Michael Caine is set to come out of retirement to star alongside Vin Diesel in the sequel to The Last Witch Hunter, currently in development at Lionsgate. The 92-year-old actor is expected to reprise his role, as the studio fast-tracks the project with support from Diesel’s production company, One Race Films.
Although a final agreement has yet to be signed, Caine is anticipated to return as Dolan, the priest who aids Diesel’s character, Kaulder, in battling a deadly plague unleashed by a powerful witch queen in the original 2015 film.
The Origins and Impact of The Last Witch Hunter
The first Last Witch Hunter was a personal endeavor for Vin Diesel, inspired by his own Dungeons & Dragons campaigns where he played Melkor, the Witch Hunter character. Released in October 2015 by Lionsgate, it earned $27 million in North America but found greater success internationally, grossing $119 million globally.
Lionsgate noted that the film’s resurgence through digital and home video platforms, including being one of Netflix’s most-watched movies this year, played a crucial role in reviving interest that led to the sequel’s launch nearly a decade later.
Studio Confidence and the Promise of a Bigger Sequel
Adam Fogelson, Chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, highlighted the film’s growing fan base and continued popularity across streaming services as key factors in greenlighting the sequel. He emphasized the creative partnership with Vin Diesel and noted how advances in filmmaking technology allow for a more ambitious and cost-effective production than before.
‘The Last Witch Hunter’ has grown since its theatrical release into a global fan favorite, with audiences continuing to discover and rewatch it across every platform over the past decade. That enduring enthusiasm made clear there is an appetite for more stories set in this world,
—Adam Fogelson, Chair, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group
Vin and I have partnered many times over the years, and he is a true force in our industry. I’m thrilled to be reuniting with him as he returns to this iconic role, and excited by how advancements in filmmaking technology now allow us to economically deliver a sequel on an even more ambitious scale.
—Adam Fogelson, Chair, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group
Michael Caine’s Decision to End Retirement for This Role
This sequel marks Michael Caine’s first acting role after retiring in 2023, a decision he announced while promoting The Great Escaper, his last feature about a World War II veteran breaking out of his care home to mark D-Day’s anniversary. At the time, Caine spoke about why he chose to retire from acting.
I’ve figured, I’ve had a picture where I’ve played the lead and it’s got incredible reviews,
—Michael Caine, Actor
The only parts I’m likely to get now are old men, 90-year-old men, maybe 85. And I thought, ‘Well, I might as well leave with all this — I’ve got wonderful reviews. What have I got to do to beat this?’
—Michael Caine, Actor
What the Sequel Means for Fans and the Franchise
The upcoming Last Witch Hunter sequel brings renewed excitement for fans of the original and those interested in Vin Diesel’s fantasy world. With Caine reversing his retirement and Diesel returning to his role as Kaulder, the film promises to expand the universe with more intense storytelling and improved production scope. Lionsgate’s commitment and technological advances may deliver a more ambitious installment, potentially revitalizing the franchise for a new generation of audiences worldwide.
