Vin Diesel is back on his genre revival kick, with Lionsgate fast-tracking a sequel to “The Last Witch Hunter.” Expect to see the unflappable Michael Caine because apparently, old sorcerers never die; they just sign contracts.
What happened
Deadline announced that Diesel’s One Race Films and Lionsgate are charging ahead with this unexpected follow-up. While there’s no confirmed director or screenwriter, the plan is in motion, even if the original cast members like Rose Leslie are conspicuously unmentioned.
The first “Witch Hunter” trip to theaters in 2015 was less blockbuster and more box-office stumble. It scraped together a measly $147 million against a $90 million budget, and reviews were about as friendly as a nest of angry witches. Yet here we are, allegedly driven by a newfound streaming fanbase on Netflix—where old films go to find improbable new life.
Vin’s multitasking doesn’t stop there. He’s cooking up a fourth film for his convict sci-fi alter-ego Richard B. Riddick, with David Twohy again at the helm for “Riddick: Furya.” Shooting reportedly began in summer 2024, though details about any supporting cast are as elusive as Riddick himself.
Fast & Furious déjà vu
Diesel has also been vocal about reviving the late Paul Walker’s character, Brian O’Conner, for “Fast X: Part 2.” This resurrection, powered by CGI and Cody Walker as a stand-in, is a heartfelt nod, albeit a digital one. According to sources, Diesel’s even nudging Universal and director Louis Leterrier to make this return happen for their grand finale.
Looming mergers and movie mayhem
Amid these cinematic resurrections, there’s talk that Legendary might acquire Lionsgate. If that deal goes through, “The Last Witch Hunter 2” could face the classic Hollywood shuffle, where plans meet pause buttons faster than Diesel can propose a sequel.
In the whirlwind of sequels and studio drama, Diesel keeps us guessing about which character might dodge or dive next. Grab your popcorn and streaming passwords—there might just be a sequel revival we’re not ready for.
