Positive Real Steel Update Has Shawn Levy “Excited” for TV Series; Real Steel 2 Still Not Completely Off the Cards

The eagerly awaited sequel series to Hugh Jackman’s sci-fi boxing flick, Real Steel, finally has a promising update. The film has found a cult following since its release in 2011, and the fan base has been desperate for a sequel since its release. While a movie sequel still hasn’t been greenlit, the Disney+ series (which was announced back in January 2022) has finally found its writing staff, confirms director Shawn Levy.

Speaking to Collider at CinemaCon 2024 in Las Vegas, Levy was asked about the state of the hotly anticipated Disney+ series. When asked if the show had found its writing team, Levy replied, “Gosh, do I need to lie? Yes is the answer.” Levy went on to say that the beauty of Real Steel is that it could work as both a movie and a TV show. He said, “I think it can work as either and both… it was really about these characters, and it still wouldn’t be the movie that people talk to me about the most if those characters, and the heart of that story, didn’t resonate.”

Based on the collection of short stories by prolific science-fiction writer Richard Matheson (I Am Legend, The Box) Real Steel is set in a futuristic world where professional boxers have been replaced by humanoid robots. The film features a star-studded cast, which includes Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo, Anthony Mackie, Evangeline Lily, John Gatins, and Hope Davis. Despite mixed reviews (sitting at 60% on Rotten Tomatoes), the film still has a devout following 13 years after its release.

Real Steel 2 Could Still Happen

In the same interview, Levy was also asked about the future of Real Steel 2, the feature film sequel. While a film sequel hasn’t been officially announced yet, Levy hasn’t ruled out the possibility, and gave an inspiring update on the project. He added, “The movie… it remains close to our heart. I’m never going to say never on that one.”

Levy previously spoke to Collider about the Real Steel series back in 2022, saying he is “fiercely protective of Real Steel.” Levy is so protective, that he said he’d “rather make no show, than the wrong show.” If Real Steel 2 never gets greenlit, there is the chance that the upcoming Disney+ series could become the only sequel audiences get to the 2011 movie.

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Levy was at CinemaCon to promote Deadpool & Wolverine, which reunites the director and Hugh Jackman for the first time since Real Steel. Levy said, “I’ve been with Hugh a lot,” and said that he re-united with “Anthony Mackie backstage today.” Deadpool & Wolverine also pairs Levy with his long-time collaborator Ryan Reynolds. The pair have previously worked on Free Guy and The Adam Project together.