Summary
A full 17 years afterShooter’s theatrical release, Mark Wahlberg has expressed interest in a sequel, which is great news for those who loved the original movie. Wahlberg played retired Marine Scout Sniper Bob Lee Swagger in the 2007 action thrillermovie directed by Antoine Fuqua, which saw Swagger framed for an assassination and fighting against the corrupt individuals who foolishly intended to use him as a scapegoat for their sinister schemes. The impressive cast also included Michael Peña, Kate Mara, Danny Glover, and Ned Beatty.
Despite being released nearly two decades ago,Shooterrecently became a streaming hit on Paramount+, where it became one of the most-watched movies in Paramount’s library.Wahlberg responded toShooter’s streaming successby expressing enthusiasm when asked about a sequel and discussing how recent changes at Paramount could make a continuation of Swagger’s story happen. He also shared that he would love to reunite with Fuqua and his co-star Michael Peña, all of which could make aShootersequel possible.
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Mark Wahlberg’s Shooter 2 Comments Make A Sequel Possible - And That’s A Good Thing
A Sequel Is Perfect For Mark Wahlberg And For The Character Of Bob Lee Swagger
Even though Wahlberg does not confirm aShootersequel being in development, his comments are still promising, as Swagger is an ideal role for him, and it is a story that can easily continue.Wahlberg is generally best suited to action-heavy roles, withShooterbeing a perfect example of this. Thestar power that Wahlberg brings to his moviesand the appeal that he brings to Swagger is partly whyShooteris still being re-watched and discovered for the first time via streaming 17 years later.
As for the story,Shooterwas based on the 1993 novelPoint of Impactby Stephen Hunter, which is only one of 12 novels Hunter wrote about Swagger.There is plenty of source material to draw from, andShooter 2can pick up soon or long after the previous film’s ending, in which Swagger got his revenge and killed those at the heart of the political conspiracy that framed him. There would inevitably be fallout from killing prominent politicians and high-ranking military officers that Swagger could have to contend with inShooter 2.
Why Didn’t Shooter 2 Happen After The First Movie?
ShooterWasn’t A Major Hit At The Time
Despite its recent streaming success,Shooterwas not a commercial or critical hit when released in 2007. It only grossed $95 million against a $61 million budget and received mixed reviews, including a 48% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes. AShootertelevision series starring Ryan Phillippe as Swagger did air for three seasons on the USA Network from 2016-2018, but it never gained widespread traction and never became as well-known as the film that preceded it.
The 2007 film’s 80% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and the recent streaming numbers prove thatdespite not being a critical or commercial hit,Shooterwas mostly well-received by general audiences who watched it.Shooteris not a complex masterpiece, but it is an entertaining revenge fantasy story brimming with over-the-top action. With Wahlberg’s star power continuing to be strong, and other elements aligning, Swagger’s quest for revenge may continue in aShootersequel.
Shooter
Cast
Shooter is an action thriller directed by Antoine Fuqua. Mark Wahlberg stars as Bob Lee Swagger, a retired Marine sniper who is wrongfully accused of attempting to assassinate the President. Forced to flee, Swagger must use his skills to uncover the real culprits and clear his name. Michael Peña, Danny Glover, and Kate Mara join the cast in this intense narrative of betrayal and survival.
