Shawn Levy, who is at the helm of the upcoming Marvel film, Deadpool & Wolverine, once made a surprising confession. While the filmmaker has actively been working since the 90s, he has experienced a resurgence in recent years.
However, one film that remains particularly special to him is the 2011 sci-fi action film Real Steel starring Hugh Jackman. Levy has openly expressed his deep affection for the film, which he considers one of his best works to date, fueling excitement for a much-anticipated sequel.
Shawn Levy’s Heartfelt Confession Regarding Real Steel
Starring Hugh Jackman, Shawn Levy’s 2011 film Real Steel is set in a future where human boxers are replaced by robots. The story follows prize fighter Charlie Kenton as he joins forces with his estranged son Max to reclaim his former glory.
The film was a commercial and critical success, even earning an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects at the 84th Academy Awards. And it gained renewed attention when it arrived on Netflix in 2020.
Soon after debuting on the streaming platform, the film climbed into the Top 10 most popular entertainment choices in America. Reflecting on the film’s success and the love it received from the audience, Levy said in a 2021 interview,
I’ve made movies that made more money, but I don’t know that we’ve made a movie that garnered more long-standing, consistent love.
He said upon learning about its ranking on the platform, he immediately reached out to Hugh Jackman and Steven Spielberg, who produced the film. “It was strange and thrilling,” he said before adding, “I sent two texts. One was to Hugh, the other was to [Steven] Spielberg.”
“Somehow we are trending on Netflix,” he further shared during a conversation with Entertainment Weekly. The sci-fi action film has continued to be a fan favorite on the platform, making it to Netflix’s Global Top 10 recently.
Shawn Levy Wanted Deadpool & Wolverine Stars For a Potential Real Steel Sequel
Fans have long been demanding a sequel to the beloved action film and Shwan Levy has contemplated working on a follow-up film. In a previous interview with ComicBook, he shared that he and the movie’s star Hugh Jackman had been discussing a potential sequel.
“Hugh and I definitely are feeling, we’ve never stopped feeling the love for Real Steel,” he said while stating that the enthusiasm for the film seems to be growing.
During the interview, he also shared that he would never rule it out while suggesting that he was eager to work with Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds either in a Real Steel sequel, or another project.
While the duo is set to star in Levy’s upcoming film Deadpool & Wolverine, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to see them sharing the screen in a potential sequel to Real Steel in another collaboration with the filmmaker.
Additionally, Levy has also discussed a detailed background and lore that he created for the 2011 film, including the design and evolution of the robots and their history.
“We created an entire history of robot boxing, of the G1s, of the sparring ‘bots, how they evolve,” he shared during his conversation with Entertainment Weekly, stating that it might be helpful if they ever decide to make a sequel.
Real Steel is available to stream on Prime Video.
Deadpool & Wolverine is set to release on July 26, 2024.
