.” These changes dampened the studio’s enthusiasm for the sequel.
A Fast-Paced Studio Environment Stalled the Sequel’s Progress
Another reason for the halted progress was the dynamic environment within the studio, as Brandt noted with the phrase ‘fast and furious.’ While Wanted 2 was still in the pipeline, the studio shifted its focus to newer projects, leaving the sequel in the lurch. Despite these setbacks, Brandt expressed his desire to see the sequel come to fruition. “I thought it was a proper sequel to the first one. But so far, the momentum has been lost,“ he said.
Novel Ideas Were Proposed for a Potential Sequel
Despite the years that passed, Bekmambetov had contemplated a fresh approach for a prospective sequel in 2020. His unique proposition was to utilize Screenlife technology, a method that uses computer screens, webcams, and smartphone cameras, instead of conventional cameras. Several successful Screenlife movies such as Unfriended and Searching have adopted this technology, and the success of these movies inspired Bekmambetov. He was optimistic about incorporating this technology into the Wanted sequel and stated, “Maybe do the Wanted sequel in Screenlife. I cannot imagine an assassin in today’s world would run with a gun,” Bekmambetov said. “Why? He will use drones, he will use computer technology, probably. You don’t need to bend bullets anymore. You need to bend ideas.”
The question now stands whether fans would still enjoy the fruition of Wanted 2 or if its time has indeed passed. The revelations from Michael Brandt have certainly provided insights into the complexities of the film industry where creative minds and business decisions intertwine. Whether or not Wanted 2 unfolds, the 2008 movie will always hold its ground as a stylish action thriller.
