Alita: Battle Angel 2 Updates and Plot Teaser

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It's been a few years since the release of the visually stunning "Alita: Battle Angel" in 2019, but fans of the franchise are still holding their breath for the eagerly awaited sequel. To add more excitement to the mix, recent discussions hint at the possibility of not just "Alita: Battle Angel 2" but a third installment as well.

The original film, directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by James Cameron, left audiences both awestruck and divided. While it received its fair share of acclaim, it wasn't without its controversies. However, the desire for a sequel has remained fervent, and it seems like the creators have something in store for us.

James Cameron, who has been actively engaged in other blockbuster projects like "Avatar," recently hinted at the future of "Alita" while discussing his California mansion sale with Forbes. He mentioned, "And on 'Avatar,' I’m working in Wellington and Los Angeles. And on the new 'Alita: Battle Angel' films, I’ll be working in Austin, so it just didn’t make sense for us anymore.”

This seemingly casual statement reveals deeper insights. It suggests that Cameron, along with the creative minds behind the scenes, is actively contemplating the future of the Alita franchise. However, despite this enthusiasm and cryptic hints, the official stance from Disney, the current owner of 20th Century Studios, remains shrouded in ambiguity. There hasn't been a concrete announcement regarding the "Alita: Battle Angel" sequels.

The first film was an adaptation of Yukito Kishiro's Japanese manga, known as "Gunnm" in its original form but titled "Battle Angel Alita" in English. Directed by Robert Rodriguez, the movie made a respectable impact at the box office, grossing approximately $405 million. While this figure may not scream blockbuster, it's important to note that the movie did manage to recoup its production costs. However, the path toward its sequels became uncertain, particularly following Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Studios.

Alita: Battle Angel 2 Potential Plotline

Alita: Battle Angel 2 may also deliver an intriguing and satisfying plot continuation, leaving audiences with a sense of fulfillment while still leaving some questions unanswered. The first installment saw Alita experiencing profound personal growth, enduring the loss of her lover, Hugo, and embarking on a journey of self-discovery in a dystopian world. Throughout the film, she rises to become the champion of Motorball, a dangerous and thrilling sport, and sets her sights on a return to the enigmatic floating city, Zalem, ruled by the mysterious Nova.

While the film underwent edits before its release, an entire sequence revolving around Motorball was ultimately left on the cutting room floor. Producer Jon Landau told to Cinema Blend, "There was a training sequence that we shot in an alley where Hugo teaches Alita how to navigate the gritty world of street Motorball. That's really the only significant scene that was omitted."

Despite these edits, it's evident that both director Robert Rodriguez and producer James Cameron aimed to craft Alita: Battle Angel as a self-contained narrative, complete with a compelling beginning, middle, and end. Rodriguez himself affirms, "She now knows who she is, and she's got a target, and it's still a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end."

However, Alita's rich and mysterious backstory continues to pique curiosity. Her centuries-long life, shrouded in enigma, remains only partially unveiled. James Cameron, the mastermind behind the film's creation, acknowledged this by pointing out that even Yukito Kishiro's original manga didn't offer complete explanations.

Cameron expressed his willingness to explore Alita's past and other lingering questions but emphasized the importance of not rushing into a sequel without proven success. He cited the cautionary example of "Warcraft," a film that was primed for a franchise but faced ridicule due to its box office failure. In his words, "But I don't worry about stuff like that. If the film fails, it's its own punishment, you know? It doesn't matter if we get mocked on top of having failed."

Therefore, numerous unanswered questions remain on the table. What transpired in Alita's life between 'The Fall' and her eventual arrival in the desolate Iron City junkyard? How did the enigmatic city of Zalem endure 'The Fall,' and what secrets does it harbor? What are Nova's true intentions? These queries fuel the anticipation for a sequel.

Fortunately, the creators have extensive plans for the future of the Alita franchise. Rodriguez revealed that James Cameron supplied him with a vast repository of notes and ideas, jokingly claiming that he would send "only 600 pages" of material.

These notes contain comprehensive blueprints for a trilogy, outlining the overarching narrative structure and key plot points. It's clear that Alita: Battle Angel 2, when it comes to fruition, will not only satisfy the thirst for answers but also delve deeper into Alita's captivating world and her untold adventures.

Alita: Battle Angel 2 Cast

The cast of "Alita: Battle Angel 2" holds a significant interest for fans eagerly awaiting the sequel. Rosa Salazar, who portrays the titular character Alita, is set to return with enthusiasm. Her dedication to the role is evident, as she declared, "I would play Alita till my last breath." This commitment is not only a testament to her passion for the character but also facilitated by the performance capture technology that allows her to embody Alita effectively.

Christoph Waltz, who plays Dr. Dyson Ido, Alita's surrogate father, scientist, and bounty hunter, has expressed his willingness to reprise his role in the sequel. In April 2020, he revealed his expectation of returning to the franchise. His enthusiasm remained strong as he reaffirmed his desire for a sequel in February 2023 to ScreenRant.

Edward Norton is also expected to return as the enigmatic Nova, introduced at the conclusion of the first film. Rodriguez, the director, and the team took their time in selecting the right actor for this role, as Nova's presence is pivotal for setting up a sequel. The decision to cast Norton was a deliberate one to ensure that the character's enigma is well-maintained.

In the original script, there was a character named Clive Lee, who did not make it to the final cut but was intentionally reserved for a potential sequel. While it remains uncertain who might portray this character in the sequel, their inclusion suggests that the story could delve into uncharted territory.

Alita: Battle Angel 2 Potential Release Date

As for the release date of "Alita: Battle Angel 2," it remains a subject of anticipation and speculation. With no official confirmation of the film's production, it is challenging to determine a specific release date. Additionally, the filmmaking process for a project of this scope is known to be time-consuming. It typically involves scriptwriting, pre-production, filming, and post-production, with a timeline spanning from 12 to 18 months for scripting, followed by various production phases. Therefore, while fans eagerly await the sequel, it is important to remain patient, as the creative process for a movie of this nature demands its due time and attention.

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