20th Century Studios has had a solid franchise-fueled Summer with hits like “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” “Alien: Romulus,” the well-reviewed “The First Omen” and some big shoutouts in Marvel’s “Deadpool & Wolverine”.
Longtime Fox exec Steve Asbell took charge of the division in 2020 and is behind the studio getting back to theatrical releases again.
As part of his lengthy interview with THR today, he was asked a ‘lightning round’ of questions related to more sequels to numerous franchises at the studio.
First up, there are zero plans in the works for any more “Kingsman” or “Die Hard” films, and a “Free Guy” sequel is entirely up to Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds who are busy with other things – so unlikely.
Asked about the possibility of a “Master and Commander” prequel, he says they have a script but are waiting for a filmmaker: “I’m trying so hard. It’s the first movie I worked on at Fox twenty years ago. We have a great script. It just needs the right director.”
One thing we are getting more of are Agatha Christie mystery movies, ones that go well beyond just Branagh’s Hercule Poirot as he cites two Christie novels without Poirot and then indicates Miss Marple films are planned:
“More, yes. We have, And Then There Were None. We have Witness for the Prosecution. We’re doing Miss Marple. There’s a bunch of other titles that we’re working on. We have very close relationship with the estate.”
Asbell also confirms a follow-up to “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is coming with the film targeting a 2027 release.
Finally, he was asked about the recent 30th anniversary screening of “Speed” a few weeks ago during which actress Sandra Bullock said Hollywood may not be brave enough for a third film. His response:
“Hollywood is brave enough. We are brave enough. We are sitting by the phone. (Laughs) It is one of those last movies that we haven’t remade. And to really be a reason to come back, it’s got to be a great idea and an idea that excites (Bullock and Keanu Reeves).
Because that’d be the reason to see it. It’s obviously a really important title for us, but it’s not something we would handle lightly or just try to press them into service. They’d have to be a part of the development of that idea.”
20th Century Studios has “Predator: Badlands,” “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” remake, James L. Brooks’ “Ella McCay,” and the Sam Raimi-directed “Send Help” on the way next year.
