District 9 Sequel a Possibility, Says Director Neill Blomkamp

Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on August 18, 2009

“I would do anything to go back to the world of District 9 again. Or District 10.”

Director Neill Blomkamp would like to take a trip back into the world of District 9. Would you like to go with him?

In a series of interviews promoting his recently released sci-fi film, the 29-year old South African director stated in no uncertain terms that if the public wills it, he would like to take another shot at District 9 or perhaps, District 10. In an interview with Fangoria, Blomkamp explained that he would have no problem going back for a sequel:

I’d love to make a sequel, because it’s so creatively rewarding to me; there’s just something about [the story]. It’s my background mixed with the science fiction that I loved.

Of course, it would be hard to go back if he didn’t have his leading man, Sharlto Copley — a character whose storyline would be quite interesting given a sequel:

I’d really like to go back to the world of DISTRICT 9—which, without Sharlto’s character, would be a very different kind of movie. So I think automatically the two of us will be reunited again, should the public decide that this film is something they want to see and it’s successful.

It is safe to say that anyone who has seen District 9 would be open to the idea of a sequel, given that Blomkamp and other members of the principal creative team return. Without spoiling anything, I think we can all agree that there is plenty of story to be had beyond what we see before D9 rolls credits.

But then again — that’s also the problem, isn’t it? The nature District 9’s ending adds to the film’s depth and poignancy, leaving the audience to decide what happens next. It is, in my mind, a stand-alone film that could become an indelible mark on the world of modern science fiction. Going back to that universe could cheapen the lasting effects of what Blomkamp has built with the first film. As in, if a sequel doesn’t happen, I think we will remember District 9 even more fondly for what it is, a great single piece of work from a director with a big, big future.

If you’re like me, then you probably want to know what Blomkamp is talking about when he says, “I’ve actually got an idea now for the next film I want to do, which is [another] science fiction movie.”

You can put money on the fact that this isn’t District 10, nor is it Halo. You can also put money on the fact that I’m instantly ready to hear more.

Would you like to see a sequel to District 9?

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