‘Alita: Battle Angel 2’: Here’s how the sequel could still happen if Disney won’t give it the greenlight

In its current home, aka Disney, the making of “Alita: Battle Angel 2” still seems like a long shot. However, a recent major organizational change in Hollywood is believed to have opened a new opportunity for the elusive sequel project.

‘Alita: Battle Angel 2’ may have a better chance outside Disney

To better understand this, fans should first note that the movie adaptation of Yukito Kishiro’s “Gunnm” manga series was one of the IPs Disney acquired after its mega-merger with 20th Century Fox (now 20th Century Studios) in early 2019. This explains why cast and producers have been telling fans Disney is the one they need to convince about “Alita: Battle Angel 2.”

Fast forward to a few weeks ago, CinemaBlend noted of the announcement that Fox’s former executive Emma Watts is the new president of Paramount Pictures. That meant Watts is now working again with Jim Gianopulos, who worked for Fox before becoming the CEO of Paramount. During their time together at Fox, the report maintained that Watts and Gianopulos played important roles in making sure the movie would premiere despite getting delayed for decades. Watts is even credited as one of the production executives of the first film.

With Watts and Gianopulos now the bosses of another major Hollywood studio and their previous attachment to James Cameron’s pet project, it greatly increases the chances of “Alita: Battle Angel 2” getting made. But it might be easier said than done. Even when the Paramount executives would be on board in producing the sequel, they are likely to have to go through an arduous negotiation because, again, Disney owns the rights to the movie IP.

‘Alita: Battle Angel 2’ plot: How the first movie’s ending has set up a sequel

When the day comes that “Alita: Battle Angel 2” finds a studio that would invest in it, it should not be difficult for the premise of the sequel to materialize. The first movie sufficiently set up where Alita (Rosa) is likely going next based on the final moments in the film.

Fans may recall that Alita had finally joined the Motorball tournament. Based on what the announcer said in the background, Alita gained massive successes in such a short period, but she has yet to become the league champion. Anyone who knows about the original manga is aware that it is a feat Alita could easily attain, but this could mean Motorball is one of the possible main plot elements in “Alita: Battle Angel 2."