Actor James McAvoy opens up about the reasons why “Wanted 2” is still in limbo. The original film, adapted from the comic book miniseries by Mark Millar and J.G. Jones, featured a star-studded cast including Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman, with McAvoy in the lead role as a member of a covert group of assassins. Despite the first movie’s critical and commercial success, plans for a sequel have been stalled for 16 years due to script challenges.
In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, McAvoy discussed the hurdles faced in developing “Wanted 2,” the enduring affection audiences have for the original, and his own thoughts on reprising his role. He pointed to script issues as the primary cause of delays, noting that although multiple scripts have been presented to him, none have inspired enough confidence to proceed. While he appreciates the film’s fan base, especially among younger viewers, McAvoy now feels he has aged out of the role of Wesley. His full remarks are as follows:
“I received several scripts for sequels, but they weren’t compelling enough, which is why they never materialized. If a truly outstanding script had come along, I might feel disappointed. However, we created something I’m genuinely proud of. Timur [Bekmambetov] took pride in it, the studio was proud, and there was widespread excitement. The film has endured over time, consistently available on streaming platforms, and continues to receive love from young fans who weren’t around when it was released. I’m proud of our work and wouldn’t want to diminish it with a subpar sequel. Besides, I’m too old to play Wesley now; it’s a role suited for a younger actor.”
What Could “Wanted 2” Entail?
Is James McAvoy Truly Too Old for “Wanted 2”?
Although a compelling script is yet to materialize, the concept for “Wanted 2” has been contemplated. Millar himself proposed that a sequel could delve deeper into the franchise’s lore, exploring additional assassin fraternities beyond the five introduced in the comics. Given the success of action-packed franchises like “John Wick,” there is ample opportunity for narratives involving skilled assassins and intricate world-building.
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There’s even potential for McAvoy to reprise his role as Wesley. His outstanding performance in the 2008 film means his absence could be disappointing for some fans. Given the time elapsed since the original, McAvoy’s suggestion that he’s aged out of the lead role makes sense. However, he could take on a mentor role, possibly as the new, untainted leader of a fresh fraternity.
The obstacles facing the sequel stem from the lack of a strong script, not a lack of interest. Therefore, a sequel to “Wanted” is still possible, and McAvoy’s return is not entirely off the table.
It’s crucial to remember that McAvoy is now 45. His age isn’t the central issue; rather, the significant 16-year delay poses more of a challenge. A reboot might not be ideal, as many viewers remain familiar with McAvoy’s portrayal of Wesley and are curious about his character’s journey. The script for “Wanted 2” remains problematic, but this doesn’t necessarily exclude McAvoy’s potential return.
“Wanted” is available for streaming on Max.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Wanted
- Action
- Crime
- Thriller
Mark Millar and J.G. Jones' action-packed thriller comic series arrives on the big screen with Wanted. This story revolves around James McAvoy as Wesley Gibson, an account manager with an unfulfilling and aggravating life that changes drastically when he learns the truth about his family. Discovering that he is the son of an assassin who worked for an organization called the Fraternity, he decides to follow in his footsteps and join them.
