The LEGO Movie currently stands as the most successful film of 2014, and though that will definitely change by the year’s end, its $410 million haul at the global box office is nothing to shake a stick at. Warner Bros. were quick to capitalize on its monumental success and critical acclaim, immediately announcing a sequel for May 26th, 2017, which will be helmed by the first film’s co-animation director, Chris McKay.
Phil Lord and Chris Miller will be stepping into a producing role this time around, but with his experience on shows like Robot Chicken and Titan Maximum in addition to his role on The LEGO Movie, McKay has proven that he’s got the chops to recapture the magic of the first film. Or so we hope.
One of the best parts of The LEGO Movies was Will Arnett’s Batman, who served an important and scene-stealing role in the adventure. Part of the character’s charm were his self-referential jabs at his darkness and awesomeness, something that Arnett himself reflects on in an interview with IGN. He talks a bit about playing Batman, and tells us what we might expect to see from the miniaturized Dark Knight in the follow-up:
“What was fun about the first film was playing with the idea of Batman being Batman. Now we can start to get down to what sort of makes him tick. And I like to see a little lighter side of Batman too, see him having fun.”
Batman having fun is something we haven’t seen on the big screen in quite some time, but then again, this is no Christopher Nolan take on the character. Personally I think it will be refreshing to see a lighter take on the Caped Crusader, especially since this movie will arrive on the heels of 2016’s Batman vs. Superman.
As far as Miller and Lord’s departure, Arnett has faith that McKay will do a good job and isn’t hesitant at all about returning to the franchise.
“Chris McKay is taking over the reigns and he’s such a brilliant guy, but Phil and Chris are definitely still involved. It’s such a great team overall. Obviously those are brilliant guys and I just love them to death, so I have the utmost confidence.”
I loved Arnett as Batman and can’t wait to see what screenwriters Jared Stern and Michelle Morgan have planned for the character in The LEGO Movie 2. It’s going to be tough to provide a sequel that’s just as enjoyable as its predecessor was but I’m feeling pretty confident that McKay will be able to accomplish the monumental task that’s been set out for him.
Published: Apr 10, 2014 10:14 am