Deadline report that the plan is to get the film into production by August, and the original cast of Aaron Johnson, Chlöe Grace Moretz, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse are all now in talks to reprise their roles from Matthew Vaughn’s brilliant first film, adapting Mark Millar and Romita, Jr.’s original comic book series.
There’s been some speculator about Moretz’s return as Hit-Girl, with a busy schedule ahead of her, but an August start date could well work nicely for her. The Carrie remake, which she’s leading, is due to go before cameras in June, making an August slot for Kick-Ass 2 hopefully possible for her to fill – I can’t imagine anyone else playing the part as well as she owned it in the original.
Romita, Jr. also spoke about the film aiming for a May 2013 release, and while that’s not been officially confirmed, let’s hope that that’s when we can look forward to seeing it.
(If it is, my money is on a 10th May, 2013 release, given that the film probably won’t want to go up against Iron Man 3, Star Trek 2, Fast Six, The Hangover Part III, or The Lone Ranger.)
Vaughn’s commitments to the X-Men: First Class sequel have meant that he’s had to step down as director, but word is that he’s fully supportive of Wadlow taking over, and is expected to remain on board as a producer.
Wadlow’s last directing credit was 2008’s action-drama Never Back Down, and though not everybody took to it warmly, I personally though the did a really good job with it. A Kick-Ass sequel has been talked about pretty much since the credits first rolled on Kick-Ass back in 2010, and it’s great to hear the ball is set to rolling this summer.
The deals are expected to be closed shortly, so sit tight for the official announcement. I can’t wait.
