MOVIE NEWS – Chris McKay’s 2021 sci-fi action flick, The Tomorrow War, had a tumultuous journey before release. Originally set for a theatrical debut under Paramount Pictures, the film was instead sold to Amazon Studios due to concerns about post-pandemic box office performance. As a result, The Tomorrow War became one of the most expensive streaming debuts ever, receiving mixed reviews from critics. A sequel was officially announced in 2022, but little information has surfaced—until now.

Screenwriter Zach Dean recently sat down with ComicBook.com to discuss his latest project, The Gorge, a new film directed by Scott Derrickson and starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller. During the interview, Dean confirmed that progress on The Tomorrow War 2 is moving ahead, with production seemingly on the horizon. He also took a moment to praise Chris Pratt’s performance in the first film:

“It’s progressing. I wrote the second film. I know they’ve been continuing to develop that story. I think it’s happening, and it’s happening relatively soon. One of the great things about Chris is it’s so easy to empathize and get into his character’s [head]. He’s so disarming in terms of his humor, and he’s also really emotional as an actor. [I]t takes a very different version but of similar ideas. Things that could have gone a darker way.”

The Tomorrow War Was Never Supposed to Be Streaming-Only

Dean’s comments suggest that while the script is largely complete, adjustments are still being made—a logical move given the lukewarm reception of the original. It seems McKay and Dean are taking their time refining the story to ensure The Tomorrow War 2 is a more polished experience than its predecessor. It’s also worth considering how the film might have performed had it received the theatrical release originally intended.

Upon release, The Tomorrow War had a limited theatrical run in China, where it grossed $8 million in its opening weekend before reaching a total of $18 million. On the other hand, it found massive success on Amazon Prime, racking up 2.41 million views in its first three days, making it the platform’s most-watched original film. While some have labeled the 2021 movie a box office failure, that argument feels like a stretch, especially given how the film industry was struggling to recover during the COVID-19 era.

“I’m not a huge fan of mean-spirited humor.”

If the team behind the sequel successfully irons out the story’s flaws, The Tomorrow War 2 could see a very different kind of release. Amazon has been increasingly willing to give its high-profile films theatrical premieres, and the sequel could be one of the next to hit the big screen. The real question is whether McKay and Dean can craft a compelling enough story, or if more time is needed before production moves forward. With Chris Pratt and other key cast members set to return, the Tomorrow War franchise may finally get a shot at cinematic redemption.

Source: MovieWeb