Is Michael Caine Really Coming Out of Retirement for ‘The Last Witch Hunter’ Sequel?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Michael Caine is set to return for the sequel of ‘The Last Witch Hunter’.
- The film is being developed by Lionsgate and One Race Films.
- Vin Diesel is returning as the lead character, Kaulder.
- The original film found greater success internationally despite modest domestic earnings.
- The sequel's announcement stems from renewed audience interest and advancements in filmmaking technology.
Los Angeles, Sep 9 (NationPress) Iconic actor Michael Caine, who previously stepped away from the spotlight, is preparing to make a comeback. At the age of 92, the screen legend is slated to appear in a sequel to ‘The Last Witch Hunter’.
Vin Diesel returns as the lead in this project, which is being rapidly developed by Lionsgate and Diesel’s production company, One Race Films, according to reports from ‘Variety’.
Although a contract for Caine has yet to be finalized, he is anticipated to reprise his role from the original 2015 film. Caine portrayed Dolan, a priest who helps Diesel’s character, Kaulder, combat a plague unleashed by a witch queen.
As noted by ‘Variety’, the original ‘Last Witch Hunter’ was largely a passion project for Diesel, who claimed it was inspired by his own ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ campaigns, where he played the character of Melkor the Witch Hunter.
Released in October 2015, the film earned approximately $27 million in North America but found greater success internationally, grossing $119 million. According to Lionsgate, the film’s revival on digital platforms and its status as one of the most-viewed movies on Netflix this year prompted the development of a sequel a decade later.
In a statement, Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, confirmed the sequel’s progress, stating, “‘The Last Witch Hunter’ has evolved into a global favorite since its release, with viewers consistently engaging with it across various platforms over the last ten years. This sustained interest indicates a strong demand for more narratives set in this universe. Collaborating with Vin again is exhilarating, and I am enthusiastic about how advancements in filmmaking allow us to create a sequel on a grander scale.”