The Status of the Mile 22 Sequel
Mile 22, the 2018 action thriller starring Mark Wahlberg and directed by Peter Berg, was intended to launch a new franchise for STX Entertainment. The movie follows an elite CIA squad led by James Silva (Wahlberg) escorting an asset on a 22-mile journey, while facing dangerous enemies along the way. The movie ended with a cliffhanger that set up a potential sequel, but the negative reviews and modest box office results cast doubt on the future of the series.
However, in June 2018, two months before the movie was released, STX Entertainment announced that they had hired Extraction writer Umair Aleem to write the script for the Mile 22 sequel, and that they planned to make a trilogy out of the story. The announcement seemed to indicate that the studio had confidence in the movie and its potential to attract audiences.
But since then, there has been no official update on the progress of the Mile 22 sequel, and the COVID-19 pandemic may have further delayed the project. STX Entertainment, a relatively new and small studio, faced financial difficulties during the pandemic and sold off its movie library to cover its debts. The studio also did not produce any new movies during the pandemic, unlike other major studios that adapted to the streaming distribution model.
So, has the Mile 22 sequel been canceled? Or is there still hope for the fans of the original movie?
The Possibility of the Mile 22 Sequel
While there has been no confirmation from STX Entertainment or the filmmakers involved, there are some clues that suggest that the Mile 22 sequel may still happen. For one thing, Mark Wahlberg and Peter Berg have a strong working relationship, having collaborated on five movies together, including the recent Netflix hit Spenser Confidential. Wahlberg is also known for his persistence in making sequels to his movies, such as Ted 2 and Daddy’s Home 2. It is possible that he still wants to continue the story of Mile 22 and reprise his role as James Silva.
Another factor that may boost the chances of the Mile 22 sequel is the renewed interest in the movie after it landed on Netflix in late 2020. The movie, which adheres to the classic action movie tropes, found its niche on the streaming platform, where the stakes for its success were lower. The movie also gained some positive reviews from viewers who appreciated its fast-paced and gritty style. This may have increased the demand for the sequel and convinced the studio to reconsider its plans.
Moreover, with the pandemic receding and the movie industry recovering, the stage may be set for the Mile 22 sequel to take off. The movie, which was originally budgeted at $35-60 million, could be produced with a similar or lower cost, making it a viable option for STX Entertainment to regain its footing in the market. The movie could also benefit from the hybrid release model, which would allow it to reach both theatrical and streaming audiences.
The Expected Release Date of the Mile 22 Sequel
Assuming that the Mile 22 sequel is still in development and that the script is ready, the movie could theoretically begin shooting in 2022, once the schedules of the cast and crew are cleared. However, given the uncertainty of the project and the possible competition from other action movies, it is unlikely that the movie would be released in the same year. A more realistic estimate would be 2023 or 2024, depending on the production and marketing timeline.
Of course, this is all speculation, and the only way to know for sure when the Mile 22 sequel will be released is to wait for an official announcement from STX Entertainment or the filmmakers. Until then, fans of the original movie can rewatch it on Netflix and hope for the best.