I didn’t care a whole lot for Never Back Down, and so I can’t say that I’ll be rushing to see Never Back Down 2; though it’s great to see Michael Jai White stretching himself and trying his hand at directing.
Never Back Down 2 will be White’s feature-film directorial debut. If I can muster up any interest in seeing the sequel, it’ll be mostly for that specific reason – to see what Mr White can do behind the camera.
The first film in what may become a franchise was released in 2008, and co-starred Djimon Hounsou. It was poorly reviewed by critics, and managed a $41 million worldwide box office gross. Sony Pictures will release Never Back Down 2 this summer, June 10th, 2011, says IMDB, which is a Friday; meaning, a theatrical release is likely planned.
White promised, a “darker installment… with a more of a ‘The Dark Knight’ feel…,” and less of a, “Melrose Place vibe.” I guess he felt that the first one had more of a Melrose Place vibe? Hah!
Its synopsis: Four fighters from different backgrounds come together to train under an ex MMA rising star, and then ultimately have to fight each other and the traitor in heir midst.
White stars in the film too, by the way, as the above ex MMA rising star.
Courtesy of Twitch, watch the first trailer below:
