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Lionsgate is officially bringing back The Last Witch Hunter for a long-awaited sequel, with Vin Diesel set to reprise his role as Kaulder, the immortal warrior who hunts down dark witch covens. The studio announced Monday that the project is in early development but is being fast-tracked alongside Diesel's One Race Films, with production expected to ramp up quickly.
In another exciting update, veteran actor Michael Caine is also attached to return as Dolan, Kaulder's trusted ally and advisor. "Vin and I have partnered many times over the years, and he is a true force in our industry," said Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate's Motion Picture Group. "The Last Witch Hunter has grown since its original release into a global fan favorite, with audiences discovering and re-watching it across every platform. That enduring enthusiasm made clear there's an appetite for more stories in this world."
The original film, released in 2015, earned $130 million worldwide during its theatrical run. While its box office performance was modest at the time, the movie has since found new life in streaming. Lionsgate revealed that The Last Witch Hunter recently ranked among the five most-watched films on Netflix, sparking fresh interest in the franchise.
Advancements in visual effects and production technology are expected to play a major role in the sequel. "We can now deliver an even bigger, more ambitious film, while being smart about our budget," Fogelson noted.
The first film followed Kaulder, cursed with immortality after defeating a powerful witch queen, as he fought to prevent humanity from falling victim to dark magic. It also starred Rose Leslie and Elijah Wood, though there's no word yet on whether they will return.
Diesel, who has been vocal about revisiting his past characters, is currently developing several projects, including a fourth Riddick movie and the finale to the Fast & Furious saga.
No director or screenwriter has been confirmed, but Lionsgate emphasized that they plan to move quickly. As Fogelson put it, "Fans have been asking for this story to continue for years, and now is the perfect time to bring Kaulder back to the big screen."
