What happens when the star of The Transporter meets the director of Kill List? The answer is The Meg 2, if reports are to be believed. Word has come in that Jason Statham will be collaborating with helmer Ben Wheatley for a second round of killer shark action. Given that we already got two Megs in the first movie, we can't wait to see them spin this one out.
The 2018 aquatic thriller was a surprise success, eventually grossing $530 million worldwide. Adapted from Steve Alten's novel, it made a splash with its pot-boiling tale of a battle against a giant megalodon – that's giant killer shark to you and me. The movie largely coasted off Statham's gruff charisma and the ironic sense of so-bad-its-good filmmaking, although clearly the best moment was the smallest: Statham humming Finding Nemo's 'just keep swimming' to himself.
Wheatley's new adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca is currently on release, although he's best known for savage, satirically funny movies like the aforementioned Kill List, Sightseers and A Field In England. It's unclear how his twisted sense of humour will line up with Statham's deadpan persona, but we can't wait to see the results. Wheatley has never helmed anything with such a reliance on visual effects before, although he is scheduled to make Tomb Raider 2 next, with Alicia Vikander returning to the role of Lara Croft.
The Hollywood Reporter indicates that screenwriters Jon and Erich Hoeber, plus Dean Georgaris, will return. Producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Belle Avery will also be back, with Warner Bros overseeing the production, as before.
Excited about a Wheatley/Statham team-up? Let us know @Cineworld.