Edge of Tomorrow is one of those films that you wouldn't expect to spawn a sequel. The expensive blockbuster didn't really catch fire at the box office despite positive reviews and the star power of Tom Cruise, and the story doesn't even necessarily demand a follow-up. The smart and entertaining film went through a name change late in the game, however, and found and grew its audience on home video, so sequel hopes have been kept alive with Cruise, Emily Blunt and director Doug Liman all on board to return. But will this movie, currently titled Live Die Repeat And Repeat, actually happen, or will it be one of those sequels that is often talked about but never materializes? Well, director Doug Liman spoke about the state of the film, saying:
We're just working on the script... [We're no longer working on scheduling issues], now it's down to we have a window where we could go do it, and we're frantically working on the script. It's one of those movies that we'll only go make if we love the script. It's not one of those things where the studio is pushing us to make it and they don't really care if it's good or not. If the movie happens, it will be because Emily Blunt, Tom Cruise and myself are passionate about making it, which is a great place to be. She doesn't need this movie, he doesn't need this movie, and I don't need it. We're gonna make it if we really believe in it. We have story that the three of us love, so we're working hard on the script.
Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt are both movie stars, so locking in availability for the two leads was obviously a challenge - but it seems that particular hardship is in the past. Speaking with Collider, Doug Liman says they know exactly when they can make Edge of Tomorrow 2, but the roadblock at this point is putting together a script that is good enough to go by that particular date. That suggests that the project is a bit up in the air at the moment, but what's encouraging here is that Liman says that the movie will only happen if he and his stars love the script. Too many sequels are forced into existence or sloppily done to capitalize on the success or name value of the first film, but fortunately that does not sound like it will be the case here.
While the script is still being worked on, the overall story seems to have been in place for some time. Doug Liman previously spoke about how he had no plans for a sequel, but that fan enthusiasm and a great idea got him excited about the possibility. The plot of Live Die Repeat And Repeat is mostly being kept under wraps, but he did say that the sequel would be picking up right where Edge of Tomorrow left off... before going backwards in time. While I loved the first film, I thought the ending was a great way to close this story, and it did not necessitate a sequel. However, if the people behind this feel that there is a story worth telling, who am I to argue? Liman also said that this sequel would revolutionize the way sequels are made, and while I have no idea what that would actually entail, it certainly sounds interesting. With any luck the script will be completed and live up to that lofty goal before this window closes. In the same interview, Liman said it was possible that Edge of Tomorrow 2 would be his next film, so perhaps there is reason to be optimistic that Edge of Tomorrow 2 will indeed happen.
We'll keep you updated with all the latest on this film as it inches its way towards reality. For all of the movies that are definitely happening and this year, check out our release guide.
