Today is just not a good day for sequels. Already this morning, we brought you word that Evil Dead 2 might not be happening – and that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 is. Now, it appears that the future of another enjoyable franchise is mired in uncertainty. Kick-Ass 3, which would have been adapted from the final graphic novel by Mark Millar, may not be happening due to lackluster box office receipts for the second film.
Millar himself recently detailed the dilemma that Universal is facing with a Kick-Ass 3:
“With “Kick-Ass,” it was a no brainer. It was made for $28 million and made $100 million back and then made another $140 million on DVD. So for the money guys, it was a $28 million investment that made $240 million. That’s a slam dunk. You’re getting your sequel. The second one didn’t make as much. It cost a little less at around $24 million, made $61 million and made about $100 million again on DVD and TV rights. It was still profitable. It was by no means “The Lone Ranger.” But does that mean we’ll make another one again? I don’t know. It’s definitely up in the air, and we’ll just have to see. Matthew is a guy who I trust to make that decision. If he decides he does want to do it, I know he’ll get it done well. And he’s got the movie rights, so it’s ultimately his decision. I speak to Matthew every day, and we haven’t discussed “Kick-Ass 3″ so who knows? The option is always open.”
It’s true that, despite doubling its budget, Kick-Ass 2 wasn’t as financially successful as the first entry. It was also nowhere near as well received by critics, many of whom found the script to be weak and the story to be dull – not that the reception would have mattered had Kick-Ass 2 made a bit more money.
Vaughn is currently busy with Kingsman: The Secret Service, which was recently delayed from this fall to next spring, when it will go up against Fifty Shades of Grey in what will likely be one of the most soul-crushing box office massacres of all time. So, until that film has been released, it wouldn’t be surprising if we heard nothing more about Kick-Ass 3. Once Vaughn’s schedule has opened up, though, the question becomes, do we even want a third installment? The second film concluded on a rather final note, and some changes would be necessary if Millar’s third graphic novel was to serve as the source material.
What do you think, readers? Is Kick-Ass 3 necessary to give Dave and Mindy one last ride, or are you content with the two movies we already have? Let us know below!
