Universal is bringing back Wanted screenwriters Michael Brandt and Derek Haas to write Wanted 2, a sequel to the 2008 bullet-bending comic adaptation of Mark Millar’s graphic novel, which starred James McAvoy and Angelina Jolie. Haas broke the news on his Twitter account writing, “Michael and I were just hired by Uni to write WANTED 2,” and over at The Wrap they followed up on the news with a few quotes.
“We just always loved the Wanted world and loved working with Universal and (director) Timur (Bekmambetov) on the first one, so we’re excited,” Haas said.
Haas also goes on to say he’s not sure whether Timur Bekmambetov will be back to direct but back in 2009 he was all engines go when there were expectations Jolie’s character would be brought back to life and shooting was actually expected to begin in late autumn or winter 2009. That, obviously, didn’t happen.
The sequel is expected to pick up just a few years after the first film and previous plotlines involved an international Fraternity of assassins hunting after James McAvoy’s character, Wesley Gibson.
On top of Wanted, the screenwriting duo of Brandt and Haas are responsible for 2 Fast 2 Furious and the 2007 remake 3:10 to Yuma.
As far as this sequel is concerned, I’m not exactly pumped, but then again I wasn’t blown away by the first film to the point I wanted to know much more about the story. It definitely had its moments, the rat and peanut butter bit I could have done without, but I really dug the ending. The question is, what do you think? Are you in? I honestly don’t see the audience without Jolie’s involvement.
The first film made over $134 million domestically and over $341 million worldwide so Universal is smart to get it rolling again and the sooner the better. McAvoy’s contract means he’ll be back for the sequel, Jolie is likely out at this point and there were those rumors of Kristen Stewart (Twilight) taking over the lead female role. Can you see that happening? Do you want to see that happening?
