Peter Berg Says He’s Meeting with Writers for a Sequel to THE RUNDOWN Read more at htt

[Wang Chung]

The other day, Steve did the press junket for Lone Survivor, and he sent me an e-mail asking if I had any questions for director Peter Berg. I didn’t, but I told Steve to tell Berg that I adore his 2003 action-adventure film, The Rundown. For those who haven’t seen it, it’s similar to Midnight Run in that a tough guy (Dwayne Johnson) has to retrieve a squirrelly, meeker guy (Seann William Scott), but Berg’s film distinguishes itself with exciting set pieces and delightful performances, especially from Chistopher Walken. It’s my favorite Peter Berg film, but after ten years, I had given up any hope of a sequel.

But other fans have kept that hope alive, and now their patience might be rewarded. Berg says he’s actively developing a sequel. Hit the jump for more on The Rundown 2 (unofficial title, but it feels good just to write that). Lone Survivor opens in limited release on December 27th and goes wide on January 10th.

the-rundown-set-photo-peter-berg-dwayne-johnsonBerg was tight-lipped on any details regarding the sequel, but the larger point is that he’s currently meeting with writers, and spoken with Johnson about coming back. Additionally, Berg has an actor in mind to co-star with Johnson, so that probably means that Scott is out.

As for when this film will happen, first they need to find the writers. In the meantime, Berg is attached to direct American Desperado starring Mark Wahlberg as super-criminal Jon Roberts, who was born into Mafia royalty, ran guns for the CIA, smuggled cocaine for the Medellin cartel, and brushed elbows with the likes of Richard Pryor and Jimi Hendrix. While all of this is well and good, does it involve dual-wielding shotguns? I doubt it.

Here’s the transcript of Steve talking with Berg about The Rundown sequel:

Collider: Does it ever get old with people asking you about a sequel to The Rundown?

PETER BERG: No, never. And we just met with writers, so we’re trying to do it.

Shut. Up. I did not expect that answer.

BERG: (laughs) I really want to do it. I’ve talked to Dwayne. I have an actor in mind that I can’t say that I want to work with Dwayne on it, and we want to do it.

Really?

BERG: Yeah, we’re meeting with writers now.

So you have an idea?

BERG: Yes.

Son of a bitch. I think fans are going to be very excited.

BERG: I want to do it.

I really want this to happen.

BERG: I do too.

If you haven’t seen The Rundown, and want a taste, here’s one of the fight scenes:

[video=youtube;6vrYnbWaprg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vrYnbWaprg&feature=player_embedded[/video]

I want Sean William Scott back but I can't think of anyone who would be just as funny with Dwane. Jason Biggs does some funny shit but he is not action material. I am stumped. Hopefully we get some more on this soon.

 

[Castiel]

Re: Peter Berg Says He’s Meeting with Writers for a Sequel to THE RUNDOWN Read more at

I haven't watched it since like 04 but I think I'm in the minority that wasn't a fan. Especially nowadays I hear everyone talking about how great it was and I just remember it being meh. Maybe I'll have to go rewatch it if this does get put into development.

 

[Swinny]

Re: Peter Berg Says He’s Meeting with Writers for a Sequel to THE RUNDOWN Read more at

I had no idea people were actually this interested in The Rundown or a sequel. I remember it just being extremely forgettable, only memorable for The Rock's first big role outside of The Scorpion King. Really don't see a sequel as being necessary.

 

[Postman Dave]

Re: Peter Berg Says He’s Meeting with Writers for a Sequel to THE RUNDOWN Read more at

First was pretty fun, wasn't really anticipating a sequel though. Still, would watch if it happens.