A new update revives hopes for Wanted 2, a sequel to the 2008 action-thriller starring James McAvoy. Co-writer Derek Haas recently confirmed that a completed script exists and expressed interest in reuniting with the original team. Universal has yet to greenlight the project, but discussions around the film continue 17 years after its release.
Derek Haas confirms he has a script for Wanted 2 with James McAvoy
During an interview with ScreenRant while promoting his new Prime Video series Countdown, Haas said he still hopes Wanted 2 will happen, despite 17 years of development limbo. “Michael Brandt and I wrote a script for it that I still think is pretty good,” he said, adding, “And James McAvoy, come on back, let’s do Wesley again.”
The original 2008 film features James McAvoy as Wesley Gibson, now widely known for playing Professor X in the X-Men franchise and Kevin Wendell Crumb in M. Night Shyamalan’s Unbreakable trilogy. Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman also appeared in the action thriller, which was loosely based on Mark Millar’s comic series.
After the film’s success, Universal reportedly began developing a sequel in 2011, bringing back Haas, Brandt, and director Timur Bekmambetov. However, the project stalled and has remained inactive since.
Haas told ScreenRant, “Never say never in this town, that’s for sure.” He expressed fondness for the original, saying he “loved everything about making Wanted.” His comments confirm that a completed script for Wanted 2 exists and that the door is still open for production.
James McAvoy has also shown interest in returning. The interviewer referenced this by saying, “I think [McAvoy] recently said in an interview, he’s been like, ‘Yeah, I’d still love to do it no matter what.’” McAvoy has balanced major roles, including his tenure in the X-Men films, with a range of genre films, and could reprise his role if the sequel moves forward.
Despite this interest, Universal has not officially revived the project. As of now, Wanted 2 remains inactive, though Haas’ remarks and McAvoy’s potential involvement leave the possibility open.
