The 2003 film, Master & Commander, was based on the beloved Aubrey-Maturin book series by Patrick O’Brian, the original scored rave reviews and multiple Oscars. However, audiences shied away from the Russell Crowe & Paul Bettany-led feature which cost $150 million to make but only grossed $212 million with more than half that coming from overseas.
Now Crowe has hinted that a sequel could be a reality, posting a tweet on his verified account saying:
“For the Aubrey Maturin lovers, I do hear whispers indeed that a second voyage is perhaps potentially pre-proposed a possibility. So O’Brian affectionate’s and aficionados , let @20thcenturyfox know of your pleasure.”
Reports emerged back in 2009 that a film adaptation of the eleventh novel in the twenty-book series, The Reverse of the Medal was under consideration. That story is mostly a courtroom drama with only a small amount of naval action and so likely would be cheaper to produce. Weir hasn’t directed a film since The Way Back in 2010.
