Prepare to dive into the sharkiest sequel Hollywood has to offer, as “The Meg 2: The Trench” swims into theaters on August 4, 2023. This action-packed movie serves as a direct sequel to its predecessor, “The Meg,” which made a splash at the box office, grossing over $530 million. The first film was based on Steve Alten’s novel “Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror,” published in 1997, and its sequel draws inspiration from Alten’s follow-up novel, “The Trench.”
Jon Hoeber, Erich Hoeber, and Dean Georgaris penned both screenplays, while the sequel’s direction was entrusted to Ben Wheatley, known for his work on films like “Rebecca,” “Kill List,” and “Free Fire.”
The trailer for “The Meg 2” dropped on May 8, 2023, and it promises a thrilling and action-packed adventure. The preview opens with a dinosaur ecosystem by the beach, with a Megalodon ultimately devouring a Tyrannosaurus Rex. The chaos unfolds as our group of heroes faces not one, but three massive Megs. Jason Statham’s character is seen fearlessly using a jetski to leap over a shark’s gaping mouth, while a colossal squid grips a helicopter with its tentacles. Of course, peril and excitement abound, with numerous encounters resulting in Megs feasting on hapless victims.
Ben Wheatley’s vision for “The Meg 2” appears to be wild and entertaining, offering an exhilarating cinematic experience. With the door potentially open for a third installment, fans can anticipate further exploration of the rich world of these prehistoric predators.
The Meg 2 cast: Who’s in it?
The Meg 2 cast sees some of its original actors return for round two of their shark fighting adventures with a few new faces by their side. Check out the full list below:
- Jason Statham as Jonas Taylor
- Wu Jing as unnamed character (so far)
- Shuya Sophia Cai as Meiying Zhang
- Page Kennedy as DJ
- Sergio Peris-Mencheta as unnamed character (so far)
- Skyler Samuel as unnamed character (so far)
- Sienna Guillory as unnamed character (so far)
- Cliff Curtis as James “Mac” Mackreides
In “The Meg 2,” fans of the franchise will be delighted to see Jason Statham once again in action as the leading star. With a track record of starring in major action franchises like “The Transporter,” “The Expendables,” and “The Fast and the Furious,” Statham brings his signature kick-butt style to this thrilling sequel.
Joining Statham in the cast is Wu Jing, a massive movie star in China, known for his roles in blockbuster films such as “The Wandering Earth,” “Wolf Warrior,” and “The Battle at Lake Changjin.” This isn’t Jing’s first foray into American cinema, as he made his debut in the 2008 film “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.”
Director Ben Wheatley expressed excitement about the diverse cast, emphasizing that the film’s international nature creates an intriguing dynamic without falling into clichés of East-meets-West misunderstandings. Instead, the characters come from various places worldwide and work together in an everyday adventure, sending a positive message to the audience.
As for the plot, “The Meg 2” takes audiences on a daring research expedition led by Jason Statham and Wu Jing’s characters, venturing into the deepest depths of the ocean. Chaos ensues when a malevolent mining operation threatens their mission, forcing them into a high-stakes battle for survival. Against colossal Megalodons and relentless environmental threats, our heroes must outmaneuver their merciless predators in a pulse-pounding race against time.
Ben Wheatley had previously teased that the film would include multiple Megalodons, and the trailer confirms this with three massive Megs featured in the intense action sequences. Speculation points to the scientists revisiting the Mariana Trench, where the first Megalodon originated in the previous film. With a combination of thrilling stunts and epic battles, the sequel promises an adrenaline-pumping adventure to captivate audiences once again.
