THE LAST WITCH HUNTER Sequel Moving Forward with Vin Diesel and Michael Caine Returning
by Joey Paur · GeekTyrantLionsgate is officially bringing The Last Witch Hunter back to life. The studio has set a sequel in motion with Vin Diesel returning as Kaulder, the immortal Witch Hunter, and Michael Caineattached to reprise his role as Dolan.
The project is being developed with Diesel’s One Race Films, and while deals are still being finalized, the studio and producers are aiming to move the sequel into production quickly.
Lionsgate is making this play as part of its ongoing strategy to expand long-term IP with strong fantasy and sci-fi elements, the kind that perform well not only theatrically but also across streaming and ancillary markets.
When The Last Witch Hunter first hit theaters in 2015, it pulled in $130 million worldwide. While it didn’t break out in a huge way theatrically, it has had impressive staying power, performing consistently in ancillary markets and finding new life as a streaming favorite.
This year, it even cracked Netflix’s top five most-watched films. With advancements in filmmaking technology, Lionsgate is optimistic that the sequel can be produced more efficiently while still delivering an even bigger spectacle.
Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group, shared his excitement about bringing the franchise back:
“The Last Witch Hunter has grown since its theatrical release into a global fan favorite, with audiences continuing to discover and re-watch it across every platform over the past decade.
“That enduring enthusiasm made clear there is an appetite for more stories set in this world. Vin and I have partnered many times over the years, and he is a true force in our industry.
“I’m thrilled to be reuniting with him as he returns to this iconic role, and excited by how advancements in filmmaking technology now allow us to economically deliver a sequel on an even more ambitious scale.”
With Diesel and Caine back on board, Lionsgate is clearly banking on The Last Witch Hunter becoming a franchise that they hopes sticks around.
Source: Deadline