A New Master and Commander Movie in Development at 20th Century

Almost twenty years after its release, a follow-up to Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is in work.

20th Century is developing a new adaptation of Patrick O’Brian’s series of novels with Patrick Ness attached to write the script, per Deadline.

The decision to reboot Master and Commander could give 20th Century and Disney a new franchise.

The original Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World was released in 2003. The film is an adaptation of three novels in author Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey-Martin series, which spans 20 complete novels exploring Captain Aubrey’s career.

Even though the movie was generally successful and accumulated many fans, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World proved to be a box office disappointment. It only made $211 million on a budget of $150M.

However, this result didn’t stop the 20th Century and Crowe from discussing the possibility of making more movies in this universe.

It seems like, even after two decades of the movie, the 20th Century is ready to take another swing at the property.

As the original was part of a big book series, the idea always was to adapt other books to films, but a second film never got into a position to move forward.

Since the new movie would function as a prequel, it is unlikely that 20th Century would seek Crowe and Bettany to reprise their roles.

While fans of the original Master and Commander will surely be excited about the idea of a new movie, but many will be disappointed that it will come with a reboot instead of a sequel starring Crowe and Bettany again.

Once the new take does materialize, it will be fascinating to see how it differs from the original and successfully launch a franchise.

About Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is a 2003 American period war-drama co-written, produced and directed by Peter Weir, set during the Napoleonic Wars.

The film stars Russell Crowe as Aubrey, captain in the Royal Navy, and Paul Bettany as Dr. Stephen Maturin, the ship’s surgeon.

The film’s plot and characters are adapted from three novels in author Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey–Maturin series, which includes 20 completed novels of Jack Aubrey’s naval career.

However, an unnamed sequel is in the making from 20th century.

The film is about how Captain Jack Aubrey orders his team to set out in search of a French war vessel. However, when his own ship is heavily damaged, he realises the task is not as easy as it seems.

Source: Deadline