Sir Michael Caine has come out of retirement to make a surprise appearance alongside an action icon in a project that is being ‘fast-tracked’ to the screen
Sir Michael Caine has come out of retirement to make a surprise appearance alongside an action icon. The Hollywood legend, 92, announced almost two years ago that he had ended his career after more than six decades on screen but it has now been revealed that he will star in a sequel to The Last Witch Hunter, a decade on from when he played Dolan 36th in the initial film.
According to Variety, the project is being ‘fast-tracked’ through development and Vin Diesel, who is best known to fans for starring in the Fast & Furious franchise, will reprise his role as Kaulder. The initial film, set against contemporary backdrops, was released in 2015 and sees Kaulder tirelessly combats dark magic as part of the Axe and Cross guild, upholding a fragile peace pact between humankind. and witches.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson said in a statement: “The Last Witch Hunter has grown since its theatrical release into a global fan favorite, with audiences continuing to discover and rewatch it across every platform over the past decade.
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“That enduring enthusiasm made clear there is an appetite for more stories set in this world. Vin and I have partnered many times over the years, and he is a true force in our industry.
“I’m thrilled to be reuniting with him as he returns to this iconic role, and excited by how advancements in filmmaking technology now allow us to economically deliver a sequel on an even more ambitious scale.”
Despite a tepid response from critics to the first installment, Vin Diesel disclosed to Collider in 2020 that Lionsgate had its gaze set on a sequel: “When a Last Witch Hunter comes out and it doesn’t destroy the box office you, under the old thinking, would go, ‘Well, maybe I should focus on something else.’
“But nowadays what’s fascinating is that movies find you somehow.”
The motion picture garnered a mix of feedback, and even though it has become a cult classic in the years since its release with its launch on streaming services such as Netflix, one Phil P expressed his opinion on Rotten Tomatoes regarding the meagre 18% approval rating from critics as “unfair”.
Phil elaborated: “Yeah it isn’t great. Vin Diesel just isn’t a good fit for fantasy roles. That said it’s fun and the special effects make it a fun watch streaming.”
Another reviewer, Analy H, weighed in, agreeing: “The film itself wasn’t terrible… but this role was not for Vin Diesel. I can’t help feeling that with a different actor this movie would have done much better.”
While the film met with mixed reviews, Charlie Jane Anders offered a glowing perspective: “Last Witch Hunter is basically nonstop fun, with a fast pace and a total willingness to laugh at itself. And not only is there nothing wrong with that, there’s everything right with it.”
Critic Rich Cline was also seen championing the star’s new venture, stating: “Vin Diesel makes a bid for yet another franchise with a supernatural action romp that’s both deeply ridiculous and enjoyably entertaining.”
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