By now you’ve probably read that Russell Crowe is interested in reprising the role of Captain Jack Aubrey in a sequel to his 2003 Napoleonic era picture, “Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World” which was nominated for 10 Academy Awards (it won two: cinematography and sound effects editing).
A few more details have emerged, though Crowe also told the AP that, “There’s still a long way to go,” in terms of getting the project off the ground.
The script, based on the 11th novel, is in the works and will be set in the Caribbean with Aubrey dealing with his illegitimate son, a priest.
The biggest element of note however, director Peter Weir won’t be onboard for the sequel. The original apparently barely made its money back for Fox who was nervous about the project to begin with and a sequel could cost north of $150 million so don’t count on this one getting green lit just yet. It all sounds very, very early at this stage too. Who knows maybe the economy will be back up in a few years when this one potentially gets off the ground. [ThompsonOnHollywood]
It would be a shame or Peter Weir not to be at the helm for this. Hopefully, he'll come around.ncc