Back in 2003, actor Russell Crowe could do no harm. The actor was coming off a string of critical and commercial success with films like “Gladiator,” “Proof of Life,” and “A Beautiful Mind.” As actors are known to do, this was a time for Crowe to headline his own mega-franchise. He choose to play the role of Captain Jack Aubrey in the film “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.” Unfortunately, things didn’t work out.
Based on a famous series of novels by author Patrick O’Brian, ‘Master and Commander’ was given a huge $150 million budget, and director Peter Weir (“The Truman Show”) was hired to helm. The film was beautiful and well-acted, earning multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. However, it was unable to strike a chord with moviegoers, earning an “okay” $212 million worldwide. All plans for a franchise were pretty much dead in the water after that.
But fear not, ‘Master and Commander’ fans, Crowe is back stoking the fires of a sequel hoping to garner enough interest. Crowe recently said on Twitter, “For the Aubrey Maturin lovers, I do hear whispers indeed that a second voyage is perhaps potentially pre-proposed a possibility. So O’Brian affectionate’s and aficionados , let [Fox] know of your pleasure.”
This isn’t the first time sequel talk has been kicked around. Nearly a decade ago, there was talk that the eleventh book in O’Brian’s series would be adapted, with the Caribbean-set story following Aubrey dealing with his illegitimate son, a priest. Even more, it was noted that Weir wouldn’t be directing. But things might’ve changed since then.
If this sequel news is true, this would be an incredible gamble for Fox. The film came out almost 15 years ago and wasn’t a huge box office success, at least by modern standards. Is there really a clamoring for a reboot/sequel of an expensive period film starring an actor that has seen better days? We’re thinking this is more of a case of wishful thinking on Crowe’s part, and definitely not something you can pencil in as happening.
That being said, in an age of reboots, there’s no way you can completely write this off as Russell Crowe trying to create a buzz. Crazier things have happened.
For the Aubrey Maturin lovers , I do hear whispers indeed that a second voyage is perhaps potentially pre-proposed a possibility . So O’Brian affectionate’s and aficionados , let @20thcenturyfox know of your pleasure . pic.twitter.com/HqyE8y15Uu
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) November 27, 2017