The sequel to “Airplane” is officially flight – or rather, sailing.
Mike Colter, who played accused murderer Louis Gaspard in the original film, will headline the new nautical film, titled The Ship. Producers MadRiver Pictures, Di Bonaventura Pictures, and G-BASE Productions return for the sequel, with director Jean-François Richet also returning as executive producer.
The follow-up will focus on the character Coulter, who escapes delivery to Toronto when Trailblazer Flight 119 goes down in the Philippines, and forms an unlikely partnership with Gerard Butler’s Captain Brody Torrance to save the plane’s passengers and crew from pirates.
“The Ark” will pick up where Gaspare’s story in “The Airplane” left off – with the Legion disappearing into the jungles of Jolo. It is not yet clear if Butler will return for the next film.
After a high-octane confrontation with local militia on the beaches of Jolo, Gaspare manages to commandeer a fishing boat and escape from the Philippines. But he’s not out of the woods yet: The media circus surrounding Flight 119 has raised its public profile, making it the subject of an international manhunt. Hoping to stay under the radar and get away from his last known location, Gaspar hops aboard an East Asian freighter bound for South Africa. But as he settles in for a long voyage, the stowaway discovers that the ocean liner is transporting more than just cargo – it also serves as a ferry for a people smuggling ring.
A strong moral law will not allow Gaspare to stand still, so he suspends his freedom again. Together with the ship’s second mate, a last-minute addition to the crew who was unaware of her illicit activities, and a passenger with military experience and grandeur to choose from, Gaspar embarks on a mission to take down the ship’s corrupt captain, and keep her safe. The innocent passengers are safe, and its captives are freed.
Discussions are now underway with the writers and directors for The Ship. The project will be marketed to international buyers by sales agent The Veterans at this week’s European Film Market, which runs alongside the Berlin Film Festival. CAA Media Finance represents the local rights.
Production is expected to begin in late 2023.
Distributed by Lionsgate, “Plane” opened in theaters January 13 and has so far grossed just over $30 million domestically. The action thriller grossed $43 million at the worldwide box office. Pic is on track to be one of the highest-grossing indie films since COVID.
Coulter is represented by CAA and Silver Lining Entertainment. Richet is represented by UTA. G-BASE is represented by CAA.
