The Tracking Board is reporting that Escape Plan 2 has found its director. According to the outlet, the follow-up to the 2013 international hit will be helmed by Steven C. Miller. The Emmett/Furla/Oasis project, which sees the return of star Sylvester Stallone, will be a Chinese co-production and is slated to go before cameras later this year. Stallone’s co-star in original, Arnold Schwarzenegger, is expected to return in some capacity, although no deal has been signed yet. The project is also expected to have an Asian lead cast alongside the duo.
Steven C. Miller got his start directing horror films, including notable pictures such as Automaton Transfusion, The Aggression Scale, and Silent Night. More recently, the filmmaker has made a name for himself by regularly turning out a string of quality low budget action films, such as Extraction, Marauders, Arsenal, and the upcoming First Kill. Three of those have also been Emmett/Furla/Oasis productions. It’s clear that the company is pleased with Miller’s work, as Escape Plan 2 is a promotion and likely to see wide theatrical release.
The project, which is being penned by original writer Miles Chapman, is likely to find another “name” with its aforementioned Asian star. I’m guessing someone along the lines of Jackie Chan, Donne Yen, or Tony Jaa, all of whom would be a coup from an action film standpoint and would add a lot of marquee value overseas. That said, one wonders if Miller regular Bruce Willis might tag along for the ride as well. After all, if we’re getting another crazy prison with a sinister warden (or fellow inmate), Willis would make a fine villain for it.
Regardless, this turn of events is just another reason for both action fans and myself to keep an eye on this sequel. The first one was a lot of fun and with a similar creative team in place, I have no doubt that this one will be as well. Toss in a fun directorial choice and we’re cooking with fire. Bring it on!
