Ready Player Two: A sequel is in the works – but there's a downside
Zak Penn has now provided an update on the sequel to Steven Spielberg's Ready Player One
Fans of Steven Spielberg's science fiction film "Ready Player One" can hold out hope for a sequel. Screenwriter Zak Penn has now provided an update that makes it clear: "Ready Player Two" is still in the works. Specifically, he told the website The Direct:
"I am working on it."
The first film was released in 2018 and directed by Spielberg. Penn wrote the screenplay – together with Ernest Cline, the author of the 2011 novel of the same name on which the film is based. In 2020, Cline published "Ready Player Two," a follow-up novel to the first book. Since then, there has been recurring talk of a film adaptation of the second novel. And as Penn's words now make clear, a film adaptation is still very much in the works.
"Ready Player One" is set in the year 2045. The story paints a picture of a society that immerses itself in virtual reality to escape the real world. In "Ready Player Two," a new technology is introduced that blurs the boundaries between the two worlds even further.
Steven Spielberg has also previously commented on Ready Player Two
However, there is a downside for anyone hoping that Spielberg will return to direct the potential sequel. More than two years ago, in an interview with the website Showbiz411, he emphasized that he would only be on board as a producer for "Ready Player Two." Who might take over the directing duties instead is completely up in the air at this point. If the sequel does indeed come to fruition, it will be interesting to see who steps into Spielberg's shoes.
For pop culture fans, the sci-fi story offers numerous references to other popular works and characters such as "Back to the Future," "The Iron Giant," and Godzilla. Tye Sheridan played the lead role in Spielberg's film adaptation. The cast also included Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, T.J. Miller, Simon Pegg, and Mark Rylance. In addition to directing, Spielberg served as a producer, alongside Donald De Line, Kristie Macosko Krieger, and Dan Farah.
Superheroes and sci-fi
As a screenwriter, Zak Penn has already had a hand in numerous films. These include many superhero adaptations such as "Elektra," "X-Men: The Last Stand," "The Incredible Hulk," and "The Avengers." He is currently working on the sci-fi comedy series "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe." He developed this spin-off of the hit comedy "The Big Bang Theory" together with Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady.
As for Steven Spielberg, he may not be on board as director for the potential sequel to "Ready Player One." However, the renowned filmmaker still seems to have a soft spot for directing science fiction material. Following blockbusters like "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," and "War of the Worlds," he recently released another film, his latest sci-fi thriller "Disclosure Day," which explores the question of extraterrestrial life. You can read what we and other critics think of Spielberg's latest film in our META review.
