News about the future of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo series has been sparse lately, especially considering the recent trend of Hollywood franchises announcing sequels shortly after the previous film’s theatrical run. It’s been almost 10 months since the first of David Fincher‘s Stieg Larsson adaptations hit theaters, yet there is still no word of a timetable for The Girl Who Played With Fire.
The 2011 film grossed $233 million worldwide, decent numbers for a dark R-rated film, but an MGM executive admitted earlier this year that the studio lost a small amount on the film, and the sequel wouldn’t be possible unless it was made on a smaller budget.
In a recent interview with the LA Times, star Daniel Craig said that he isn’t giving up on the series, and he hopes Fincher feels the same way.
“Of course I’ll embrace [the movie], especially if Fincher does it… I’m definitely going to work on him.”
Craig’s support is certainly good news, as the series would likely fold without him, but unfortunately him working on Fincher probably won’t be enough to get Fincher on board. In the director’s illustrious career he has never made a sequel to any of his films. Fincher also has a full slate ahead of him, as he’s working on his adaptation of 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea and recently HBO signed him for a new project.
We reported in August that Sony does indeed plan to continue with the series, but the lack of news since then is slightly disheartening.
It would be a shame if the series doesn’t continue. Despite the financial losses of the first film, it really was a quality movie, properly capturing the gritty nature of the books and showcasing outstanding performances by Craig and costar Rooney Mara.
Although the look Fincher brought to the first film was excellent, the series would be able to continue, and experience success, without him. There’s no doubt that Fincher is a brilliant director, but the phenomenal story told in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo series is what will propel the next two films to success. As long as Sony can bring in a director who can follow the tone set by the first film and won’t screw things up, The Girl Who Played With Fire should be a hit.
Would you be interested in the series even without Fincher at the helm? Who could replace him? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.