Some surprising information throughout: Not solely is “The Final Witch Hunter 2” taking place a full decade after the unique film flopped each critically and commercially, however it additionally sounds just like the legendary Michael Caine is popping out of retirement for the fantasy-adventure sequel. Sure, of all issues, it is Vin Diesel, not Christopher Nolan or some other legendary filmmaker who would absolutely be completely happy to work with Caine once more, who has managed to get Caine again on the age of 92 for what may very well be his remaining function.
In accordance with Variety, Lionsgate is fast-tracking a sequel to 2015’s “The Final Witch Hunter” as we converse. Diesel will return within the lead function as Kaulder whereas Caine is anticipated to reprise his function as Dolan (a priest who helped Kaulder in his witch searching efforts within the authentic movie). Caine said in 2023 that he was retiring following his role in “The Great Escaper.” Not so quick! There’s witch searching to be finished, apparently. Lionsgate Movement Image group chair Adam Fogelson had this to say about it in a press release:
“‘The Final Witch Hunter’ has grown since its theatrical launch into a worldwide fan favourite, with audiences persevering with to find and rewatch it throughout each platform over the previous decade. That enduring enthusiasm made clear there’s an urge for food for extra tales set on this world. Vin and I’ve partnered many occasions over time, and he’s a real pressure in our business. I am thrilled to be reuniting with him as he returns to this iconic function, and excited by how developments in filmmaking know-how now enable us to economically ship a sequel on an much more bold scale.”
“The Final Witch Hunter,” which was directed by Breck Eisener, was not a hit initially, taking in $147 million worldwide on the field workplace in opposition to a $90 million price range. Nevertheless, Diesel said in 2020 that Lionsgate was pursuing “The Last Witch Hunter 2.” Apparently, that wasn’t simply the “Quick & Livid” star blowing smoke. It is the true deal.
The Final Witch Hunter 2 is an surprising avenue to deliver Michael Caine again
To Fogelson’s level, it does seem to be the primary movie has gone on to have a strong second life. “The Last Witch Hunter” had a nice run on Tubi’s charts earlier this year, and it has additionally been a success on Netflix in recent times. As such, Lionsgate’s bean counters have decided {that a} sequel is definitely worth the squeeze … although one assumes that they are going to attempt to deliver the price range down this time round.
The unique movie was based mostly on Diesel’s character Melkor from a “Dungeons & Dragons” marketing campaign he really performed. The film facilities on Kaulder, who slays the highly effective Witch Queen. Earlier than her demise, nevertheless, she curses Kaulder along with her personal immortality, separating him from his spouse and daughter within the afterlife. Her resurrection then threatens the survival of the human race, leaving Kaulder to face her wrath as soon as extra.
Plot particulars for the sequel stay beneath wraps. It additionally is not clear if Eisner will return to the director’s chair. What is evident is that, in opposition to all odds, that is the film that’s getting Caine again on the silver display screen. Caine is an absolute legend, successful two Oscars in his day for his work in “Hannah and her Sisters” and “The Cider Home Guidelines.” He is additionally been nominated for six Oscars in complete, with a few of his different notable credit together with “The Darkish Knight,” “Alfie,” and “Soiled Rotten Scoundrels.”
As for why Caine is popping out of retirement for this film, of all issues? It is robust to say. What we all know is that Diesel may be very keen about sure tasks. He even willed “Riddick” into existence by securing the rights from Universal when it needed him again in “Quick & Livid.” The entire thing was his ardour mission, so possibly he is simply as keen about “The Final Witch Hunter 2.” Did that very same ardour get via to Caine? Or was it a paycheck that did the trick? Both means, that is taking place.
“The Final Witch Hunter 2” would not at the moment have a launch date, however keep tuned.
