Vin Diesel has officially confirmed the sequel to The Last Witch Hunter, titled The Lion’s Oath, is set for release in 2026. The 2015 original featured Diesel as Kaulder and, despite its poor critical reception and lackluster box office performance, the actor will reprise his role in this highly anticipated follow-up. Diesel made the announcement through an Instagram post celebrating the franchise’s ten-year anniversary, highlighting the return of his character.
Historical Reception and Box Office Performance
The first film, The Last Witch Hunter, was met with overwhelmingly negative reviews, holding a mere 17% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 44% audience score according to Popcornmeter. Financially, the movie earned $146.9 million worldwide against an estimated budget of $90 million, falling short of the approximate $225 million break-even mark typically expected in Hollywood. This commercial underperformance makes the sequel’s confirmation all the more unexpected.
Reasons Behind the Sequel’s Greenlight
Despite the initial disappointment, Lionsgate’s decision to move forward with The Last Witch Hunter 2 reflects its sustained popularity on streaming and home video platforms over the past decade. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson emphasized the franchise’s growing fanbase, stating,
“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. 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.”
Fogelson’s remarks also hint that the new film’s budget will likely be lower than the original’s $90 million, though no official figures have been disclosed yet.
Returning Cast and Character Details
Details regarding the continuation of the story remain scarce, but it has been confirmed that Michael Caine is coming out of retirement to reprise his role as the 36th Dolan, a priest who aids Kaulder in battling the witches. Caine, who announced his retirement in October 2023, lends significant weight to the project with his involvement. However, it remains uncertain whether other previous cast members like Rose Leslie or Rena Owen will return for the sequel.
Next Steps and Expectations for the Sequel
With a planned release in 2026, production on The Last Witch Hunter 2 is expected to commence soon. Fans can anticipate more details on the plot, additional casting, and an official premiere date within the upcoming months. This sequel aims not only to build on the original’s world but also to leverage new filmmaking technologies to create a more ambitious cinematic experience.
Vin Diesel’s Reflection on the Franchise
Marking the franchise’s milestone, Vin Diesel reflected on the decade-long journey of Kaulder’s story, saying,
“A decade ago, this weekend, Kaulder was first introduced… this year you have resurrected him….”
His post included images of himself in character, brandishing a sword and donning Kaulder’s signature costume, stirring excitement among fans eagerly awaiting the new installment.
