Real Steel sequel in the works with Levy and Jackman

Real Steel director Shawn Levy has revealed he and star Hugh Jackman will return for a sequel to their robot-boxing opus, despite the fact the first film is yet to even be released.

DreamWorks actually commissioned screenwriter John Gatis to begin work on Real Steel 2 back in April. Levy, speaking with IndieWire, reiterated the studio’s commitment to the new franchise:

“Yes, well, the studio’s faith is very strong … Even Night at the Museum didn’t test like this. People were cheering in a movie theater. The last time I remember that happening was in Rocky III with Clubber Lang or even against Drago in Rocky IV. So we got that kind of visceral reaction from audiences and the studio not only took the bullish move of developing a sequel and asking me to sign on but then also didn’t deny it when it leaked in the press. That was a show of confidence that hopefully we will reward.”

Levy is signed on to direct, and the principal cast – including Jackman – will all return. Of course, Hugh has a busy schedule, what with Les Misérables and The Wolverine coming up, so it may be a little while before we see Real Steel 2. 

The last time we heard of a sequel being commissioned before the first film came out was when Warner Bros got all excited when the trailer for their little comedy The Hangover was received so rapturously.

Real Steel (1) arrives in Australian cinemas October 6, 2011.

Discuss: Of course, all of this will depend on how big Real Steel’s box office turns out to be. Predictions?