14 DAY TRIAL // The remake of the 1981 classic “Clash of the Titans” was nearly thrashed altogether by critics (and even some fans) but it still made a killing at the box office. In fact, the film was deemed such an instant hit that talk of making a sequel started the same month in which it was released. AceShowbiz is now saying, citing a Los Angeles Times report, that production for the follow-up may start earlier than anticipated.
“Clash of the Titans” premiered in April in most territories, and has moved to make $475 million at the international box office since then. Regardless of how critics may appraise a movie with this type of grossing, it is a certified hit and the movie studio behind it will undoubtedly rush to come out with a sequel and, as the saying goes, strike the iron while it’s hot. Warner Bros. also has to take into account that the film’s biggest star, Sam Worthington, is also working on the sequel to another blockbuster, “Avatar,” therefore, it must prevent all scheduling conflicts.
“After ‘Clash of the Titans’ gained as much as $475.6 million worldwide, Warner Bros. Pictures is eager to see the follow-up coming out. According to Los Angeles Times, the studio has eyed to kick off production for this untitled Clash of the Titans sequel as early as January 2011. Since Louis Leterrier opted not to return to the helming duty for the second film, Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures reportedly have been busy meeting with directors to take the empty seat. Among the contenders, Jonathan Liebesman is said to be on top of the list. The helmer has previously worked on horror movies ‘Darkness Falls’ and ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’.” AceShowbiz writes.
“Beside tempted to make money from the franchise, Warners and Legendary need to make ‘Clash of the Titans’ sequel quickly because Sam Worthington who plays Perseus also commits to ‘Avatar’ sequel. And early 2011 becomes the possible start date since James Cameron's sci-fi will likely start shooting later the same year, LA Times further reported. ‘Clash of the Titans’ follows Perseus who volunteers to lead a mission to defeat the vengeful god of the underworld before Hades can seize power from Zeus and unleash hell on earth. Defying his fate as a son of god, he is joined by a group of brave warriors on his journey,” the same media outlet further says.
As also noted above, critics were not incredibly thrilled about the film. It wasn’t so much the movie in itself that bothered them but rather the fact that it was released in 3D and it was clear that was only a move on behalf of Warner to cash in extra for a ticket: done in post-production, 3D effects were almost inexistent.