Hugh Jackman’s Fan-Favorite Sci-Fi Sequel Scores a Win—and a Setback
Fourteen years after Hugh Jackman’s robo-brawler Real Steel, Shawn Levy says a sequel is still in play but far from the finish line—good news it’s alive, bad news you won’t see it anytime soon.
If you have been quietly (or not so quietly) waiting on Real Steel 2 for more than a decade, I have a tiny sliver of good news and a bucket of caution. Director Shawn Levy says the franchise is not dead. He also says... do not expect that sequel anytime soon.
So, where is Real Steel 2?
Levy, who runs 21 Laps Entertainment and just steered Deadpool & Wolverine, sat down with Collider's Steve Weintraub while talking up the final season of Stranger Things. When the subject shifted to Real Steel, he called the sequel situation murky. The 2011 Hugh Jackman sci-fi boxing movie has picked up a devoted following since release, but that passion is exactly what makes him wary of moving too fast.
"It is a hard thing because the movie is so beloved in a way that is out of proportion to however the movie did at the box office. And I just don't want to touch Real Steel unless I know I'm doing it justice — whether that's a sequel or a TV show."
That stance is a notable turn from what he was saying not long ago. Back at CinemaCon 2024, the 57-year-old filmmaker said a Real Steel TV adaptation was steadily moving forward and even mentioned that writing had begun. Now? The tone has cooled.
"Right now, I'd say TBD. But I wouldn't say likely, and I'm sorry to admit it. But I am protecting what is at least a pure love that we all share for that original movie."
- Status check: Sequel is technically possible, but Levy says it is TBD and not likely right now.
- TV series: He previously said it was in active development with writing underway, but his latest comments suggest momentum has stalled.
- Context: The original film underperformed relative to its later reputation, which is part of why he is reluctant to rush a follow-up.
- Timeline reality: Fans have been waiting over 14 years, and by Levy's own read, the sequel is about as close now as it was a decade ago.
The read-between-the-lines version
This is one of those cases where the thing people love might be safer untouched. Levy clearly knows Real Steel has aged into a cult favorite, and that is exactly why he is hedging. Translation: the door is cracked, but do not hold your breath. If anything changes, it will be because they found an angle that feels worthy — either as Real Steel 2 or as a series — not because the internet begged hard enough.