“I actually attempt to not make sequels that do not should be.”

Director Shawn Levy has so much on his plate proper now as he’s at present spearheading the return of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in Deadpool 3, is ready to direct episodes of the fifth and closing season of Stranger Issues, and is even in talks for his personal Star Wars movie. On prime of all of that can also be the potential for a sequel to 2021’s Free Man starring Ryan Reynolds. Just lately, Collider’s personal Steven Weintraub had the prospect to speak with Levy for the Disney+ Evening on the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Once more film, the place the 2 mentioned the way forward for this potential follow-up, saying that the venture remains to be in growth, however needs to carry the venture to a sure customary.
Levy instructed Weintraub that it is not solely Reynolds and him that wish to make a sequel however the studios behind the movie as properly. Whereas the venture remains to be in growth, Levy factors to his 2011 movie Actual Metal and explains the rationale why that movie by no means acquired a sequel can also be why Free Man’s sequel is not being rushed.
It is nonetheless in growth. I do not know if it is within the playing cards, however it is extremely a lot nonetheless in growth. It is one thing that Disney and Fox need badly. I actually attempt to not make sequels that do not should be. And it is why I did not transfer ahead with the Actual Metal sequel as a result of I did not really feel we had a second film that would match or prime the primary. I am holding Free Man to that very same customary. We’re nonetheless listening to concepts, growing concepts, expounding on concepts. However I might say that within the time that is handed since Free Man got here out, the love for that film has grow to be increasingly more clear to Ryan and I, anecdotally, on sidewalks, within the press. So we’re not going to mess with factor until we are able to make an amazing factor.
Along with speaking about holding the movie to a sure customary, Levy additionally talked about sequels typically, speaking in regards to the challenges that went into making follow-ups to his earlier works like Evening on the Museum and Deadpool, saying:
Sequels are actually laborious to make nice. It is why all of us look to a [‘Terminator 2’] or an ‘Empire Strikes Again’ as excessive watermarks and albeit as unicorns. It is actually, actually laborious. And once more, I made three ‘Evening on the Museums.’ One motive that I forged every one in all them at such a stratospheric stage, with comedic stars and comedic geniuses, is I needed to make it possible for they could possibly be distinctive. However it’s a very robust steadiness. And we’re clearly very a lot exploring this with ‘Deadpool,’ is how do you honor what acquired you to that second? How do you honor what individuals love with out regurgitating what individuals love? It is the best steadiness, and it is difficult as hell.
What We Know About Free Man Sequel
That is in step with what Levy and Reynolds instructed Weintraub after they beforehand spoke on the subject of Free Man 2 again in February 2022. “For us, it is principally nearly getting the story is correct, the script is correct earlier than you go to digital camera as a result of that is the whole lot. We each know that it’s a slippery slope heading into bodily manufacturing earlier than one thing’s really prepared,” stated Levy. “We beloved Free Man. We had been thrilled that Free Man was as profitable because it was, and notably as an authentic film at a time the place few get made and even fewer are hits. In order that was gratifying. And if we are able to crack that sequel, that is one thing that is likely to be very enjoyable to make collectively.”
Free Man was positively successful, having remodeled $331 million world wide when it was launched, making it probably the most profitable authentic film throughout the pandemic. With that sort of main success, it’s no marvel that the studios would desire a follow-up, however Levy needs to ensure it is good earlier than it hits the display.
For extra on Free Man 2, here is what Levy and Reynolds instructed us earlier this 12 months after they spoke with Weintraub for The Adam Undertaking.