Ben Wheatley, director of the yet-to-be-released Meg 2: The Trench, is already envisioning his next endeavor: a third film in the popular shark thriller series. The forthcoming sequel is a follow-up to the 2018’s blockbuster, The Meg, initially directed by Jon Turteltaub (National Treasure). Despite garnering mostly negative reviews from critics, the original film managed to create a significant splash at the box office, paving the way for what Wheatley envisions as a potential full-fledged franchise.
In an interview with Total Film magazine, the director voiced his guarded optimism regarding the future of the series, mentioning, “It’s premature to discuss it before the release of Meg 2, but I do look forward to a third chapter. The universe presented in these movies is vast and rich. The international aspect of it is particularly intriguing.” When asked about what he thought was the catalyst for the original film’s triumph and what might underpin the franchise’s future, Wheatley stated, “The brilliance of the first film lies in its departure from the typical East-meets-West trope, ‘Oh, we’re all so confused by each other.’ It simply portrayed people collaborating in a routine adventure, who happened to originate from different corners of the globe. I believe this narrative resonates with audiences and carries a strong message.”
The upcoming sequel will feature Jason Statham, reprising his role from the 2018 original, teaming up with famed action actor Wu Jing (The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor). They will lead a research team venturing into the ocean’s abyss. However, a plot synopsis for the film suggests their expedition turns disastrous:
The team’s journey spirals into chaos as they encounter a malevolent mining operation that jeopardizes their mission and thrusts them into a high-stakes survival battle. Confronted by gigantic Megs and ruthless environmental pillagers, they must outpace, outwit, and outmaneuver their relentless pursuers in an adrenaline-fueled race against time.
Image courtesy of Warner Bros.
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Returning alongside Statham for the sequel are Li Bingbing (Transformers: Age of Extinction), Page Kennedy (Rush Hour), Shuya Sophia Cai (Mr. Corman), and Cliff Curtis (Sunshine). New faces joining the cast include Sergio Peris-Mencheta (Rambo: Last Blood), Sienna Guillory (Resident Evil), and Skyler Samuels (American Horror Story), along with Jing. The screenplay, inspired by Steve Alten’s 1999 novel The Trench, was penned by Jon Hoeber, Erich Hoeber, and Dean Georgaris, all of whom also contributed to the original film, The Meg.
Meg 2: The Trench is set to hit theaters on August 4 with a PG-13 rating due to “action/violence, some bloody images, language, and brief suggestive material.” Check out the trailer for the anticipated sequel below:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about franchise expansion
What is the upcoming film mentioned in the text?
The upcoming film mentioned in the text is “Meg 2: The Trench,” which is a sequel to the 2018 film “The Meg.”
Who is the director of the upcoming film?
The director of the upcoming film is Ben Wheatley.
Who are the main actors in the upcoming sequel?
The main actors in the upcoming sequel are Jason Statham, who is reprising his role from the original film, and Wu Jing, a legendary action star.
What is the premise of the upcoming film?
In the upcoming film, a research team led by Jason Statham and Wu Jing embarks on an underwater exploration. However, they encounter a malevolent mining operation that puts their mission and lives in jeopardy, leading to a high-stakes battle for survival against colossal Megs and relentless environmental plunderers.
Is there a possibility of a third film in the franchise?
Yes, Ben Wheatley, the director, expresses interest in helming a third installment and believes there is more to explore in the world of “Meg.” However, discussions about a third film will likely happen after the release of “Meg 2: The Trench.”
