Real Steel was a huge success when it released in 2011. The science-fiction genre combined with a sports genre worked pretty well at the box office. The film grossed $300 million at the worldwide box office, against a budget of $110 million. It was loved by both sic-fi enthusiasts and fans of the sport of boxing. The film was developed over a period of several years before production had begun in 2010. Real Steel was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects at the 84th Academy Awards.
Shawn Levy, the director of Real Steel, has always stated his desire of making a sequel. It looks like we might be getting one, finally.
Real Steel 2: What we know so far
Real Steel starred an ensemble cast consisting of Hollywood A-listers such as Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly, Anthonie Macky, and Dakota Goyo. Ever since the release of the first film, the schedules of these actors have become more and more hectic, with Evangeline Lilly and Anthony Mackie both involved with Marvel for a long period of time. So, getting these actors together for a sequel is a difficult task in itself.
Director Shawn Levy and Hugh Jackman have stated their desire to make a sequel to the film, and have been reportedly working on one as well. Shawn Levy also confirmed the same in 2016, saying this:
“We have been quietly developing a sequel to Real Steel for three and a half years. We’ve come up with some great scripts but Hugh and I would only make it if the plot feels fresh, but also the character journeys feel fresh, and we’ve found both but never at the same time. It’s ongoing.”
The story can also be continued to develop a successful sequel, developing it around an older Charlie (Jackman), or continuing the story of his son, Max (Dakota Goyo). Either way, there are definitely grounds for a sequel to Real Steel.
Updates regarding the sequel have been few so far; the most substantial one being the confirmation by director Shawn Levy. Fans can only hope that more updates on Real Steel 2 emerge soon.