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The Fighter 2 will be the second movie in Mark Wahlberg and David O. Russell’s proposed trilogy of films focusing on boxer Micky Ward. 2010’s The Fighter focused on Ward, played by Wahlberg, as he established his presence on the welterweight circuit by becoming a stepping-stone boxer for up-and-comers to beat on their way to the big leagues. The movie wasn’t just a sports movie though, as it dealt with many themes of family struggles and drug addiction, all of which took place in the real Micky Ward’s life.
The story of the first movie will continue in The Fighter 2, which will extend the story and set up a trilogy. With a cast that included Christian Bale as Ward’s brother Dicky Ecklund, and Amy Adams as Ward’s wife Charlene Fleming, The Fighter 2 will follow on from what’s become a cult classic — although, despite a confirmation and years of teases from Mark Wahlberg, a release date for the sequel to The Fighter remains elusive.
Most Recent The Fighter 2 News
The latest news on The Fighter 2 arrived all the way back in February 2022, when Mark Wahlberg reignited conversations about the long-gestating sequel yet again. Wahlberg revealed that making the second The Fighter movie was still high on his priorities, although was honest about his age presenting challenges when it comes to reprising his role as Micky Ward.
When asked about which of his movies he’d like to return to for a sequel, Wahlberg’s response was instantaneous — “The Fighter, but I’m now probably aging out of that. But you always felt like you couldn’t make a movie about Micky Ward without showing the Arturo Gatti Trilogy, which were some of the greatest fights. One of them was Fight of the Century. So that would have been nice.” He went on to elaborate on his choice, too.
“I was never really in the sequel business. But The Fighter really lent itself for another movie because of Micky and Arturo Gotti’s trilogy.” Wahlberg said, explaining why he’s still keen to make The Fighter 2, “I’m always kind of looking for the next thing. But if the audience really wants it, and they really love it, and we can make one better than the first then I’d be willing to do it again, for sure.”
While Mark Wahberg’s comments were positive, however, there’s been no news on The Fighter 2 since. While the movie is technically confirmed there have been similar sporadic updates over the years since the initial announcement back in 2011. As of late 2023 there has been no further update on a sequel to The Fighter.
The Fighter 2 Is Confirmed
It was announced in 2011 that The Fighter 2 was happening and that Mark Wahlberg was involved in developing the sequel. A plot was even teased, with the sequel to The Fighter focusing on the trio of fights between Micky Ward and rival boxer Arturo Gatti. Producer Todd Lieberman spoke to Collider in 2015 and suggested the sequel was still in the works, though since this reconfirmation is only a few years away from having happened a decade ago the status of The Fighter 2 grows evermore unclear.
The Fighter 2 Release Date Prediction
It’s difficult to predict a release date for The Fighter 2. While the sequel to 2010’s The Fighter is in development, it has been so for over a decade. The Fighter 2 could arrive as soon as 2024-2025, or as far in the future as 2029-2030, or might not arrive at all. Until Mark Wahlberg or director David O. Russell provides some clarity any suggestion when The Fighter sequel will arrive is purely speculative.
The Fighter 2 Cast
There are only two names that have been attached to The Fighter 2 cast so far. Mark Wahlberg (Ted, Daddy’s Home) has spoken at length about wanting to return for The Fighter 2, and was attached as a producer. However, so much time has passed since The Fighter that, by his own admission, he may not return to play Micky Ward (although this could always be worked around by having Wahlberg playing an older Ward providing narration while a younger actor plays the boxer on screen).
The other name attached to The Fighter 2 cast is Jerry Ferrara (Entourage, Power) who was reported to be playing rival boxer Arturo Gatti. However, since this was reported back in 2013 (via Variety) it’s very possible Ferrara is no longer involved. There have been no casting announcements made for The Fighter 2 beyond this, and since it’s been almost 15 years since the first movie arrived in 2010 the chances of the original cast reprising their roles in the biopic are far from certain.
The Fighter 2 Story
While most details on the movie are speculative there have been a few details shared by Mark Wahlberg and director David O. Russell on what to expect from the story of The Fighter 2. The sequel to The Fighter is intended to be the middle entry in a trilogy focusing on the rivalry between Micky Ward and boxer Arturo Gatti.
Ward and Gatti had an intense rivalry in the 00s, with their 2002 bout so intense that both required treatment in a trauma center after the final bell — though agreed to an immediate rematch. Over the course of their three bouts both boxers nearly died, and is arguably considered one of the best series of fights in 21st century boxing so far. It’s easy to see why The Fighter 2 will focus on this period of Micky Ward’s life, though unless a release date is finally confirmed it’s unclear if audiences will ever get to see it.
