Ben Wheatley vs the mega-shark
The filmmaker has, implausibly, signed up for The Meg 2. Here’s why he’s actually the perfect fit
THE ACTION
Free Fire showed that Wheatley can handle a very complicated shoot-out. Now, pair The Stath up with a genetically mutated, giant Armie Hammer and Brie Larson, give The Meg a pair of pump-action shotguns (and some arms), and we’re off to the aquatic races.
THE GORE
2018’s The Meg was a disappointingly bloodless affair. As was Rebecca, with Wheatley dipping his toes in the waters of the 12 certificate for the first time. With The Meg 2, he can chum the waters again. “Smile, you fackin’ caaaaaaaahnt!” The Stath might yell, as he bashes in The Meg’s brains with a giant Armie Hammer.
THE CAUSTIC HUMOUR
From Sightseers to High-rise, Wheatley’s films are known for their mordant sense of humour. Something that could easily fit into The Meg 2, if Wheatley regular Michael Smiley signs on to voice the shark. “Brie is on the menu tonight, so it is,” he could quip, winking at the camera as he does.
THE DINNER TABLE SCENE
Painfully awkward scenes around the dinner table are a staple of Wheatley’s films (eg Happy New Year, Colin Burstead). And it can’t come any more painful or awkward than stilted conversation over a stuffed crab with a giant, fishy predator that wants to swallow you whole.
THE FOLK
Wheatley loves to drop a bit of folk into his movies. Because nothing says heart-pumping action set-piece like the soothing sounds of a guitarist gently plucking away.
THE NAME
That name just won’t work. Too generic for Wheatley. How about ‘The Meg 2: Krill List’?