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Hollywood has always been big on franchises. Most films that the industry has released in the past few years have been either an adaptation of existing IPs or the beginning of a new franchise. However, some of the films that had the potential to be franchises ended up not getting their due sequels.
One such franchise isThe A-Team. The action film was based on the hit TV show and starred prominent actors such as Bradley Cooper, Liam Neeson, and Jessica Biel. While plans were on for a potential sequel, the film’s lackluster performance at the box office put an end to such plans. However, South African actor Sharlto Copley, who played HM Murdock in the film still hopes that something might pan out.
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Why Did The Bradley Cooper and Liam Neeson Starrer Fail?
Since the 1990s, a feature film based on the original TV series was in development and had gone through multiple writers and directors. The setting of the original series was based on the Vietnam War and the makers had to update it, taking the Gulf War as the inspiration. The film finally found its director in Joe Carnahan. The makers then castLiam NeesonandBradley Cooperas the main protagonists, John Smith and Templeton Peck respectively.
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With a $80 million dollar budget, which eventually shot up to $100 million, the Bradley Cooper starrer opened to lackluster reviews. Many criticized the complex plot, messy screenplay, incomprehensible edits, and deviation from the original series. While some critics did term it as mindless fun, most felt that the film was a miss.
The original cast of the film also had unfavorable reviews about the film. Dwight Schultz and Dirk Benedict, who played the protagonists in the original series appeared in cameo roles in the film. After the release, both stated that they regretted the cameo. Schultz issued a statement mentioning that the film while paying homage to the series, was still an ‘eschewed version’ of the original TV show. Mr.T, who starred as BA Baracus in the series refused to make an appearance in the film.
The film earned $177 million against a $100 million budget. While many, including stars Bradley Cooper and Liam Neeson, were interested in a sequel, the underwhelming box officer returns led to all plans for it being scrapped by the studios.
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WillThe A-Team 2 Happen?
The A-Teamhas since gained notoriety for being a ‘fun’ film and has become a cult classic. Many cinephiles are still hoping for a sequel. In fact, the expectation is not just from the audience but from cast members themselves.
Director Joe Carnahan ruled out the potential for a sequel due to the film’s underwhelming performance. Bradley Cooper, in an interview with Empire during the promotions ofLimitless,was asked about the potential for a sequel toThe A-Team. While he said he was a fan of the film, he also mentioned that a sequel was far from being a reality. In the interview, he mentioned,
“I loved it too. But unfortunately, outside of you, a few of your friends, and myself, there just wasn’t enough revenue to supply a second installment of that franchise.”
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The one actor, who has continuously expressed his excitement for the franchise is South African actor Sharlto Copley. The actor played the role of HM Murdock in the film. Copley is known for his frequent collaborations withDistrict 9director Neil Blomkamp. The actor has collaborated with the director on films such asDistrict 9, Elysium,andChappie. Copley has had a rather cold streak with franchise films. Most of the films he was a part of, including the Blomkamp collaborations have been teasing sequels, with none of them materialising.
While promotingBeast,his action film with Idris Elba, the actor spoke about a potentialA-Teamsequel,
“100%. I get that A-Team thing all the time. I still to this day can’t… I mean, it’s District 9 and The A-Team that I get all over the world in the most obscure places.”
The actor also criticized the current trend of franchise films and the lack of originality. He specifically mentioned the craft ofEverything Everywhere All At Once, saying that the film had a “lot of artistry” in it. While Copley is looking forward toDistrict 10, Blomkamp’s follow-up to his hit debut, the world still clamors for a sequel toThe A-Team.
Source:Dexerto
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Nishanth A
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2419
Nishanth A is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows with over 2,000 articles published. He has been an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a scriptwriter at various corporations before that, working on educational content. With a Communications, English Literature, and Psychology triple major, Nishanth usually covers news and analyses on Star Trek, particularly Strange New Worlds and The Next Generation; Doctor Who, the DCU, and more.A Nolan fan, Nishanth spends his time exploring the filmographies of various directors with an auteurial style or can be found making short movies of his own. He has also contributed as a feature writer for Film Companion, focusing on the South division.
