As “Edge of Tomorrow” neared its release date, skepticism loomed among the audience for several valid reasons. The sci-fi epic, directed by Doug Liman, bore some striking similarities to Tom Cruise’s previous work, “Oblivion,” where he confronted malevolent extraterrestrial beings. It also featured a somewhat gimmicky time loop plot device, with Cruise’s character reliving the same day repeatedly. Following the typical summer blockbuster formula, it presented another high-budget spectacle filled with aliens, action sequences, and stunning visual effects.
However, when “Edge of Tomorrow” made its debut in June 2014, it defied expectations by delivering an ingenious, distinctive, and tightly woven thrill ride that dared to break convention and breathe fresh life into seemingly worn-out concepts. Both critics and viewers were overwhelmingly impressed, and it didn’t take long for devoted fans to start pondering the possibility of a sequel. Nearly a decade has passed since its theatrical release, yet the prospect of a follow-up that fans eagerly anticipate seems as distant as ever. This raises the burning question: Will we ever witness Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) and Sergeant Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt) return to battle with extraterrestrial foes?
‘Edge of Tomorrow’s Box Office Performance Made a Sequel Seem Unlikely
In the weeks leading up to its release, “Edge of Tomorrow” faced uncertainty at the box office. Despite Tom Cruise’s star power, industry experts identified several challenges for the film. With a combined budget of nearly $300 million for production and marketing, it needed a strong and sustained run in theaters. Initially, the movie didn’t seem particularly distinct from other sci-fi action films featuring large-scale alien invasions. Moreover, in a crowded summer movie season, it had to contend with tough competition and lacked clear marketing direction, as analyst Doug Creutz pointed out, saying, “Nobody really knows what this film is.”
According to reports from Variety, “Edge of Tomorrow” was projected to earn a modest $30 million during its domestic opening weekend, with Warner Bros. banking on stronger international performance, where Tom Cruise had been more popular in recent years compared to North America. However, the movie fell slightly short of expectations, bringing in just $28 million domestically and an additional $20 million in 28 international markets. Ultimately, it closed its theatrical run with a little over $100 million in North America and a worldwide total of $370 million, falling short of Warner Bros.’s hopes despite their significant investment.
Considering Hollywood’s typical reluctance to greenlight tentpole sequels solely based on audience acclaim rather than box office results, the idea of a “Edge of Tomorrow” sequel initially seemed unlikely. However, the film’s positive reception among critics and viewers, along with strong word-of-mouth, set the stage for a movie that would become a fan favorite, continuing to grow its passionate fan base over the years.
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, hinted at the possibility of a sequel. He told Collider, “I can only say it’s in the works.” While fans were excited by this vague but hopeful statement, it marked the beginning of a lengthy development process that has yet to fully materialize. A few months later, director Doug Liman revealed that he was working with screenwriters Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse on a script that would serve as both a sequel and a prequel.
By Spring 2017, Liman had more to share about the project, which he named “Live Die Repeat and Repeat” (later shortened to “Live Die Repeat”). He enthusiastically told fzmoviesz, “We have an amazing story! It’s incredible! Way better than the first film, and I obviously loved the first film. Tom is excited about it, and Emily Blunt is excited about it. The big question is just when we’ll do it. But it’s not an if, it’s a when.” Fans were thrilled by this news, especially because Liman had ambitious plans to redefine how sequels are made and bring some radical ideas to life. However, despite the widespread excitement for the potential follow-up, bringing all the pieces together to make it happen has proven challenging.
Packed Schedules Pose Challenges for ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ Sequel
As work continued on “Live Die Repeat,” there were many contributors involved in its development. In 2018, Doug Liman announced that Jez Butterworth, co-writer of “Edge of Tomorrow,” would return to work on the sequel’s screenplay. Liman, speaking with Collider once again, emphasized that the story was “amazing” but they were still determining its feasibility.
During the same year, while discussing her role as Mary Poppins in 2018’s “Mary Poppins Returns,” Emily Blunt commented on the sequel’s status, explaining that her schedule was tied up with her current projects, saying, “Tom was like, ‘Can you go this autumn?’ and I was like, ‘No, I can’t go, I’m playing Mary Poppins for like a year, dude!'”
In March 2019, it was announced that another writer, Matthew Robinson, known for his work on “The Invention of Lying,” “Monster Trucks,” and “Dora and the Lost City of Gold,” had been brought in to work on the screenplay. However, due to Tom Cruise’s commitments with “Top Gun: Maverick” and the next “Mission: Impossible” installment, as well as Emily Blunt’s involvement in “A Quiet Place: Part II,” the production of “Live Die Repeat” faced further delays. These delays were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Doug Liman explained in early 2021 that the availability of Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt remained the key factors determining the sequel’s progress, saying, “The stars are the gatekeepers. If you can get Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt to commit to the movie, it’s going to happen.”
The Fate of an ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ Sequel Still Uncertain
The most recent update on the sequel comes from Emily Blunt, who enthusiastically expressed her readiness for it. However, she also pointed out the ongoing challenge posed by Tom Cruise’s dedication to the “Mission: Impossible” series, saying, “I would love to see it happen, but I’m uncertain about when or how it could happen. How many ‘Mission: Impossible’ films does he need?” It’s a valid question, given Cruise’s unwavering commitment to daring stunts as superspy Ethan Hunt.
While it’s safe to assume that both Cruise and director Doug Liman are still eager for the sequel, it’s been a while since they’ve publicly addressed “Live Die Repeat.” Since a sequel wouldn’t be complete without the trio of Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, and Doug Liman, fans of the 2014 hit will have to keep their fingers crossed, hoping that everyone’s busy schedules, especially Mr. Cruise’s, will eventually align for another thrilling battle against the time-looping alien mimics.
