Chronicle surprised in February 2012, grossing $127 million worldwide on a $12 million budget. Fox announced a sequel shortly after the release, hiring Chronicle screenwriter Max Landis to script the follow-up. Development slowed over the last year and a half, though. A rumor surfaced that Fox was unhappy with Landis' script for Chronicle 2. Landis responded to claim that Fox liked the script, but the dark tone raised the question, "How do we all compromise to get something we want?"
Landis and Fox were unable to find that compromise, as Landis revealed on Twitter that while Chronicle 2 is "still probably happening," Fox hired other writers and will not be moving forward with Landis' script. If you are unfamiliar with Landis' persona, he is refreshingly candid, so his Twitter stream is worth a look after the jump.
.@PaulVRea I've been off Chronicle 2 for months now. Fox had a different direction they wanted to take the series, Josh was never attached.
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) July 18, 2013
Ultimately, I'm just very grateful to Fox for making a film as close to my original script as Chronicle was. For making the film at all.
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) July 18, 2013
So yeah it's sad that as of right now I'm not involved in the sequel, and don't know what it's about even, but ultimately I can't complain.
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) July 18, 2013
The truth is, when you're successful as a screenwriter, you have to just take everything in stride. That's like more than half the job.
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) July 18, 2013
Chronicle 2 is still probably happening, just not with my involvement as of now. It's a bummer, but there are no real hard feelings.
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) July 18, 2013
They hired new writers on it. I'm sure they'll announce soon. Just hope this answers the questions I've been getting everyday.
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) July 18, 2013
I really enjoyed Chronicle and was eager to see the dark direction Landis, a promising new voice, wanted to take the sequel. Alas, it's not meant to be. If Chronicle 2 is still on the way, I believe Landis is right when he says Fox will announce more information soon---Landis may even have shortened the window.
Landis has plenty of work outside the Chronicle universe coming with several scripts in development, including a Frankenstein project starring Daniel Radcliffe. He begins production on his directorial debut, Me Him Her, on Monday. And Landis promises another online Superman video to follow up his viral breakdown of The Death and Return of Superman and Man of Steel.
