‘Alita: Battle Angel’ Director Teases Thrilling Sequel Plans
The cyberpunk world of ‘Alita: Battle Angel’ still has stories to tell. Director Robert Rodriguez recently shared his excitement about returning to Iron City for a sequel. He believes Alita’s journey is far from finished, and I can’t help but agree. The 2019 film left us with a cliffhanger, and the idea of diving back into that gritty, futuristic universe feels thrilling.
Rosa Salazar brought Alita to life as a cyborg with no memory, pieced together by Dr. Ido, played by Christoph Waltz. The story, based on Yukito Kishiro’s manga ‘Gunnm,’ follows Alita navigating the dangerous streets of Iron City. She discovers her past as a skilled warrior while battling foes and mastering Motorball, a brutal cyborg sport. The movie earned over $405 million worldwide, making it Rodriguez’s biggest box office hit, despite a mixed critical response.
Rodriguez has been vocal about wanting to continue Alita’s story. He’s not alone—producer James Cameron, who originally planned to direct the film, has also hinted at sequel plans. Cameron’s vision for the franchise included a trilogy, with detailed notes for multiple films. The first movie set up a showdown with the mysterious Nova, played by Edward Norton in a brief cameo, leaving plenty of room for more action.
The road to a sequel hasn’t been smooth. Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox in 2019 slowed things down, as the studio focused on other projects. But Rodriguez remains hopeful. He’s noted that 20th Century Studios is now greenlighting new films, which could open the door for ‘Alita: Battle Angel 2.’ Cameron’s work on ‘Avatar’ sequels keeps him busy, but his passion for Alita keeps the project alive.
Fans have been clamoring for more since the first film ended. The ‘Alita Army’ online community has kept the buzz going, and actors like Jeff Fahey, who played McTeague, have expressed interest in returning. Fahey even teased a possible reunion with Rodriguez for a new project, though details remain scarce. The manga’s rich world offers endless possibilities, from exploring Alita’s origins to expanding the Motorball arena.
The first film stood out for its visuals and action. Rodriguez blended Cameron’s epic style with his own energetic flair, creating a dystopian city that felt alive. Alita’s journey resonated with audiences, especially for its themes of identity and resilience. A sequel could dive deeper into her past or introduce new characters, like the hinted-at roles for Michelle Rodriguez and Jai Courtney from their cameos.
No official release date or confirmation has been announced, but the enthusiasm is clear. Rodriguez’s comments, shared in a recent interview with PowerfulJRE on YouTube, keep hope alive. With Cameron and Salazar potentially returning, the stage is set for Alita to fight again. I’m ready to see her back in action, tearing through Iron City’s streets.