Shawn Levy on the status of Real Steel 2

Last Updated on August 10, 2021

Get ready to oil your joints, tighten your bolts, and put up your dukes because we've got an update on the possibility of a sequel to 2011's rock em sock em robot drama Real Steel. Recently while engaging in a chinwag with Real Steel director Shawn Levy during a press junket for 20th Century Studios' Free Guy, our own JimmyO learned that ideas for a Real Steel sequel are still dancing around the squared circle.

When asked about the possibility of a sequel to the family-friendly robot action movie, Levy said the following:

You know, it's amazing and so awesome to Hugh and me. We literally spoke about this yesterday. We're coming up on ten years on Real Steel, and still not a week goes by where I get asked at least once – and usually more than once –  in real life, or an interview, or on social media, "sequel? sequel?" I've gotten so used to answering that question that now I find myself with Hugh saying, "Well, should we just do it?" We love that movie as much as our fans love that movie. So we'll see about that.

Directed by Levy and released in 2011, Real Steel stars Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo, Evangeline Lilly, Anthony Mackie, and Hope Davis. Set in the near future when robot boxing is a top sport, Real Steel revolves around a struggling ex-boxer who thinks he's found a champion in a discarded robot. Standing in the man's corner is his son, who believes that together, the trio can overcome overwhelming odds to become the people's champion.

Real Steel punched its way toward a near $300 million worldwide box office at the time of its release. Since then, the film has become something of a cult family favorite, if such a thing exists. If a sequel is indeed happening, I can't wait to see what the robots and fight effects end up looking like. Effects wizards have discovered all sorts of amazing tricks since Real Steel's release. I think this concept is overdue for an upgrade, don't you?