Over a year since “The Greatest Showman” premiered, there was few to no updates about an upcoming sequel. But that changed recently when director Michael Gracey surprised fans with an update on the release of “The Greatest Showman 2.”
While attending the 72nd British Academy Film Awards earlier this month, Gracey spoke with The Sun confirming that “The Greatest Showman 2” is in the pipeline. Hugh Jackman, who played the role of real-life P. T. Barnum, was also at the BAFTAs and opened the show with a performance themed after the musical film.
Gracey is not surprised that movie fans would want to see “The Greatest Showman 2” happen. He told the Sun, “When a movie becomes as big a success as this, it’s only natural there is demand for a sequel.”
However, the making of “The Greatest Showman 2” is still in its early stages. Gracey added, “So those discussions have started and we are working on one right now.” This possibly means that a start date for the production has not been set yet and that makes it quite difficult to predict whether the sequel will premiere this year.
“The Greatest Showman 2” will most likely become a movie hit, thanks to the massive box office success of the first movie. But, Gracey recalled, many did not believe the first film will be received well. “There were huge doubts about it for a very long time and some backers withdrew their money.”
Despite doubts among movie critics, “The Greatest Showman 2’s” predecessor obviously clicked with the moviegoers around the world. It ended up becoming the third top-grossing musical film of all-time after raking in over $434.9 million in the worldwide box office.
With Gracey’s interview, it is most likely confirmed that Jackman will reprise his role in “The Greatest Showman 2.” But there is no telling yet whether the other cast members will return as well. They include Zac Efron, Zendaya, Michelle Williams, Keala Settle, and more.
