Sailing Sequel

The Associated Press reports that a sequel to 2003's Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is in the works.

Actor Russell Crowe has entered into early negotiations for the sequel, and revealed that a script is already written with much of the action based on "The Reverse of the Medal", the eleventh novel in Patrick O'Brian: twenty-book series.

"There's still a long way to go," Crowe told AP at a cricket match between England and Australia in London. Crowe says talks had been taking place with the owner of the rights to the novels.

The plot for 'Medal' sees Crowe's Captain Jack Aubrey sailing into the Carribbean with his HMS Surprise ship, where he discovers his illegitimate black son, Samuel Panda, now a Catholic priest.

The Captain soon ends up arrested and imprisoned in Marshalsea for insider trading after being setup by his fellow countrymen and a corrupted diplomatic agent.

There's long been talk of a sequel, but the main hurdle has been the budget. 'World' came in at a costly $150 million at the time and made the Oscar nomed pic made just $93 million in the states.

With studios cutting back on costs, adapting 'Medal' isn't unexpected as much of the action will take place as a courtroom drama with little need for much sea-based naval action...

I loved the first pic. Whatever happens with the budget--I hope Capt. Aubrey will be back on the big screen...