When the first movie, Alita: Battle Angel, was released the audience and critics showered Rosa Salazar, director of Alita with praises and for the movie’s impressive performance in the movie. But sadly, the film didn’t perform too well at the box office, collecting just $404 million on a $170 million budget.
The movie Alita: Battle Angel is said to be Rodriguez’s first-ever highest-grossing film with a break-even point of $350–500 million, there have been discussions over whether the movie profited enough. Nonetheless, the movie has also received mixed reviews from critics.
Even though Alita: Battle Angel has multi-fandom support, a sequel seems somewhat uncertain although Rodriguez assured that he hasn’t forgotten about the fans who are still demanding for a sequel.
“You tell a story, ultimately, so people can enjoy it. And I hope they do. If they are affected by it enough that they would take the time to go and start a campaign, that’s like next level,” he told Discussing Film.
“It’s so impressive and heartwarming because you went and did that really because you also loved the material the same way and you felt it was worth the number of years you’re going to put in to make it. It wasn’t the perfect time to come out with it, but the fans still didn’t let anyone forget that they loved that movie. It’s almost better than having a movie that does really well but no one remembers in six to eight years.”
Is Disney working on Alita: Battle Angel 2?
After the premiere of Alita: Battle Angel, Disney finished its acquisition of Fox and the decision is solely upon Disney whether or not the movie gets a sequel.
In April 2020, Christoph Waltz started, “Maybe it doesn’t fit into the Disneyfication, but I have no clue. I have no clue. Maybe they’re working on something and I wouldn’t be the first person to hear, but meanwhile, I haven’t heard anything.”
“I know other people would love to see another, and I would love to do another one. As far as where it would go or how it would be made, I think streaming has opened up many opportunities such as sequels,” Waltz told Forbes.
“It’s already a pre-sold concept, it’s already got a built-in audience that wants to see it, and then it’s delivered to them in a way that’s the easiest for them to consume.”
Alita: Battle Angel 2: Is it really happening?
Speaking to Collider Christoph Waltz (who played Dr. Dyson) happily talked about what the future holds for the sequel. He noted, “Of course! Of course, I would! But, you know, I’m as wise as you are. I haven’t heard anything and I’m a little disappointed and surprised that I haven’t heard a thing so far, because I know that it has followers.”
He added, “I know that people liked it and aside from what others said, I loved it and I liked working on it, and I liked the result.”
While sharing details on Alita: Battle Angel 2 Christoph Waltz said, “You know, [the film was produced by] Fox, and Fox doesn’t exist anymore. Now it’s Disney.”
We’re very much aware that 20th Century Fox no longer exists, so the distribution of 20th Century movies is now dealt with by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
However, Robert Rodriguez, the director, is optimistic that a sequel is possible. Rodriguez said: “As far as where it would go or how it would be made, I think streaming has opened up many opportunities such as sequels.”
“It’s already a pre-sold concept, it’s already got a built-in audience that wants to see it, and then it’s delivered to them in a way that’s the easiest for them to consume. So, it’s not a bad idea.”
The director Robert Rodriguez and producer James Cameron have always wanted to make further sequels of the film but the production company and distributor 20th Century Fox distributed Alita: Battle Angel as the final and independent title.
But Robert Rodriguez reckons that there is a possibility for Alita: Battle Angel 2 in the coming days.
Alita: Battle Angel 2 Release Date: When is it?
There is no official release date yet but if the sequel happens, it probably won’t arrive until sometime in 2023 or mid 2024.
What do you think? Are we really getting Alita: Battle Angel 2? If that is the case, that’d be so cool and fans who have been craving for a new sequel will be served with the best meal ever.