When you think of action-packed, star-studded films filled with comic humor, the “Red” franchise might come to mind. This series, focusing on retired CIA agents living anything but peaceful retirements, has cultivated a loyal fan base since its debut in 2010. With the immense popularity of the first film and its sequel, “Red 2,” rumors have been swirling about a potential “Red 3” for years. But is it really happening?
A Brief Recap of the Red Series
Before we delve into the fate of “Red 3,” let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the “Red” series’ exciting premise. The first movie, “Red,” was released in 2010, introducing us to the life of retired CIA agent Frank Moses (Bruce Willis). Frank is portrayed as a retiree living a peaceful and routine life in the quiet suburb of Parma Heights, Ohio. His only source of joy seems to be his calls to the government pension processing center, where he gets to talk to his case worker, Sarah Ross (Mary-Louise Parker).
However, this tranquility is abruptly shattered when his residence is attacked by heavily-armed, masked assailants. Frank swiftly takes them down with the skill and precision of his former life, showing us he’s anything but a regular retiree. After the attack, Frank is pulled back into his old line of work, with Sarah thrown into the mix of intrigue. Reuniting with former associates Joe (Morgan Freeman), Marvin (John Malkovich), and Victoria (Helen Mirren), Frank embarks on a thrilling mission against those who’ve marked him as “R.E.D.” – Retired Extremely Dangerous.
The Rumors of “Red 3”
Following the success of “Red” and “Red 2,” there were rumors that “Red 3” was in the works. The film was announced in May 2013, even before the second movie hit theaters. This signaled the studio’s confidence in the franchise, with writers Jon and Erich Hoeber signing up to pen the third movie, and production scheduled for 2014.
However, 2014 came and went without any signs of “Red 3.” It appeared that the mediocre critical and financial reception of “Red 2” might have put a damper on plans for a third installment. By 2015, the Hoeber brothers were reported to be developing a Red TV show at NBC, but it’s unclear if this project ever went to pilot.
The Fate of “Red 3”
There were plans for a “Red 3” after the release of “Red 2”, and the movie was confirmed to be in development in May 2013. However, it appears that the plans were shelved following the mediocre critical and financial reception of “Red 2”.
Instead, the Hoeber brothers were developing a “Red” TV show at NBC in 2015, but it doesn’t seem like the show went to pilot. As of now, there has been no sign of “Red 3” since it was first mentioned in 2013, and it’s unlikely that a third entry will come together. If the franchise has a future, it will most likely be in the form of a movie or TV reboot with none of the original cast returning
The Future of the Red Franchise
Even though “Red 3” might never hit the big screens, the “Red” franchise still has a passionate fan base eager for more content. Given the current trends in the entertainment industry, it’s not unreasonable to think that a reboot or spin-off series could be in the franchise’s future.
The advent of streaming platforms has paved the way for a new era of serialized storytelling, providing a potential new home for the franchise. A TV series could delve deeper into the characters’ backgrounds, explore their interactions more thoroughly, and bring new characters into the mix. The “Red” franchise, with its blend of humor, action, and espionage, could fit perfectly into this new form of storytelling.
However, such a reboot would likely not include the original cast. As previously mentioned, it’s doubtful that stars like Bruce Willis or Helen Mirren would return for a TV adaptation. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. A fresh cast could bring a new dynamic to the series, attracting a new audience while maintaining the essence of the original movies that fans fell in love with.
Closing Thoughts
Even though “Red 3” might remain a dream, the “Red” franchise has left an indelible mark on the action-comedy genre. The unique blend of action, humor, and charm brought to life by an ensemble cast of seasoned actors is a testament to the franchise’s enduring appeal.
While fans may be disappointed that “Red 3” seems unlikely to happen, the potential for a reboot or TV adaptation brings new hope. As we move forward in the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, it’s important to remember that change can often lead to exciting new directions and opportunities.
While we eagerly await any news about the future of the “Red” franchise, let’s take a moment to appreciate the movies that started it all. After all, Frank, Sarah, Joe, Marvin, and Victoria have shown us that being “Retired, Extremely Dangerous” can lead to some extraordinary adventures.
