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Summary
Mark Wahlberg has shown renewed interest in a sequel to Shooter, sparked by the film’s recent popularity on Paramount+. The original movie, initially met with moderate success, has gained favorable viewership numbers on streaming platforms, indicating a resurgence in audience approval. With abundant source material from the Swagger novel series and Wahlberg’s prominent status as a leading actor, a continuation of this action-thriller could revitalize the protagonist’s journey.
Seventeen years after the release of *Shooter*, Mark Wahlberg has publicly expressed his enthusiasm for a potential sequel, bringing hope to fans of the 2007 action thriller. In the film, Wahlberg portrayed Bob Lee Swagger, a retired Marine Scout Sniper entangled in a dark conspiracy where he is framed for assassination. Under the direction of Antoine Fuqua, the film showcased an impressive ensemble cast that included Michael Peña, Kate Mara, Danny Glover, and Ned Beatty.
Despite its initial lukewarm reception at the box office, *Shooter* has made a significant comeback as a streaming favorite on Paramount+, where it has emerged as one of the platform’s most-viewed films. Responding to inquiries about a sequel, Wahlberg indicated excitement about revisiting the character and mentioned that recent developments at Paramount could lead to a continuation of Swagger’s story. He expressed a desire to reunite with both director Fuqua and co-star Peña, laying the groundwork for a potential sequel.
A Sequel Is Perfect For Mark Wahlberg And For The Character Of Bob Lee Swagger
Although Wahlberg has not confirmed that *Shooter* 2 is in the works, his comments are encouraging; the character of Swagger aligns perfectly with Wahlberg’s action-hero persona, providing ample opportunity for a narrative continuation. Wahlberg clearly excels in action-oriented roles, with *Shooter* serving as a prime example of his capabilities. The enduring appeal of Swagger, paired with Wahlberg’s star power, contributes to the film’s continued discovery and viewership, even after so many years.
The storyline of *Shooter* was inspired by Stephen Hunter’s 1993 novel *Point of Impact*, part of a series consisting of twelve titles featuring Swagger. This offers a wealth of material for potential sequels, which could pick up where the original left off, exploring the repercussions of Swagger’s revenge against those who betrayed him. The narrative could delve into the aftermath of his actions against corrupt political figures and influential military personnel, adding depth and complexity to a possible sequel.
Why Didn’t Shooter 2 Happen After The First Movie?
Shooter Wasn’t A Major Hit At The Time
Despite its resurgence in popularity, *Shooter* struggled during its initial theatrical run, failing to achieve strong box office results or critical acclaim. It grossed approximately $95 million against a $61 million production budget and received mixed reviews, holding a 48% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics. A television adaptation starring Ryan Phillippe as Swagger aired for three seasons on the USA Network from 2016 to 2018 but never reached the same level of recognition as the original film.
The film has since garnered an 80% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting that while it may not have resonated with critics, it found favor among general viewers. *Shooter* is characterized as an entertaining revenge fantasy, rich in action sequences and adrenaline. As Wahlberg’s star status remains prominent, there is potential for a sequel that could revive Swagger’s quest for vengeance.
*Shooter*, directed by Antoine Fuqua, stars Mark Wahlberg alongside Kate Mara and Danny Glover. The 2007 action thriller features former Marine Scout Sniper Bob Lee Swagger (played by Wahlberg) who must defend his innocence after being wrongfully accused of murder. The film was adapted into a television series on USA Network, which ran for three seasons.
Director Antoine Fuqua
Writers Antoine Fuqua
Runtime 126 minutes
Source
screenrant.com