After years of various delays, Wanted 2 may finally be emerging from development hell.
Wanted was an unexpected success at the box office four summers ago, and Universal immediately began development on a sequel to the film. Since then, however, we’ve heard almost nothing as the movie languished in development hell.
What was the difficulty? Coming up with a plot. If you remember, Wanted did not have a typical action film ending. It was technically a continuance, and even seemed like it was setting up a sequel of sorts.
However, nearly everyone in the film was dead, leaving only the protagonist to ride off into the sunset. The entire organization of Weavers was completely wiped out in one terrible moment, and neither of the most interesting characters (Morgan Freeman’s and Angelina Jolie’s) would be back for the sequel.
So essentially, it wasn’t just about penning a continuing storyline. Indeed, the writers will have to start from scratch on a whole new conflict for the protagonist. Frankly, I can understand how that would present a challenge for everyone involved.
Now, however, director Timur Bekmambetov, has confirmed, in an interview with The Playlist, that he recently experienced a breakthrough on the project. “An unbelievable thing happened three weeks ago,” he said. “We didn’t know what to do for three or four years, [but] three weeks ago I came up with a great idea and I pitched this idea and everybody fell in love with it. And now I think we’re on track. Right now the writer is working on the script, and it will be shocking.”
When asked about the return of any characters, he said, “It’s a continuation of the story, with Wesley Gibson. Other people are dead, you know, we can’t bring them back. The story is the same character, same mythology, but it’s got a great twist.”
No production or release dates or casting details have yet been announced for Wanted 2.
