20th Century Fox executive Steve Asbell discussed potential projects in a recent interview, including a sequel to *Master & Commander*, emphasizing a strong script and the need for a suitable director. He also hinted at a possible *Speed 3*, contingent on ideas that attract stars Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. Additionally, Asbell teased upcoming adaptations of Agatha Christie novels and confirmed a secret film in the *Predator* franchise, along with a new *Planet of the Apes* installment.
Are we on the verge of seeing Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock racing back into action? Could a fresh installment of Master & Commander finally come to fruition?
During an in-depth conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Steve Asbell, an executive at 20th Century Fox Studios, shared exciting insights about upcoming projects at the studio.
Is a Master & Commander Sequel on the Horizon?
Asbell hinted at plans for sequels or remakes of iconic films, including Peter Weir’s adventure classic, Master & Commander, featuring Russell Crowe. While the film underperformed during its initial release, it ultimately gained a strong following once it hit DVD.
The executive revealed that he is pushing hard for a new installment in the Master & Commander franchise: ‘I’m really trying to push this project forward. It’s the first film I worked on at Fox twenty years ago. We have a great script; all we need now is the right director.’ Although details about the plot or casting remain under wraps, it is anticipated that this project will serve as a prequel.
Could We See Speed 3?
Asbell also commented on the 30th anniversary reunion of the film Speed, starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. When asked about the possibility of a sequel, Bullock expressed doubts about Hollywood’s willingness to take the risk on a Speed 3.
Asbell was straightforward in his response: ‘Hollywood is bold enough. We’re bold enough. We’re waiting for a call. This is one of the last films we haven’t remade. To have a compelling reason to revisit it, we need a big idea—one that interests both Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves. Their involvement in developing the concept would be essential.’
While there are currently no plans for a Speed sequel, Asbell made it clear that the studio is open to the idea.
Additionally, he teased that several adaptations of Agatha Christie’s novels are on the way. Following the success of Kenneth Branagh’s Hercule Poirot films (Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile, and A Haunting in Venice), the studio aims to explore other beloved characters, such as Miss Marple.
Introducing a Secret Predator Film
Finally, Asbell announced a new addition to the Planet of the Apes franchise, as well as a secret installment in the Predator series, which was revitalized in 2022 by Dan Trachtenberg. It’s already known that Trachtenberg is directing Predator: Badlands, featuring Elle Fanning, set in a more futuristic landscape, but now it appears there’s another hidden Predator project in the works.
‘After the success of Prey, Dan [Trachtenberg] expressed his desire not to take on Prey 2. We approached him to hear what he wanted to pursue, and he shared a list of exciting, out-of-the-box ideas. We’ve already started on two of them, both set to release next year. One is still under wraps, while the other is the live-action Predator film with Elle Fanning, which has just completed shooting in New Zealand.’
As you can see, a wealth of sequels, remakes, and new adaptations are set to thrill audiences in the coming years!