With 20th Century’s announcement of an Alien: Romulus sequel along with two Predator films, they also revealed work on a sequel many people have longed for since the original’s release. That is Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, only it is not a sequel in development, but rather a prequel.
Master and Commander was released in 2003 and starred Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany with Peter Weir directing. It was based off three novels from Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey-Maturin series which followed Captain Jack Aubrey and Dr. Stephen Maturin as they sailed across the ocean during the Napoleonic Wars. The Far Side of the World saw Aubrey and Maturin onboard the HMS Surprise as they chased a French vessel attacking several ships in the British navy.
Despite garnering a positive reception from critics and audiences, including 10 Academy Award nominations following its release, a sequel was never put into development, even with Weir and Crowe’s attempts to get one made.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, 20th Century president Steve Asbell was asked if a new Master and Commander could be made and he revealed the current project is a prequel, telling the outlet “I’m trying so hard. It’s the first movie I worked on at Fox twenty years ago. We have a great script. It just needs the right director.”
Though brief, the comment is much more than anything fans of the film have gotten in the two decades since Master and Commander was released and confirms a script is completed. We’ll have to wait and see if 20th Century is able to attach a director and how long it might be before it sails to the big screen.
What do you think of the news? Are you excited for an origin story of Jack Aubrey or prefer a Master and Commander sequel with Crowe and Bettany reprising their roles? Let us know on our social channels @FlickeringMyth…
Ricky Church – Follow me on Twitter for more movie news and nerd talk.
