Hugh Jackman says he's thrilled that 2011's Real Steel has gained renewed popularity after streaming on Netflix. Directed by Shawn Levy, the film was a modest hit back in 2011, but not enough to immediately greenlight a sequel. Critically, it was mostly well-received upon release, but failed to connect on a notable level at the time with audiences. Directed by Free Guy's Shawn Levy, Real Steel stars Jackman, Evangeline Lilly, Anthony Mackie, Hope Davis, Kevin Durand, and Dakota Goyo in a story that takes place in the near future where robot boxing is a top competitive sport and an underdog named Atom begins to rise through the ranks, thanks to its trainers, played by Jackman and Goyo.
As the COVID-19 pandemic began to take hold throughout 2020, a lot of films began to gain significant notoriety on streaming platforms and Real Steel was chief among them, earning a spot in the streamer's Top 10 most popular. Based on the short story "Steel" by Richard Matheson (I Am Legend), Real Steel was crafted as a family-oriented sci-fi action film, which may not have been the right movie in 2011, but ten years later is something audiences are seeking out. Director Shawn Levy has said he'd be interested in making a sequel in the past, although he would want it to be a new experience, rather than a rehash of the original.
In an interview with Cinemablend, Jackman discussed the recent renewed success of Real Steel, saying that it was Levy who brought it to his attention. Jackman goes on to say that he loved the film at the time and that he's constantly approached about it. He says it was a fun film to make and that he and director Shawn Levy remain good friends, which is a good sign that if interest is there, the potential for a sequel could be very possible. Here's what Jackman had to say about the film's recent resurgence:
"By the way, recently quite a lot, we’re being asked about [a sequel]. Because during the pandemic, apparently, it was very very highly watched, and it was really nice. A huge hit, like 10 years later, Shawn Levy said, ‘Dude, do you see what’s happening out there?’, and I said, ‘No, I don’t see anything.’ But it’s really nice to know that a movie which I really loved at the time, a lot of people come up to me in the street and tell me they love that movie. Lots of dads love it. And so it’s really nice to see it get its due. It was just one of the most fun. Working with Shawn on anything is the best, and we remain really good friends."
Both Jackman and Levy have expressed interest in making a sequel, but the prospects ultimately rest with the IP owners. Originally a Dreamworks production, it's unclear where those rights would fall at the moment. With Levy's Free Guy currently the reigning champ at the box office, there's certainly some new leverage to be had in pushing for Real Steel to return to the ring. In fact, Levy has said he'd like to reunite Free Guy's Ryan Reynolds with Jackman if a sequel were to happen.
Real Steel has shown some real cinematic fortitude in terms of being an evergreen movie, as it isn't just robots bashing each other throughout the runtime, but also features a strong, emotional heart. It's very much a father-son family film as much as it is futuristic rock 'em sock 'em robots, which makes for a stronger lasting impression on audiences, even if they're discovering it ten years after the fact. With streaming numbers continuing to lead content in all manner of strange directions, the possibility of a Real Steel sequel happening due to a strong showing on Netflix would be yet another underdog tale come to life. Until that time, Real Steel is still streaming in the Netflix ring.
Source: Cinemablend