The Book of Eli was a box office hit that reimagined the post-apocalypse genre, but will there ever be a sequel to the Denzel Washington movie?
The Book of Eli was a big hit when it was released in 2010, and there's still a question of whether there will be a Book of Eli 2. Though the movie failed to impress most critics, the post-apocalyptic neo-Western was still praiseworthy for its unique take on the genre. The Book of Eli also fared well at the box office and managed to gross over $150 million (via Box Office Mojo) thanks to the star power of Denzel Washington in the lead role.
As is usually the case with blockbuster movies, speculation regarding a sequel to The Book of Eli started up almost immediately after its release, with the hope that viewers would get to see more of the post-apocalyptic landscape. With similar movies like Mad Maxblossoming into full-fledged franchises, the idea of an extended universe for The Book of Eli isn't entirely out of the question. However, with so much time passed since the original's release, the chances of a Book of Eli 2 grow slimmer and slimmer with each year.
Mila Kunis Says There Won't Be A Book Of Eli 2
What really fanned the flames of a potential sequel to The Book of Eli was the character evolution of Solara, played by Mila Kunis. While she started off timid and unsure, Solara had seemingly replaced Eli following his death at the end of The Book of Eli, and her decision to leave the sanctuary of Alcatraz Island obviously meant she had unfinished business in her hometown. Solara would be a perfect character to lead a sequel, and the possibility to expand the universe of the first film could be found in her adventures.
Speaking with Hindustan Times, Kunis denied any chance of a Book of Eli follow-up when she said, "I don't think there should be a sequel. I think the purpose of the story ends. It's done." Considering the fact that the story could only really continue with Solara, the chances of The Book of Eli 2 are essentially none without Kunis on board. A recast would completely rob a sequel of its power, even if it tied up some of the loose ends from the first film. With so many years between releases, The Book of Eli 2 would have to be nearly perfect to succeed.
The Book Of Eli's Ending Was Definitive
Another big reason why The Book of Eli 2 is highly unlikely is that the ending of the original film wraps up the story concisely. While it doesn't explicitly explain everything, the ending of The Book of Eli is strong enough to finish the story on a powerful note with nothing else needed to complete the experience. Solara's character change was the perfect way to send the audience home happy, but it didn't necessarily warrant a sequel. Furthermore, Eli's blindness twist was also a satisfying surprise to cap off the story.
With the title character dying triumphantly after completing his mission, the main message of The Book of Eli had been fulfilled. Eli successfully delivers the Bible into the hands of Lombardi through his memory, and it's clear that Carnegie's power has slipped, and his empire has crumbled. Science fiction films rarely get as definitive an ending as The Book of Eli, and a potential Book of Eli 2 would only serve to harm its legacy.
