The long-awaited sequel to the critically acclaimed 2005 film Lord of War is finally moving forward, as updates roll out on the project's status and its cast. Bill Skarsgård, who is set to star alongside Nicolas Cage, shared the exciting news during his recent appearance on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, indicating a solid timeline for filming and intriguing hints about the story’s progression.
Cage, who will reprise his role as the notorious illegal arms dealer Yuri Orlov, has returned to familiar territory. The sequel, officially titled Lords of War, is expected to start production later this year, with filming slated to commence as early as 2025. Skarsgård remarked, "[Nicolas Cage] is a legend. And it looks like it’s happening next year (referring to 2025)... It’s a great script, and I think it’ll be a fun one." He elaborated on the character he will portray, stating, "The character, he’s a charismatic fking ahole. And you saw the first one… It’s so cynical and so satirical and bleak and like everyone’s terrible, and it’s also kind of a dark comedy… I like when you laugh at terrible people… So I think that'll be a fun one."
Originally, Lord of War earned about $72 million worldwide and opened dialogues on the more sinister aspects of arms trading, drawing inspiration from real-life stories of arms dealers. This upcoming sequel is particularly relevant, considering the persistent global discussions surrounding arms trafficking. According to the latest updates, Lords of War will explore the dynamics between Orlov and his newfound son, Anton, played by Skarsgård. This character aims to surpass his father's legacy, purportedly launching his own mercenary operation to engage America's foreign conflicts.
Director Andrew Niccol, who also helmed the original film, is returning to the project, promising to continue his unique storytelling style. Niccol's past works include The Truman Show and Gattaca, and he has long been recognized for weaving complex narratives with societal commentary. Although some of his recent projects haven't garnered the same acclaim, the return to this compelling world raises expectations for both the film's quality and its thematic depth.
Filming locations are expected to span multiple countries, including Morocco, Libya, Egypt, Senegal, and Mali, signifying the ambitious scale of the production. The budget, too, will likely reflect this expansive vision. It’s worth noting Cage's continued prolific output, with numerous projects lined up for 2025. He's set to appear next in the western film The Gunslingers, alongside Heather Graham, followed by his involvement in the live-action series Spider-Noir and the forthcoming film The Prince, inspired by Hunter Biden’s life.
Meanwhile, Skarsgård is stirring considerable attention of his own, having starred recently as Count Orlok in Robert Eggers’ retelling of Nosferatu. He will also reprise his iconic role as Pennywise for the upcoming IT prequel series, Welcome to Derry. With both actors heavily involved in other projects, their collaboration is set against the backdrop of increased anticipation for Lords of War.
Skarsgård's enthusiasm about the project reflects not just on the script's quality but also on the potential to finesse the same darkly comedic tone observed in the original. He expressed hopefulness about Niccol’s direction, and the cast’s dynamic adding layers to their characters. "I really liked 'Lord of War,' which featured one of Cage’s best performances," Skarsgård noted. It’s clear he values the complex narratives they are about to weave together again.
Fans of the original film and new audiences alike are eager for what is shaping up to be another incisive exploration of the arms trade and its ramifications on personal lives and international relationships. The story promises not just to be one of political commentary but also of personal conflict, moral dilemmas, and the absurdity of the world of arms dealing.
While Lords of War does not yet have an official release date, the anticipation is palpable, as both veteran actors prepare to plunge back within the morally gray waters of their respective roles. With updates likely to continue rolling out, excitement is brewing for 2025 when audiences might finally see these compelling stories come to life on the big screen once again.