'Free Guy' Was The Start Of A New Franchise, Says Studio Boss

Lately people haven't been able to get enough of our boy Ryan Reynolds. Whether he's teasing a third installment of his beloved merc with a mouth Deadpool, or outright denying his involvement in Marvel's Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness, it seems people just want to see more of him.

Last year, he starred in Free Guy playing a delightful NPC in a huge open world game, who decides he wants to try his hand at being a hero. The action comedy did surprisingly well for a film set in a video game universe, particularly one not based on any existing franchises. It even got nominated for the Best Visual Effects Oscar alongside the likes of Dune.

If you're not aware of the charm Mr. Reynolds has then you might understand a little more after seeing this trailer.

Free Guy did so well, in fact, that Disney almost immediately gave it the go ahead for a sequel. Something he says he hopes is called "Albuquerque Boiled Turkey". Now in an interview with Hollywood Reporter, president of Fox Steve Asbell has outlined his strategy for the sequel claiming a 2023/2024 release window.

"We are closer to what you call 'general entertainment' on the TV side. Some films (it has coming) will be more Disney-adjacent - Avatar, Free Guy, Planet Of The Apes - there are movies like Avatar, Planet of the Apes, and now Free Guy that have well-established theatrical precedence for a wide audience. We have more Avatar movies coming, we have more Free Guy movies coming. We're going to be pretty busy."

It seems the studio are very pleased with how the franchise is shaping up to compare it to the likes of Avatar and Planet Of The Apes. This confidence comes from a script which apparently isn't quit finished.

"We're awaiting a script that is days away. It's a fantastic story."