Vin Diesel Unveils Sequel Title and Story for Witch Hunter Return

After years of speculation, the much-discussed follow-up to Vin Diesel’s fantasy action adventure is finally moving forward. The actor has taken to social media to offer fans a first glimpse at what’s in store, including the official title and some tantalising story details.

From Cult Favourite to Sequel Greenlight

The original 2015 film, directed by Breck Eisner and penned by Cory Goodman, Matt Sazama, and Burk Sharpless, brought together a cast featuring Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood, Michael Caine, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, and Julie Engelbrecht. Diesel starred as Kaulder, a man cursed with immortality, who spends centuries tracking down witches in the present day. Despite Diesel’s personal investment—drawing inspiration from his own Dungeons & Dragons sessions—the film was met with a rather frosty critical reception, earning a mere 18% on Rotten Tomatoes and a modest box office return of $146.9 million. Yet, a resurgence in popularity on streaming platforms has breathed new life into the franchise, paving the way for a sequel.

Now, with renewed interest, the project has been officially announced. Diesel has revealed the sequel’s title: Kaulder the Immortal – The Lion’s Oath. This announcement comes with a cryptic line, hinting at the film’s direction:

“Some debts take centuries to pay.”

Returning Faces and a Leap Through Time

Diesel’s social media post included an image of the script’s cover and opening page, which features a conversation between Kaulder and “Young Dolan.” This likely refers to Michael Caine’s character, the 36th Dolan, who serves as Kaulder’s confidant and aide in his ongoing battle against witches. It has been confirmed that Caine will return to the role, coming out of retirement for the occasion, with his character expected to play a significant part in the unfolding story.

The script’s introduction then jumps forward by 80 years, suggesting the possibility of a flashback sequence. This could mean viewers will see a younger version of Caine’s character, perhaps achieved through digital de-ageing technology, as the narrative explores Kaulder’s enduring quest and the debts he must settle.

Studio Confidence and Technological Ambition

Vin Diesel has long expressed his desire to revisit this world, and his persistence has finally paid off. Adam Fogelsen, chair of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group, recently confirmed the sequel’s development, attributing it to the film’s unexpected streaming success. He remarked,

“The Last Witch Hunter has grown since its theatrical release into a global fan favourite, with audiences continuing to discover and rewatch it across every platform over the past decade. That enduring enthusiasm made clear there is an appetite for more stories set in this world. Vin and I have partnered many times over the years, and he is a true force in our industry. I'm thrilled to be reuniting with him as he returns to this iconic role, and excited by how advancements in filmmaking technology now allow us to economically deliver a sequel on an even more ambitious scale.”

With the combination of returning stars, a fresh narrative direction, and the promise of cutting-edge effects, anticipation is building for Kaulder’s next adventure. The sequel looks set to expand the universe, delving deeper into the immortal witch hunter’s legacy and the centuries-old promises that continue to shape his fate.