Steven Spielberg Makes The Right Choice Not Directing Blockbuster Sequel
Renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg has recently confirmed his involvement in the anticipated sequel of Ready Player One. However, Spielberg has decided to step back from the director’s chair for this project. He will instead be focusing on producing, a role that allows him to influence the film, albeit less directly.
Ready Player Two
Ready Player One, originally a novel written by Ernest Cline, was adapted into a visually stunning film directed by Steven Spielberg. The film features an intricate blend of virtual reality and pop-culture references. The film was well-received by audiences globally, earning a gross total of $607 million worldwide, and it received a favorable response from critics, boasting a commendable 72 percent rating on popular review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.
Award Winners In Front And Behind The Camera
Set in the year 2045 where humanity turns to a sprawling virtual reality universe known as the OASIS to escape the desolation of the real world. This virtual cosmos is the creation of James Halliday, portrayed by Sir Mark Rylance. Steven Spielberg wasn’t the only award-winner on set, as Rylance had previously won three Tony Awards, three Bafta Awards, two Olivier Awards, and an Academy Award.
Following Halliday’s death, a contest is announced that includes three complex challenges requiring players to find hidden keys. The winner will seize control of the OASIS and inherit Halliday’s vast fortune.
The Up And Coming Cast
The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, centers on Wade Watts, or Parzival in the OASIS, played by Tye Sheridan, a young man who embarks on this quest. He is up against the malicious corporate entity IOI, led by Nolan Sorrento, depicted by Ben Mendelsohn. Along his journey, Wade allies with other players like Samantha Cook/Art3mis (Olivia Cooke), Helen Harris/Aech (Lena Waithe), and Zhou/Sho (Philip Zhao).
So Many Cameos
The film is rich with pop culture references, notably from the 1980s, and includes familiar characters and iconic elements from film, games, and comics. Ready Player One showcases the DeLorean from Back to the Future, the Tyrannosaurus rex from Jurassic Park, and the Iron Giant, to name a few. However, Steven Spielberg veered away from highlighting his own films to steer clear of self-promotion.
The score was originally to be composed by John Williams, famous for his work on Star Wars, Jaws, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, and others. However, Williams chose to work on another Spielberg film, The Post, leaving the door open for Alan Silvestri to take over as composer.
A New Director
As successful as the first film was, Steven Spielberg’s choice not to direct the sequel is considered advantageous by many. The decision opens the possibility for fresh creative perspectives to be introduced. A new director may bring unique insights, different storytelling techniques, and innovative ways to expand upon the universe that Ready Player One has established.
The Novel Is Being Written At The Same Time
An interesting aspect to note is that the sequel is being developed in tandem with Cline’s efforts to write a sequel to the original novel. This opens the possibility of the sequel more closely adhering to the book. While the 2018 Steven Spielberg film didn’t stray too far from the source material, there were some changes — such as transforming the Copper Key challenge into a car race through New York.
