Despite making just $25.1 million domestically, Emmett/Furla/Oasis Films has given the green light for a sequel to the 2013 action-thrillerEscape Plan.Sylvester Stalloneis returning to star as security expert Ray Breslin, but there is no mention ofArnold Schwarzeneggerreturning as career criminal Rottmayer.Sylvester Stalloneis also said to be returning in a supporting capacity, although no further details were given about the story.
Deadlinereports that Emmett/Furla/Oasis Films will be selling the foreign rights to buyers at the American Film Market, which starts next month in Santa Monica, California.Miles Chapman, who wrote the originalEscape Planscript along withJason Keller, is returning to write the sequel, with Lionsgate Premiere slated to release the film domestically. No director is attached yet, but that may change soon since this sequel is moving together quickly.
Pre-production will begin January 15, with principal photography scheduled to begin March 15 in Ohio and China. This report claims that there will be a “major Chinese component” involved in the financing of this sequel, since the originalaction-thrillerfared better in China than in any other box office market.Escape Planearned $40.9 million, more than a third of the film’s international total of $112.1 million.
George Emmett,Randall Furla,Mark CantonandZack Schillerwill all return to produce this sequel.Ted Fox,Mark Stewart,Barry BrookerandStan Wertliebwill serve as executive produce. The original, which earned $137.3 million worldwide, was directed byMikael Hafstrom, but it remains unclear if he will return to direct theaction sequel.
The originalEscape Planwas the second of three films in recent years that brought 80s action iconsSylvester StalloneandArnold Schwarzeneggertogether.Escape Planfollowed 2012’sThe Expendables 2, and was preceded by 2014’sThe Expendables 3. With filming set to begin in just a few months, we should hear more about the cast ofEscape Plan 2very soon.
