2015 was a big year for movies, with the likes of JURASSIC WORLD breaking records and THE FORCE AWAKENS breaking those broken records. Wedged in the middle there was the period spy caper THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. with Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer. You may have forgotten about the film, but it still has its fans, so many in fact that Hammer keeps getting asked about a sequel, to the point where he himself needed answers.
While speaking with /Film Hammer brought up how he’s constantly getting asked by people about a sequel to U.N.C.L.E., so he called producer Lionel Wigram and asked – if I may paraphrase – “What the f@ck is going on?”
I called Lionel Wigram, the producer of the movie, and he and Guy produced it and wrote it all together. I was like, “Dude, what’s the deal? I get asked about this shit all the time. Can you just write a sequel?” He was like, “You know what? Yeah, fuck it, I’ll do it. Sure, I’ll write a sequel.” I was like, “If you write one, I’m sure we can get one made,” so who knows? Today is the first day I’ve actually told anyone that story. I only told one other person who asked. Apparently, the sequel is being written right now. No pressure, Lionel!
Based on a TV show of the same name, the movie had hopes for success back in 2015, with two big name actors attached and Guy Ritchie at the helm. But it only managed $45 million at the box office and $109 million globally off a $75 million budget. It costs a lot to make everyone save the world and look stylish doing it. Just because Wigram may be writing a new movie doesn’t mean we will necessarily get one (see aforementioned numbers) , but from the sounds of it that doesn’t mean the gang won’t at least try.
I think U.N.C.L.E. deserves a spot in the “underrated” category. It was a cool, often funny, well-acted, well-dressed action treat with enough style and characters I could get behind. I guess Warner Bros. wasn’t too keen on a sequel, given Hammer and Wigram’s conversation, and I think it will take much convincing to sway the studio. A lot of it may hinge on if Ritchie would return, and if his upcoming KING ARTHUR does well. If so they may give him another shot. If not they may not trust him as much, which could mean finding a new director for a sequel, which may be too much work in the end. Still, nothing wrong with more Alicia Vikander in colorful clothing.
Hammer's FREE FIRE is in theaters April 21.