Hollywood has always been big on franchises. Most films that the industry has released in the past few years have been either an adaptation of existing IPs or the beginning of a new franchise. However, some of the films that had the potential to be franchises ended up not getting their due sequels.

One such franchise is The A-Team. The action film was based on the hit TV show and starred prominent actors such as Bradley Cooper, Liam Neeson, and Jessica Biel. While plans were on for a potential sequel, the film’s lackluster performance at the box office put an end to such plans. However, South African actor Sharlto Copley, who played HM Murdock in the film still hopes that something might pan out.

Why Did The Bradley Cooper and Liam Neeson Starrer Fail?

Bradley Cooper and Liam Neeson in The A-Team

Since the 1990s, a feature film based on the original TV series was in development and had gone through multiple writers and directors. The setting of the original series was based on the Vietnam War and the makers had to update it, taking the Gulf War as the inspiration. The film finally found its director in Joe Carnahan. The makers then cast Liam Neeson and Bradley Cooper as the main protagonists, John Smith and Templeton Peck respectively.

With a $80 million dollar budget, which eventually shot up to $100 million, the Bradley Cooper starrer opened to lackluster reviews. Many criticized the complex plot, messy screenplay, incomprehensible edits, and deviation from the original series. While some critics did term it as mindless fun, most felt that the film was a miss.

The original cast of the film also had unfavorable reviews about the film. Dwight Schultz and Dirk Benedict, who played the protagonists in the original series appeared in cameo roles in the film. After the release, both stated that they regretted the cameo. Schultz issued a statement mentioning that the film while paying homage to the series, was still an ‘eschewed version’ of the original TV show. Mr.T, who starred as BA Baracus in the series refused to make an appearance in the film.

The film earned $177 million against a $100 million budget. While many, including stars Bradley Cooper and Liam Neeson, were interested in a sequel, the underwhelming box officer returns led to all plans for it being scrapped by the studios.

Will The A-Team 2 Happen?

Bradley Cooper in The A-Team

The A-Team has since gained notoriety for being a ‘fun’ film and has become a cult classic. Many cinephiles are still hoping for a sequel. In fact, the expectation is not just from the audience but from cast members themselves.

Director Joe Carnahan ruled out the potential for a sequel due to the film’s underwhelming performance. Bradley Cooper, in an interview with Empire during the promotions of Limitless, was asked about the potential for a sequel to The A-Team. While he said he was a fan of the film, he also mentioned that a sequel was far from being a reality. In the interview, he mentioned,

“I loved it too. But unfortunately, outside of you, a few of your friends, and myself, there just wasn’t enough revenue to supply a second installment of that franchise.”

Sharlto Copley

The one actor, who has continuously expressed his excitement for the franchise is South African actor Sharlto Copley. The actor played the role of HM Murdock in the film. Copley is known for his frequent collaborations with District 9 director Neil Blomkamp. The actor has collaborated with the director on films such as District 9, Elysium, and Chappie. Copley has had a rather cold streak with franchise films. Most of the films he was a part of, including the Blomkamp collaborations have been teasing sequels, with none of them materialising.

While promoting Beast, his action film with Idris Elba, the actor spoke about a potential A-Team sequel,
“100%. I get that A-Team thing all the time. I still to this day can’t… I mean, it’s District 9 and The A-Team that I get all over the world in the most obscure places.”
The actor also criticized the current trend of franchise films and the lack of originality. He specifically mentioned the craft of Everything Everywhere All At Once, saying that the film had a “lot of artistry” in it. While Copley is looking forward to District 10, Blomkamp’s follow-up to his hit debut, the world still clamors for a sequel to The A-Team.