Dame Helen Mirren has confirmed her involvement in the sequel to RED, the 2010 sleeper hit of an action movie based on Warren Ellis‘ comic that turned this awesome woman in her 60s into a serious action star (National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets notwithstanding). The sequel, which was announced back in January, doesn’t have anyone else officially on board at the moment, but if Mirren is on board, then everyone else is just going to look like a huge bummer if they turn it down.
Mirren made an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show last night where she told the British TV host that “We’re doing RED 2 next year.” Yup. That’s about all the detail she provides, and as Bleeding Cool points out, as much as she is Helen “Freaking” Mirren, her word is not contractually binding. However, Mirren’s character Victoria is a major part of the RED story, so it’s reassuring that she’s at the very least on board.
Here is what we now know about RED 2: It exists, and Helen Mirren wants to be in it. Erich and Jon Hoeber are working on the script, and the director of the original, Robert Schwentke, is currently directing R.I.P.D., though that could conceivably wrap by the time RED 2 starts production. Breck Eisner (Sahara, The Crazies) has been mentioned as a possible replacement, but that is pure, unadulterated rumor. And nothing from the rest of the stellar cast, which included Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Mary Louise Parker, and Morgan Freeman. Guys — this is the situation when the coolest girl in school is reminding you of how awesome that time at Dunkin’ Donuts-Baskin Robbins was, and she totally wants you to come back with her to do it again. How can you possibly turn this down?
(via Bleeding Cool)
