With studios slowly regaining confidence in the future of the global box office, Lionsgate has officially move up their action-sequel The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard from August to June 16.
The Patrick Hughes-directed action-comedy stars Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool), Samuel L. Jackson (Avengers: Endgame), and Salma Hayek (The Eternals), reprising their roles from the 2017 sleeper hit The Hitman's Bodyguard. The sequel was initially slated to open in August 2020 before being delayed a year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Considering Walt Disney Studios pushed their own big Ryan Reynolds-starrer Free Guy to August 13 just last week, this was somewhat expected, and with Lionsgate moving their film up, it averts a major clash between Reynolds and his own worst enemy: himself.
Despite decidedly mixed reviews, the original managed to find its audience in the late summer months and grossed over $180.6 million worldwide on an estimated $30 million to $69 million production budget, which likely made a follow-up a no-brainer for the studio.
In addition to the principal trio, the sequel will also feature Antonio Banderas (The Mask of Zorro), Frank Grillo (Captain America: Civil War), Richard E. Grant (Logan), Tom Hopper (Game of Thrones), Gabriella Wright (Arrow) and Morgan Freeman (Bruce Almighty) in key roles.
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