Building Franchises: David Leitch and Kelly McCormick on the Success of Nobody 2 and Future Projects

David Leitch and Kelly McCormick Forge New Franchises with Nobody 2

Pittsburgh, PA — David Leitch and Kelly McCormick, the dynamic duo behind some of Hollywood’s most successful action franchises, are making waves once again with their latest project, Nobody 2. The film, which premiered on August 15, stars Bob Odenkirk as Hutch Mansel, an unassuming suburban dad with a dark past as a former assassin.

Leitch, who co-directed the original John Wick, and McCormick, his producing partner and wife, have proven their mettle in the action genre with hits like Deadpool 2 and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw. However, with Nobody 2, their production company, 87North, is stepping into the spotlight, showcasing its ability to create original franchises rather than merely adapting existing ones.

The film, produced on a modest budget of $25 million, has already grossed $17 million in its opening week, signaling a promising future for Odenkirk’s character. Fans can expect at least one more installment, as Odenkirk himself has expressed a desire to continue exploring Hutch’s story.

The journey to Nobody 2 wasn’t without its challenges. Just eight weeks before filming was set to begin, the original director departed for another project, leaving Leitch and McCormick scrambling for a replacement. They ultimately found Indonesian filmmaker Timo Tjahjanto, who made his Hollywood studio debut with this film. McCormick praised Tjahjanto’s ability to respect the original vision while adding his unique flair to the project.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Leitch and McCormick discussed their creative process and the evolution of Hutch Mansel’s character. McCormick noted that the sequel was conceived early on, with the idea of exploring “microaggressions” faced by families on vacation. The duo decided to set the film in a small American town rather than the initially considered backdrop of Italy, allowing for a more relatable narrative.

Leitch emphasized the importance of unpacking Hutch’s past, stating, “Going to his childhood park and remembering it a different way was also a connection that seemed to work really well.”

As they continue to build their franchise, 87North is already gearing up for Violent Night 2, featuring David Harbour as a Santa Claus with a unique set of skills. The film is set to begin production soon, further solidifying Leitch and McCormick’s commitment to creating original content.

With the recent announcement of a stunt Oscar, which Leitch played a significant role in advocating for, the duo is optimistic about the future of action films. They believe that recognizing stunt work as a legitimate craft will elevate the genre and encourage filmmakers to push the boundaries of action design.

As they juggle multiple projects, including How to Rob a Bank, Leitch and McCormick remain focused on creating bold, original stories. With seven films slated for release in just two years, their dedication to the craft is evident.

In a world where franchises dominate the box office, Leitch and McCormick are determined to carve out their own niche, proving that original stories can thrive alongside established IPs. As they continue to innovate and inspire, audiences can look forward to more thrilling adventures from the minds behind Nobody 2.