Felix Upton on October 25, 2024
Fans of Free Guy hoping for a sequel just got hit with some unfortunate news.
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, 20th Century Studios executive Steve Asbell confirmed that there are currently no plans in motion for Free Guy 2. Asbell revealed that director Shawn Levy and star Ryan Reynolds haven’t developed an idea for the sequel, noting:
“Not yet. [Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds] have to come up with an idea. And they’re just busy.”
Released in 2021, Free Guy became a surprise hit amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, grossing $331.5 million worldwide on a $125 million budget. The film followed Guy (Ryan Reynolds), a non-player character in an online video game, who gains self-awareness and embarks on a journey with real-world players to fight against corruption in the gaming industry.
The film’s success spurred early talks of a sequel, with Levy teasing it as a “big maybe” back in 2022. Levy remarked, “It floats because Ryan and I love that movie. I’d say it’s a big maybe, but boy it would sure make us happy.”
One reason for the sequel’s delay is the busy schedules of both Levy and Reynolds. The pair recently collaborated on the blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine, and Reynolds has numerous other projects lined up, including Animal Friends. Levy, on the other hand, is focused on wrapping up Stranger Things with its fifth and final season.
Additionally, Levy pointed to the massive success of Barbie (2023) as another hurdle. Much like Free Guy, Barbie centers around a character becoming self-aware in a fictional world, meaning a potential sequel to Free Guy would need to set itself apart from similar themes explored by other successful films.
While many fans are eager for a follow-up, it’s worth asking whether Free Guy is best left as a standalone movie. In an entertainment landscape crowded with sequels and franchises, there’s growing demand for more original films. Furthermore, sequels often struggle to capture the same magic as their predecessors. Given the changing world since the pandemic era — when Free Guy resonated with audiences — it might be a case where the original film’s success doesn’t guarantee that a sequel would hit the same notes.
For now, Free Guy remains a one-and-done hit, currently streaming on Disney+.
Do you think Free Guy should get a sequel, or should it remain a standalone hit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
October 25, 2024 5:34 pm
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