The buzz for Gareth Evans' movie "The Raid" has become deafening following its screening at Sundance, where we called it, "A triumph of kicks, punches & unrelenting thrills.” Well not only is more ass-kicking on the way in a planned sequel entitled “Berandal,” but it looks as if Sony is getting back in the 'Raid' game.
Deadline reports that Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group has decided to pre-purchase the U.S., Latin American and Spanish rights to the upcoming sequel, whose production is set to start in Jakarta at the end of the year. “The Raid” lead Iko Uwais is set to return along with Gareth Evans in the director’s chair for what will hopefully be another dose of well-crafted action from the pair. The director has already teased that the new film will up the ante with car chases, and that it may serve as a second part to a trilogy. With “The Raid” set to play this year’s SXSW, receive a March 23rd theatrical release from Sony Pictures Classics, and chances are even more will be clamoring for this sequel as it gears up for production.
For those who don’t know, “The Raid” follows a SWAT team sent to invade a supposedly impenetrable safe house amidst the Indonesian slums, and bloody action ensues. It was initially a hit at TIFF’s Midnight Madness, though this sequel could be a step-up in terms of production value, as Deadline reports producers are saying it’ll have a “significantly larger budget.” The first film was made for $1 million and while Evans has said the followup will cost about $3 million, the back by Sony could open up some pursestrings. This writer has yet to see the original and is giddily anticipating it, while those who have experienced “The Raid” should surely find this to be another chunk of news to whet their appetites for what will surely be a hotly anticipated follow-up.