Revisting: Myth to Movie: Pygmalion By Ken Atchity

The wish-fulfillment archetype —the dream become flesh—finds perennially poignant expression in stories based on the Pygmalion myth.

A Cyprian sculptor-priest-king who had no use for his island’s women, Pygmalion dedicated his energies to his art. From a flawless piece of ivory, he carved a maiden, and found her so beautiful that he robed her and adorned her with jewels, calling her Galatea (“sleeping love”). His became obsessed with the statue, praying to Aphrodite to bring him a wife as perfect as his image. Sparked by his earnestness, the goddess visited Pygmalion’s studio and was so pleasantly surprised to find Galatea almost a mirror of herself she brought the statue to life. When Pygmalion returned home, he prostrated himself at the living Galatea’s feet. The two were wed in Aphrodite’s temple, and lived happily ever after under her protection.

Though it was never absent from western literature, this transformation myth resoundingly entered modern consciousness with Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, which enlisted it to explore the complexity of human relationships in a stratified society. My Fair Lady, based on Shaw’s retelling, took the myth to another level of audience awareness.

The obligatory beats of the Pygmalion myth: the protagonist has a dream inspired by encounter with an unformed object (“Look at her, a prisoner of the gutter!”), uses his skills and/or prayers to shape it into a reality; falls in love with the embodiment of his dream, and lives happily ever after, or not.

Essential to the pattern is that the dreamer-protagonist is rewarded for doing something about his dream, for turning it from dream to reality with or without a dea ex machina. Thanks to the infinite creativity of producers, directors, and writers, Pygmalion has generated countless wonderful movie story variations: Inventor Gepetto, in Pinocchio (1940--with numerous remakes), wishes that the wooden puppet he’s created could become the son he never had; a department store window dresser (Robert Walker), in One Touch of Venus (1948, based on the Ogden Nash/S. J. Perelman musical), kisses a statue of Venus (Ava Gardner) into life— trouble begins when she falls in love with him. In 1983’s thenEducating Rita (from Willy Russell’s play), a young hairdresser (Julie Walters), wishing to improve herself by continuing her education, finds a tutor in jaded professor (Michael Caine), who’s reinvigorated by her. In a reverse of the pattern, as quickly as she changes under his tutelage he resents the “educated” Rita and wants her, selfishly, to stay as she was.

Alvin Johnson (Nick Cannon), in 2003’s Love Don’t Cost a Thing, a remake of Can’t Buy Me Love (1987), comes to the rescue of Paris (Christina Milian) when she wrecks her mother’s Cadillac and can’t pay the $1,500 for the repair. Alvin fronts the cash with his savings and, in return, Paris has to pretend to be his girlfriend for two weeks; Alvin becomes “cool” for the first time in his life, but learns that the price of popularity is higher than he bargained for. In She’s All That (1999), the pattern is reversed as Freddie Prinze, Jr., is a high school hotttie who bets a classmate he can turn nerdy Rachel Leigh Cook into a prom queen but, of course, runs into trouble when he falls in love with his creation. In The Princess Diaries (2001), Mia (Anne Hathaway), a gawky Bay Area teen, learns her father was the prince of Genovia; the queen (Julie Andrews) hopes her granddaughter will take her father’s rightful place as heir, and transforms her from a social misfit into a regal lady but discover their growing love for each other is more important than the throne.

Pretty Woman (1990) is my second favorite example of the tirelessness of the Pygmalion myth. Taking the flower-girl motif of My Fair Lady to the extreme, Vivian (Julia Roberts) is a prostitute (albeit idealized) and Edward (Richard Gere) a ruthless businessman with no time for real love. As he opens his credit cards on a Rodeo Drive shopping spree, we experience a telescoped transformation-by-money accompanied with the upbeat music that reminds us that we love this highly escapist part of the Pygmalion story, the actual process of turning ugly duckling into princess swan.

My favorite example is La Femme Nikita (remade as Point of No Return, 1993, with Bridget Fonda), because it shows the versatility of mythic structure, taking Pygmalion to the darkest place imaginable as it fashions of street druggie Nikita (Anne Parillaud), under Bob’s merciless tutelage (Tcheky Karyo), a chameleon-like lethal sophisticate whose heart of gold allows her to escape both her unformed past and her darkly re-formed present.

So popular is the Pygmalion myth with audiences that it crops up in the most unlikely places. In Pao zhi nu peng you (My Dream Girl, 2003), Shanghai slum-dweller Cheung Ling (Vicki Zhao) is thrust into high society when she encounters her long-lost father, who hires Joe Lam to makeover his daughter to fit her new status. In Million-Dollar Baby (2004), the unformed matter (Hilary Swank) reports for duty and demands to be transformed. Instead of falling in love, the boxing instructor (Clint Eastwood) is reborn, reinvigorated, re-inspired, learns to feel again—thereby revealing the underlying emotion that drives the Pygmalion myth for both protagonist and the character he reshapes: rebirth into a more ideal state of being.

First published in Produced By, the official magazine of the Producers Guild of America

Story Merchant E-Book Deal FREE September 2 - September 6! Dueling in Death's Backyard by Thomas Jay Berger, MD

 AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

A gifted heart surgeon finds himself facing the big questions about death and a soul’s release. Everyone has a dark secret or something they would rather you didn't know.

What is it like to stop a heart and duel with death in his own backyard with a human life at stake? Until now, only a cardiac surgeon could know.

And only a cardiac surgeon with the skills of a Faulkner award winning writer could bring readers not just into the O.R. but into the heart itself to share that cosmic experience. In Dueling in Death’s Backyard, Thomas J Berger, MD – trained by Dr. John Kirklin, the true Father of Cardiac Surgery -- does exactly that and does it in the context of a medical murder mystery exposing a VA hospital scandal from decades before they became front page news.

After 13 hours and 30 units of blood, Cooper Logan and his mentor, Holt McDuff had nearly succeeded in replacing the old farmer’s entire dissected aorta. When the final suture line exploded, they were soaked in sticky scarlet blood in seconds and what had been a human being became a pile of organic junk. If the difference was a soul, it had slipped unseen through their fingers. Although he hadn’t slept in days, Cooper insisted on closing and breaking the news to the family. At least he could spare Holt those depressing final chores. 

A wrestling scholarship had taken Cooper from a troubled youth in Boston to a surgical residency in Birmingham, Alabama, where he fit in like a Hell’s Angel at a British High Tea. He was more Clint Eastwood as Rowdy Yates than Richard Chamberlain as Dr. Kildare, and everyone kept telling him he didn’t look like a doctor.

Cooper was obsessed with becoming a cardiac surgeon -- stopping hearts and pitting his scalpel against Old Grim’s scythe right there in Death’s backyard. Most doctors spend their lives avoiding such situations. Only Cooper, and other cardiac surgeons, live to fight on that mystic battlefield for the life of every patient.

Culture shock and hospital politics threaten Cooper’s chances for success, but with Holt’s help he is on track to complete his residency. Then, conflict with a drug addicted nurse and her powerful protector get Cooper fired. His lover dumps him and it seems that things couldn’t get much worse. Then they do. The druggy nurse is murdered and Cooper is framed for the crime. Dr. McDuff seems to want to help but has his own secret agenda. To save his dream and his life, Cooper must unravel a mystery decades older than he is, and solve a murder in the process.

Your Partner in Success with Denise Griffitts Interviews Matt Atchity

Your Partner In Success Radio Talks with Matt Atchity: Entertainment Industry Powerhouse

Listen Now

 

 

Matt Atchity, a multimedia powerhouse with over 20 years of experience shaping the entertainment industry, is celebrated for his transformative role as Editor-in-Chief of Rotten Tomatoes. During his tenure, he established the #Tomatometer rating system as the definitive metric for movie criticism. Beyond Rotten Tomatoes, Atchity has produced acclaimed content across platforms such as Moviefone and TYT Network. His deep understanding of audience dynamics and innovative drive has cemented his status as a leading authority in engaging viewers in the digital age, making his insights invaluable for creators, studios, and fans alike.

At #RottenTomatoes, Matt led a decade-long charge that elevated the site to household name status, pioneering TV reviews and expanding its industry influence. Additionally, he co-founded and co-hosted "What the Flick!?" with Ben Mankiewicz and Cenk Uygur, marking it as the inaugural spinoff show on the TYT network.

Now, Matt Atchity has transitioned to a new chapter in his career, joining forces with his uncle Ken Atchity at Story Merchant - a company that represents and assists storytellers (writers, authors) in getting their stories published or adapted for film and television. Drawing on his extensive background and industry expertise, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge to the company's ventures in Hollywood. His strategic insights, honed from years at Rotten Tomatoes and other prominent platforms, promise to enrich Story Merchant's creative endeavors and expand its footprint in the entertainment landscape. Matt's shift to collaborate with Ken Atchity reflects his ongoing commitment to innovation and storytelling, ensuring his contributions continue to resonate across the industry.

Download and listen wherever you consume your favorite podcasts.

Matt Atchity Joins Story Merchant As Associate Manager

 

In addition to representing current Story Merchant intellectual properties, Matt will in his new role introduce stories he discovers to the Story Merchant family of companies, which include Atchity Entertainment International (The Meg), Atchity Productions (Mr. Irrelevant), Story Merchant Management, and Story Merchant Books. He will be working closely with Senior Associate Manager Tobe Roberts, who is based out of New York.

“Sam Skelton and the whole gang and I are delighted to welcome Matt to our family of companies,” said Ken Atchity in a statement to Deadline. “His vast knowledge of the commercial story market and cheerful gregariousness and sense of humor will contribute greatly to our expanding presence in the Hollywood marketplace.”

Shared Sam Skelton, Creative Executive and Producer at Atchity Productions and the Story Merchant companies, “Ken and I have eagerly anticipated expanding our team, and Matt’s arrival marks a thrilling new chapter. With Matt’s passion for compelling narratives and his dedication to curating exceptional content for our film and television projects, I am confident that his presence will propel us to unprecedented heights of creativity and success.”

Added Matt Atchity, “I’m excited to be on the other side of the entertainment business. I’m looking forward to both discovering and shepherding great stories, and ones that will make exciting movies and TV series.”

Formerly, the younger Atchity spent ten years as the Editor in Chief of Rotten Tomatoes, leading the team that made the site a household name, as well as introducing TV reviews and expanding the site’s influence on the entertainment industry. A frequent reviewer and commentator for CNN, he also co-founded and co-hosted What the Flick!? alongside Ben Mankiewicz and Cenk Uygur, the first spin-off show on the TYT network.

Across its assortment of companies, Story Merchant comprises a publisher, a production company, and a rep of both writers and rights to stories for film and TV. As we were recently first to report, subsidiary Atchity Productions recently tapped veteran martial arts filmmaker Andy Cheng to direct Shadow Ghost, a feature adaptation of the comic book written and illustrated by Sifu Kurtis Fujita.

via Matt Grobar Deadline Hollywood

Writers Write!

 

Will There Be a Meg 3?

In order for The Meg to be Jason Statham's biggest ongoing franchise, Meg 3 has to happen, with many fans wondering if it is coming. While Meg 3 isn't confirmed yet, it seems like the film will happen, as the box office success of the previous two films means that a third movie is likely to continue this trend. Director Ben Wheatley has commented that there is still a lot to explore in the universe of The Meg, meaning that he is eager to continue the franchise. Meg 2: The Trench is still fairly new, but word on a third The Meg film could come in the near future.

via Screen Rant

Why The Meg Is A Perfect Franchise For Jason Statham

 

Meg 2: The Trench's box office success sets up the possibility that The Meg could be Jason Statham's biggest franchise, which is a good thing. The Meg franchise is actually perfect for Jason Statham, with it being exactly what the actor needs in his career. The Meg is a highly profitable action franchise in which Jason Statham is the sole star, with him being plastered all over every trailer and poster. The Meg is big, dumb, and fun, meaning that a litany of sequels could be released without hurting the little prestige that The Meg franchise has.

Jason Statham is a key part of several other franchises, but he isn't the star of any of his biggest ongoing series. Jason Statham is only one of many stars in the Fast & Furious franchise, with him not being nearly as prominent as Vin Diesel. Even in the spinoff Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, The Rock was the main character while Jason Statham played second fiddle to him. Statham is also part of The Expendables franchise, where again he is merely a part of the ensemble cast led by Sylvester Stallone. Statham is at home in The Meg, with it being his sole star vehicle.

Meg 2 Proves It's Jason Statham's Real Franchise Future

Meg 2: The Trench was a surprise box office success, showing that The Meg franchise may be key to Jason Statham's movie franchise future.

Jason Statham is one of the biggest action stars of the modern era, and Meg 2: The Trench has proven that it is Statham's real franchise future after the actor's other 2023 box office disappointments. 2023 has been a rough year at the box office for blockbusters, with many movies that seemed like guaranteed hits flopping. Several of Jason Statham's movies have been subject to this problem, with multiple Statham movies failing critically and commercially after being released. Meg 2: The Trench, however, managed to avoid this problem, showing that it may truly be the future of Statham's career in massive movie franchises.

Meg 2: The Trench is the sequel to 2018's The Meg, with both of the ridiculous shark movies being surprisingly well received at the box office. Both The Meg films have starred Jason Statham, and while they have worked, this has been surprising to many longtime fans of the actors. Jason Statham has been known for acting in grounded, serious action films, with a CGI-heavy blockbuster about fighting prehistoric sharks not being something that Statham would typically be associated with. However, Statham's recent wave of success has been on the back of The Meg, proving an interesting point about the actor's franchise future.

As it turns out, Meg 2: The Trench was actually Jason Statham's most successful movie of 2023. Jason Statham appeared in four movies in 2023, and while each of them has their own fans, Meg 2: The Trench is the only one that was an actual box-office success. On a budget of around $139 million, Meg 2: The Trench managed to rake in $395 million, beating the profitability rule of thumb of doubling the budget to account for distribution and advertising costs. Meg 2: The Trench is one of the few blockbusters to turn a profit in 2023, with it being Statham's biggest box office success by far.

Jason Statham's other movies didn't fare nearly as well as Meg 2: The Trench, with the films ranging from box office disappointments to flops. Jason Statham's first movie of 2023 was Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, with it making $49.1 million on a budget of $50 million. Statham followed this up with Fast X, which made $714.6 million on a $340 million budget, meaning that the film was just barely profitable. Statham's final film of the year was The Expendables 4, which was a massive flop, making only $51.1 million on a budget of $100 million. These three failures solidify Meg 2: The Trench as Statham's most profitable 2023 film.

via Screen Rant

Best book to movie tie-ins for MEG-2 and series

 

From a true MEGhead - certainly a fan. Very rare to credit the books, but to show the covers and talk about the novels' plots... that earned the Johnny Drama VICTORY!

The Meg 3 release date speculation, cast, plot, and more news.

The action movie franchise with the biggest bite is back. Here is everything that you need to know about the potential Meg 3 release date, cast, plot and more.

What is the Meg 3 release date? 

Based on Steve Alten’s novels of the same name, The Meg is one of the most beloved popcorn movie franchises in Hollywood. And since 2018, after we first saw Jason Statham fight a giant shark, film fans have been hooked by Warner Bros’ cinematic fishing line.

The Meg is one of the best shark movies of all time, and with the new movie, The Meg 2, fans are wondering if a new aquatic monster universe is on the horizon. While Meg 2: The Trench wasn’t as fun as its predecessor it did remind us about one thing: giant monsters are cool, and the more of them, the better.

So like any good film fan, The Digital Fix has braved the deep waters to give you all the information you need on a potential sequel. From The Meg 3 release date, cast, plot, and more, we’ve mapped out all the details.

The Meg 3 release date speculation

Currently, there is no release date for a potential Meg 3, but we expect that the Shark franchise will return to the big screen in 2026.

The first movie, The Meg, came out in 2018, while Meg 2: The Trench was released in 2023. It may seem like these films take a while and that another sequel will be a long wait, but without Covid-19 slowing things down, we doubt that the break between entries will be as massive this time around.

And, although no sequel has been announced, Ben Wheatley, the director of Meg 2: The Trench, has revealed that he’d love to continue the franchise. “There’s a lot more to explore in that world. It’s very rich,” he told TotalFilm Magazine. “The international-ness of it is very interesting.”

We also have to remember that there are still plenty of Meg books in Alten’s franchise to explore. There are eight books in his series, so this franchise has plenty to work with. Similarly, if Meg 2 makes a killing at the box office like the first 2018 film, we know that Warner Bros will be anxious to greenlight another sequel as soon as possible.

Who will be in the Meg 3 cast?

It is safe to say that if a Meg 3 is announced, Jason Statham will be back as Jonas Taylor, along with his mates from the first two movies Page Kennedy as DJ and Cliff Curtis as James “Mac” Mackreides.

We also suspect that Sophia Cai will return as Meiying Zhang and that Meg 2 cast newcomer Wu Jing will be back as her Uncle Jiuming. And finally, we can’t forget about the most important Meg character who has shown up in every movie thus far, Kelly as Pippin, the dog.

Here is the expected Meg 3 cast list:

Jason Statham as Jonas Taylor

Wu Jing as Jiuming

Sophia Cai as Meiying Zhang

Page Kennedy as DJ

Cliff Curtis as James “Mac” Mackreides

Kelly the dog as Pippin

In terms of villains, none of the new faces with nefarious plans managed to survive in Meg 2, so we are pretty sure new faces with pop up to replace them as shark bait in the future. Keep an eye on this guide as the list above continues to grow.

What will the Meg 3 be about?

Since both The Meg and Meg 2 were loosely based on Steve Alten’s books, we expect that The Meg 3 will follow a similar story to the 2004 novel Primal Waters.

AVAILAB LE ON AMAZON

So with that in mind, we’ll see an older Jonas 18 years after the events of Meg 2. However, his days as a diver are done as he instead decides to enter the world of showbiz as an expert commentator on a reality TV show called “Daredevils.” However, as he boards a boat for the new show, he enters the latest feeding grounds of Megs. Yep, there are more Megs again, folks.

Since the Meg movies differ from the books (which showed Jonas being married to a version of Li Bingbing’s character Suyin Zhang, with kids), we can expect that the Meg 3 will alter a few things from the book. Firstly, at the beginning of Meg 2, it is revealed that Suyin Zhang is dead, and with no romantic prospects of his own, the only daughter figure Jonas has is Meiying Zhang, Suyin’s kid.

Alten’s novels are also a lot darker than the Meg movies dealing with PTSD, psychological torture, and some gore. Obviously, changes on that front will need to be made to match the franchise’s 12A age rating. All of this plot speculation isn’t confirmed yet. We may see a film that strays completely away from Alten’s novels. Stay tuned for updates.

Is there a Meg 3 trailer?

Sorry giant shark fans, but there is no trailer for the Meg 3 just yet, and it won’t be for a while since a new movie hasn’t been announced, let alone finished production yet.

We also have to remember that movies like The Meg are packed with special effects and require more time in the post-production phase. So even if we get a release date soon, we know that the first bit of footage we’ll see for the sequel will likely pop up a few months before it hits the big screen.

While we wait for a teaser, here is the trailer for Meg 2: The Trench to satisfy all your ancient monster needs.

Where can I watch The Meg?

The Meg 2: The Trench is currently streaming on Max, Hulu Vudu, Apple TV, Prime Video or ROW8, on your Roku device. Fans can expect that the Meg 3 will follow in its predecessor’s footsteps and have a theatrical release.

After a standard exclusivity window, Meg 3 will probably head to streaming and physical media. However, it needs to be confirmed as happening first, so let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet!

While we wait for more Meg news, you can check our guides on how to watch the Meg 2, and find out if the Meg 2 has a post-credit scene. We also have an article breaking down the scary true story behind The Meg that is a must-read for shark fans!

via Digital Fix

Ben Wheatley reflects on shooting Meg 2: 'It was like a wild fever dream!'

Ben Wheatley feels as if shooting 'Meg 2' was a "wild-fever" dream.

The 51-year-old director is at the helm of the action film that follows the research team on an exploratory dive into the deepest depths of the ocean and admitted it has been nice to have some "distance" from it in the run-up to the release.

He told Empire Magazine: "I feel like it's nice to have some distance from it, but it also feels like a wild fever dream now. It was a big chunk of time. It was two-and-a-half years, or something, I was on it for, all in all."

In terms of shooting the underwater scenes, Ben went on to explain that it was a really bizarre" world to try to bring to the screen, even though there was no actual filming that took place underwater.

He said: "Huge swathes of the movie are set in and around the Mariana Trench, and you have this really bizarre, pulpy, sci-fi world. But you didn't actually go underwater, so that must have been an interesting challenge. There was some underwater shooting, inside of air locks and stuff filling with water, and then a lot of Statham swimming about underwater. You couldn't do that in CG because the body reacts in a different way. But the dry for wet along the trench, no-one thought for a single second of doing it for real. There's no Nolan-ing about on The Meg, you know. To film down that depth would have been suicide, and we would still be filming it now, having replaced half of our cast through several difficult legal battles.

Before transitioning into directing cinmatic films, Ben had a career in directing advertisments and recalled that scheduling was one of the biggest challenges of the whole thing and struggled to "keep his nerve" throughout the process.

He added: "I had another life as an ads director. And I'd worked on shows with a lot of effects, so that side of it wasn't too daunting. But the challenge of it is the weird scheduling. You have to make decisions that are impossible to change six months beforehand. So you're making decisions on things and it's getting delivered back to you and you look at it and go, 'Oh, that's what I was thinking back then'. and if you want to change your mind it's a lot of frowning faces because it's very expensive. So keeping your nerve doing that is quite difficult.

via Killeen Daily Herald

‘Meg 2’ Swims to Top of Disc Sales Charts!

 Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment’s Meg 2: The Trench debuted at No. 1 on the Circana VideoScan First Alert chart, which tracks combined DVD and Blu-ray Disc unit sales, and the dedicated Blu-ray Disc sales chart the week ended Oct. 28.

The sequel to 2018’s The Meg again features Jason Statham facing off against a giant prehistoric shark. It earned $82.6 million at the domestic box office.

HD formats accounted for just 48% of Meg 2 total unit disc sales, with 14% from 4K disc and 35% from regular Blu-ray. It was also the No. 1 dedicated 4K disc seller.

Meg 2: The Trench

A collection of the two “Meg” movies was No. 11 on the overall disc sales chart, with 13% of its sales coming from Blu-ray. The two-movie set sold 11% as many copies as the standalone Meg 2, effectively adding to the total of people purchasing the sequel.

The previous week’s top seller, Warner’s Barbie, slipped to No. 2 on all the charts in its second week, selling 88% as many copies as the top title, though the result seems closer due to sales of Meg 2 being split between the standalone and two-movie collection.

via Media Play News

This 2023 Movie Starring Jason Statham Is Currently #1 on Max (and Is Truly Terrifying)

Looking for a new film to watch during your next movie night? Allow us to introduce an action/sci-fi movie that deserves to be at the top of your watch list: Meg 2: The Trench. Let’s just say it makes the events in Jaws look like a cakewalk.

Serving as a sequel to 2018’s The Meg, Meg 2: The Trench currently sits at the number one spot on Max’s top ten movies list.

In this action-packed flick, actor Jason Statham plays the role of Jonas Taylor, who leads a research team on an ocean expedition five years after the events of the first film. But their voyage soon turns into a living nightmare when they encounter a group of great white sharks and other dangerous sea creatures. Can the crew make it out alive? Or will they lose their battle for survival?

via pure wow

Jason Statham triumphs on HBO Max with the most-watched action movie starring him!

Jason Statham has accustomed us to his roles as a tough character as in titles such as The Expendables, Crank or The Transporter. Now he gives up some of the limelight in this movie available on HBO Max which is a long awaited sequel where the real stars are sharks that were thought to be extinct since the time of the dinosaurs.

via 

How Many More Meg Movies Jason Statham Can Make Based On The Books

Jason Statham Can Make Six More Meg Movies (At Least)

The first two Meg adapt Steve Alten's books of the same name. Here's a breakdown of how many more books the franchise can adapt in future installments.

The Meg movie series takes creative liberties with Steven Alten's book series, including changes to romantic aspects and the Megalodon's name, but stays true to the primary story developments.
The Meg movie series takes creative liberties with Steven Alten's book series, including changes to romantic aspects and the Megalodon's name, but stays true to the primary story developments.

Jason Statham's first Meg movie adapted the first book, and there are still six more books in Alten's series that could be adapted for future movies.

Despite mixed reviews, the success of Meg 2: The Trench at the box office indicates a likelihood of Meg 3 and more movies in the franchise, potentially including other novels in the same universe.

The first Meg movie adapted Steve Alten's first novel, Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror, which was published in 1997. Meg 2: The Trench took on the story of the second installment in Steve Allen's Meg book series. Since the second book's release in 1999, Steven Allen has written five new Meg novels: Meg: Primal Waters (2004), Meg: Hell's Aquarium (2009), Meg: Origins (2011), Meg: Nightstalkers (2016) and, Meg: Generations (2020). An eighth installment for the book series, Meg: Purgatory, is also scheduled to be released in 2024, leaving six books worth of source material content for future Meg movies.

via Screen Rant

‘Meg 2: The Trench’ Budget Breakdown: How the Film Became a Box Office Hit

Budget for Meg 2: The Trench by Department

Cast

Once again fighting off prehistoric sharks is rough and gruff monster hunter Jonas Taylor, played once again by Fast & Furious franchise star Jason Statham. Ever since his breakout roles in Guy Ritchie's Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, Statham has become a power player in the action world, starring in hits like The Transporter, The Italian Job, Crank, The Expandables, Fast & Furious 6, and more. This successful career has led to Statham having a net worth of about $90 million, which is more than half of the total budget for Meg 2: The Trench. Statham was more than likely paid more than his co-stars, likely around a minimum of $20 million.

Joining Statham are some returning allies from the first film, including Shuya Sophia Cai (Somewhere Only We Know) as Meiying, Cliff Curtis (Avatar: The Way of Water) as Mac, and Page Kennedy (S.W.A.T.) as DJ. Joining the Meg universe for the sequel is major Chinses film star Jing Wu, best known for films like The Wandering Earth and Wolf Warrior. The new cast is then rounded out by Sergio Peris-Mencheta (Resident Evil: Afterlife), Skyler Samuels (The Gifted), and Melissanthi Mahut (The Other Me). For the major cast members, the final price tag is likely somewhere around $40 million.

VFX

As significant as the leading actor Jason Statham is, the undisputed star of this franchise is the titular Megalodon. This time, however, Jonas Taylor faces off against not one, not two, but three colossal Great White Megalodons (plus a giant squid). Despite being a goofy movie about big sharks, the original film's VFX team took incredible care to make an anatomically correct and visually distinct Megalodon. That task is essentially tripled in Meg 2: The Trench, though the reported budget for the sequel is actually a million dollars less than its predecessor.

Filming Locations

Believe it or not, the cast and crew of Meg 2: The Trench did not actually travel to the depths of the ocean to film the blockbuster sequel. The trench base and ocean floor sets were reportedly created at Warner Bros. Discovery's studio in Burbank. Exterior shots were also conducted in China and Thailand.

The Costs of Promoting Meg 2: The Trench

Warner Bros. Discovery had their work cut out for them when marketing Summer's most prominent film, Barbie. That's not to say that Meg 2: The Trench got wholly left out, with a marketing campaign beginning about two months before its theatrical release. The series also got positive marketing synergy thanks to Discovery's annual Shark Week event. Overall, marketing campaigns for blockbusters like Meg 2: The Trench has a minimum advertising budget of $65 million, which is not included in the production budget.

How Much Does Meg 2: The Trench Need to Make to Break Even?

The total reported budget for Meg 2: The Trench is reportedly $129 million, which is about $1 million less than what The Meg costs to make. With a budget of $129 million and a marketing budget that likely ranges from $65 million to $100 million, Meg 2: The Trench will need to make somewhere between $194 million and $229 million to break even. Meg 2: The Trench will likely need to make $388 million to $458 million at the international box office to be considered a financial success.

While Barbenheimer's unprecedented success at the box office and prevented Meg 2: The Trench's opening weekend from being a total feeding frenzy, the shark sequel still took a considerable chomp in its theatrical debut. With a domestic take of about $35 million and a massive international total of over $145 million, Meg 2: The Trench has already made back its production budget and will likely break even as early as its second theatrical weekend. As of now, the film has made $384.9 million worldwide. A great hold considering not only competing with Barbie and Oppenheimer but also the likes of the superhero film Blue Beetle and the sports biopic Gran Turismo.

How Do Meg 2: The Trench's Box Office Projections Compare to Other Summer 2023 Blockbusters?

Summer 2023 has been an unusual season for the box office. Big-budget films like The Flash, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and Haunted Mansion became unprecedented box office bombs, potentially losing more than a billion considering their budget.

Thankfully, Barbie and Oppenheimer came in to create an incredible double feature combo, shattering records with Barbie crossing the billion-dollar milestone and Oppenheimer repeatedly extending its 70mm theatrical run. While Meg 2: The Trench probably won't catch up to that dynamic duo, it's still looking like it will be one of the more impressively profitable films of this unusual blockbuster season.

via collider

Meg 3: Will the Shark Thriller Get a Threequel?

The thrilling success of Meg 2 at the box office and its recent release in August 2023 have ignited fervent stalment. Director Ben Wheatley’s expressed enthusiasm for the project further fuels the excitement among dedicated fans. With tantalizing possibilities on the horizospeculation and eager anticipation for a possible third inn, let’s dive into what we know about Meg 3 and what might await us in the next chapter of this shark-infested universe.

Potential Release Date for Meg 3: Patience is Key

While an official release date for Meg 3 is yet to be revealed, the franchise’s history suggests that eager fans might have to exercise patience. Given the recent release of the sequel and the essential time required for script development and production, it’s reasonable to anticipate a significant gap before the premiere of the third instalment. Despite the wait, the vast potential of unexplored content in the realm of ‘shark movies’ assures us that the delay will likely be well worth it.

As speculation suggests, a potential release date could be sometime around 2026 or beyond. The franchise’s enduring popularity and ample source material from Steve Alten’s book series create a strong case for continuing the saga.

Meg 2’s Impact on Meg 3: Setting the Stage

While Meg 2: The Trench did not feature post-credit scenes, it effectively laid the foundation for the story’s next phase. The sequel, focusing on the dynamic between humanity and the untamed ocean realm, introduced new elements with immense potential for future chapters. Fresh technologies and characters could seamlessly guide the narrative towards exciting and uncharted territories.

It’s anticipated that Meg 3 will draw inspiration from the 2004 novel Primal Waters, although it’s important to note that the films often take creative liberties with the source material. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the groundwork laid by Meg 2 hints at a thrilling continuation that promises to captivate audiences once again.

While the official cast lineup for Meg 3 has not been confirmed, casting decisions are often intricate due to scheduling constraints and other logistical factors. Assuming all the stars align, it’s reasonable to expect core cast members to reprise their roles. Jason Statham as Jonas Taylor, Page Kennedy as DJ, and Cliff Curtis as James “Mac” Mackreides are among those likely to return. Wu Jing as Jiuming, Sophia Cai as Meiying Zhang, and Kelly the Dog as Pippin could also make a comeback.

With the adversaries of Meg 2 meeting their fates, new and formidable characters may step into the spotlight, adding fresh dynamics to the story.

Trailers and Future Uncertainties: Waiting for the Next Glimpse

Currently, no trailers or footage are available for Meg 3. The fate of the third instalment hinges on the reception of Meg 2 and its ability to maintain the franchise’s competitive cinematic landscape. The expectation for a sequel to match the engagement and response of its predecessors, especially considering the time lapse since the initial release, adds an extra layer of challenge for the creators.

While the road ahead is uncertain, the enthusiasm and zeal surrounding Meg 3 are undeniably high. As developments emerge and updates are unveiled, fans can eagerly anticipate further information about the potential continuation of this thrilling and shark-filled saga.

via Open Sky

'Meg 2: The Trench' Makes Another Small Nibble in the Global Box Office

Another epic sequel is surely inevitable now.

THE BIG PICTURE

•  Meg 2: The Trench has made enough money at the box office to almost guarantee a third installment of the prehistoric underwater adventure.
•  Jason Statham brings his usual charm as the tough main character, Jonas Taylor, and his thrilling action scenes steal the show.
•  The film's international success and profitability make it a sensible decision for Warner Bros. to continue the franchise, as the demand for the movie is clear.

Meg 2: The Trench may be starting to swim in shallower waters at the worldwide box office, but the movie has taken enough of a financial chunk from audiences to all but assure a third installment of the prehistoric undersea nonsense, should it be so desired. In its sixth week of release, the movie brought in another $3.6 million from 77 overseas markets to bring its international total to $304.2 million, giving the movie a global running tally of $384.9 million.

 Via Collider

Of Course, The Meg 2 Director Learned From Jaws While Making The Shark Flick, And His Description Of Steven Spielberg’s Age When He Did It Is Sticking With Me

(Image credit: Warner Bros/CBS)

When drawing inspiration for a movie like Meg 2: The Trench, it helps to seek out the classics. So naturally, director Ben Wheatley considered the entertainments of the classic summer blockbuster Jaws as he looked for lessons on what to do with his own entry into the aquatic horror-comedy canon. What’s even more interesting to read is how Wheatley described director Steven Spielberg when he made the 1975 movie, which is undoubtedly an explanation that’s going to stick with me for a while. 

During an interview with Slashfilm promoting the Jason Statham-fronted sequel, the High Rise director put a lot of influences on the table. That led to this rundown of where his inspirations came from, including a portrait of Spielberg that most people probably forgot.

Yeah, I mean, obviously I’m a fan of the Kaiju stuff and a fan of Gojira and then the later cycle of Godzilla movies like the ’70s stuff as well, and Harryhausen, Jason and the Argonauts, all that stuff. Obviously Jaws, which is not just a shark film, but one of the greatest films ever made for me. And a film I revisit a lot and re-watch, it’s a film that is a film school in itself. And to see that [Steven Spielberg] did it when he was 26 or whatever disgustingly young age he made that movie at, which is basically inventing it and so much stuff. I definitely looked at that.

At this point in his career, we see Steven Spielberg as the classic hit-maker who dances between dramas and blockbusters. However, people may forget the stories of how a young Spielberg bluffed his way onto the Universal lot, eventually paving the way to direct Jaws at the tender age of 26.

I’ll give you all a moment to sink into a rabbit hole dissecting what you were doing at that point in life, as that’s clearly what Ben Wheatley did during his Meg 2 prep. Also, I’m totally falling into that trap myself at the moment. 

While I might not agree with the words “disgustingly young,” I do co-sign the fact that Spielberg invented the modern summer blockbuster. At the same time, try not coming with your own shocked nickname when watching the trailer for Jaws and remembering that it was directed by a 26-year-old.

Reading the various behind-the-scenes facts on Jaws that have been revealed over time backs that claim, as well as the fact that Mr. Wheatley’s claim that the Indiana Jones helmer was pretty much making it up with his crew as they went along. Not to mention, he was sinking ships with his actors on board long before it was cool... or totally intentional and safe.

Making a movie like Meg 2: The Trench isn’t as risky in this age, as directors like Ben Wheatley now have all the practical models and CGI effects their budget will allow. Reading how much Wheatley was looking to Jaws for inspiration, it totally explains the kickass jet ski scene with Jason Statham, and how it too involved some practical magic itself.

It just goes to show that no matter what age you are, you can be inspired to pull some stunts that even the masters themselves would be proud of. You can see such delights pretty easily, as Meg 2: The Trench is still in theaters, but you can also rent it on PVOD if you’d rather enjoy it in the comfort of your own home. Meanwhile, if you have got the urge to revisit Jaws and/or its handful of sequels, those of you with a Netflix subscription can do just that.

via Cinemablend