As the theatrical release of Edge of Tomorrow approached, skepticism loomed among audiences. Drawing inspiration from Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s graphic novel All You Need is Kill, the Doug Liman-directed sci-fi epic seemed to echo Tom Cruise’s earlier film, Oblivion, featuring a battle against malevolent alien lifeforms. The plot, driven by a potentially gimmicky time loop, showcased Cruise’s character reliving the same day repeatedly in a familiar summer blockbuster fashion—high-budget, filled with otherworldly threats, kinetic action, and ambitious visual effects. However, the film defied expectations upon its June 2014 debut, offering a clever, unique, and tightly wound thrill ride that revitalized seemingly tired premises. With widespread acclaim from critics and viewers, speculation about a sequel arose. Nearly a decade later, the question lingers: Why Haven’t We Gotten an Edge of Tomorrow Sequel, and is the anticipation for another encounter with Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) and Sergeant Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt) about to be satisfied?
Edge of Tomorrow’s Box Office Performance Made a Sequel Seem Unlikely
In the weeks leading up to its release, Edge of Tomorrow faced cautious predictions about its box office success. Despite Tom Cruise’s established star power, industry insiders identified several factors that could hinder the film’s performance. With a substantial combined production and marketing budget nearing $300 million, the movie needed a robust and sustained theatrical run to prove profitable. Superficially, it seemed similar to other sci-fi action films depicting human resistance against alien invasions. In a competitive summer filled with major releases, Cruise’s latest project confronted formidable competition, compounded by a perceived sense of obscurity in its marketing. Analyst Doug Creutz remarked, “Nobody really knows what this film is.”
Variety anticipated a modest $30 million for Edge of Tomorrow during its domestic opening weekend, with Warner Bros. banking on stronger international performance, where Tom Cruise historically drew a larger audience. However, the film fell short of expectations, earning just $28 million domestically and $20 million in 28 international territories. Its theatrical run concluded with slightly over $100 million in North America and a global total of $370 million, significantly below Warner Bros.’ anticipated returns after the substantial investment.
Given Hollywood’s tendency to green-light tentpole sequels based on box office numbers rather than audience appreciation alone, the prospect of Edge of Tomorrow receiving a follow-up initially appeared unlikely. Despite its lackluster theatrical performance, the film’s positive reception among critics and viewers, coupled with enthusiastic word of mouth, laid the groundwork for a crowd-pleaser that would persist and cultivate a passionate fan base for years to come.
An Edge of Tomorrow Sequel Was Announced in 2015
In December 2015, Christopher McQuarrie, co-writer of Edge of Tomorrow and a frequent collaborator with Tom Cruise, ignited anticipation by revealing that a sequel was in the works. Speaking to Collider, McQuarrie cautiously hinted at the project’s viability, stating it was a “going concern.” While fans celebrated this promising news, it marked the inception of a protracted development process that has yet to materialize fully. Several months later, director Doug Liman announced a collaboration with writers Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse on a screenplay intended to serve as both a sequel and a prequel.
By Spring 2017, Liman provided more details, unveiling the project’s title as Live Die Repeat and Repeat (later shortened to Live Die Repeat). Expressing excitement about the storyline, he declared it superior to the first film, with Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt equally enthusiastic. Liman assured fans that the sequel was not a matter of “if” but “when.” This optimistic outlook resonated with fans, especially when Liman revealed his intention to take the sequel in a bold new direction, promising to “revolutionize” the sequel-making process with “radical” ideas. Despite the collective enthusiasm for the proposed follow-up, logistical challenges have impeded the realization of this ambitious project.
Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt’s Busy Schedules Have Been a Major Problem For Edge of Tomorrow’s Sequel
As progress continued on Live Die Repeat, a multitude of contributors shaped its development. In 2018, Doug Liman confirmed the return of Edge of Tomorrow co-writer Jez Butterworth for the sequel’s screenplay. Speaking to Collider, Liman emphasized the story’s excellence and the ongoing efforts to assess its feasibility. During the same year, Emily Blunt, discussing her role in Mary Poppins Returns, addressed the sequel’s status, recounting Tom Cruise’s inquiry about her availability in autumn, to which she humorously responded with her commitment to portraying Mary Poppins.
March 2019 brought news of another addition to the writing team. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Matthew Robinson, known for co-writing films like The Invention of Lying, Monster Trucks, and Dora and the Lost City of Gold, joined the effort to craft the screenplay. However, as Tom Cruise transitioned from Top Gun: Maverick to the next Mission: Impossible installment and Emily Blunt engaged in battling a different foe in A Quiet Place: Part II, Live Die Repeat faced another delay. This setback was further exacerbated a year later by the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In early 2021, Liman, in conversation with Collider, revealed that the sequel’s production was primarily hindered by the packed schedules of Cruise and Blunt, emphasizing that their commitment was crucial to the film’s realization.
Tom Cruise’s New Deal With Warner Bros. Makes Edge of Tomorrow 2 a Priority
In a recent update on the sequel, Emily Blunt expressed her eagerness for Edge of Tomorrow 2, emphasizing her readiness but acknowledging the persistent challenge posed by Tom Cruise’s commitment to the Mission: Impossible franchise. Despite her enthusiasm, Blunt candidly admitted uncertainty about the timing and logistics, humorously questioning, “And how many Mission: Impossibles does he need?” This skepticism is understandable given Cruise’s relentless pursuit of death-defying feats as Ethan Hunt. However, hopes for the sequel’s realization brightened with Tom Cruise’s new franchise deal with Warner Bros. While Edge of Tomorrow 2 is reportedly a priority, Cruise’s upcoming Mission: Impossible installment and the recently announced Top Gun 3 add to his packed schedule.
On a positive note, the anticipation for a sequel is paralleled by a growing appreciation for the original film. Filmmaker Barry Jenkins, years after its release, took to Twitter to commend Edge of Tomorrow, declaring it “totally holds up” and describing it as a “FANTASTIC film.” Despite such acclaim, the prospect of a sequel hinges on the collaboration of the formidable trio – Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, and Doug Liman. Fans of the 2014 gem find themselves eagerly awaiting news, hoping that the busy schedules of everyone involved, particularly Mr. Cruise, align for another thrilling time-warped battle against alien mimics.
Summing It Up!
In conclusion, the lingering question persists: Why Haven’t We Gotten an Edge of Tomorrow Sequel? Edge of Tomorrow, initially met with skepticism, defied expectations upon its 2014 release, delivering a clever and unique sci-fi thrill ride. Despite a lackluster box office performance, the film garnered acclaim and developed a passionate fan base over the years. The anticipation for a sequel sparked in 2015 when Christopher McQuarrie announced its development, but logistical challenges and the busy schedules of Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt hindered its realization. Recent updates, however, bring a glimmer of hope, with Warner Bros. prioritizing Edge of Tomorrow 2 and Tom Cruise’s new franchise deal potentially clearing the path for another thrilling encounter with Major William Cage and Sergeant Rita Vrataski. As fans eagerly await news, the appreciation for the original film continues to grow, underscoring the desire for a sequel that hinges on the collaboration of this formidable trio.
