Code 8: Part II, a sequel to Code 8, is in development with Robbie and Stephen Amell attached to return. Beginning life as a short sci-fi action film by Jeff Chan, Code 8 grew into a feature-length film in 2019 after a crowdfunding campaign collected $3.4 million in finances. Starring the Amell cousins - The Tomorrow People's Robbie Amell and Arrow's Stephen Amell - who also executive produced the movie, Code 8 received lukewarm reviews from fans and critics, who praised its solid performances, top-notch visual effects, and effective mix of crime and fantasy elements. The film, which featured Sung Kang, Kari Matchett, Greg Bryk, Aaron Abrams, and Laysla De Oliveira besides the Amells., was also applauded for surpassing the pressing limitations of its tight budget.
Set in the early 20th century, when superpowered individuals - known as Powers - had become increasingly marginalized due to a boom in mechanization, Code 8 narrated the adventures of Robbie Amell's Conner Reed as he falls in with a crime syndicate to collect money for his ailing mother's treatment. Conner is recruited by Garrett (Stephen Amell), and together they plot a heist to raid a drug run. But when the heist is unsuccessful the duo parts ways. Conner loses his mother, and he repents for his actions by turning himself in. In the end, Garrett takes over the drug trade while the city votes to ban the Powers. Now, the Amells are looking to continue Conner and Garrett's story following the end of the first film as a sequel is in development.
As reported by Deadline, both Robbie and Stephen Amell have signed to reprise their roles in Code 8: Part II, which is again being helmed by Jeff Chan. In the sequel, Conner and Garrett help a teenage girl whose brother was murdered by corrupt police officers. The Amells are excited to return for the sequel, promising to "blow it out" with the second movie.
Robbie Amell: “There’s nothing better than working with family and friends. Code 8 was the embodiment of that. I can’t wait to get back to work on the sequel.”
Stephen Amell: “Code 8 is an incredibly personal and special project for all of us. We built the world in the first one and now we’re ready to blow it out!”
Earlier, Robbie and Stephen had planned to expand the Code 8 universe with a short-form spinoff series. Right after the release of the first film in Canada, the cousins announced that they would reprise their roles in a Code 8 show, written by Chris Pare, and directed by Chan. The series was also confirmed to be in development at Quibi. But in December 2020, Quibi shut down within just nine months of its launch. And while Roku stepped in and acquired the rights to a portion of Quibi's library, the Code 8 series was largely left out of the deal. Subsequently, the show was left in limbo and there has been no update on its fate since.
Inarguably, the news about Stephen and Robbie returning for a Code 8 sequel is an exciting prospect. The first film reflected the creative genius and passion of its makers, and its shortcomings mostly came about as a result of financial constraints. But now Robbie, Stephen and Chan have realized that the USP of their cult-favorite film lies within its sci-fi infused melodrama and visual appeal. So this time around, they probably hold back from crowding the movie with too many characters and will also work on improving the action sequences of the show. That said, Code 8: Part II is on the right track for success, and hopefully fans will learn more about the movie when the cast is announced.
Source: Deadline