Hugh Jackman's boxing-robots movie Real Steel isn't released until October, but Dreamworks are already moving forward with sequel plans, according to a report by Deadline.
The film is currently a bit of an unknown quantity, based on a Richard Matheson ( I Am Legend ) short story, and seemingly inspired by the Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots toyline.
That hasn't deterred DreamWorks, who have apparently been pleased by the reception the film has received at conventions and internal screenings.
The studio have set writer John Gatins to work on the sequel, and they'll also be hoping to lock in the star and director for another outing.
Real Steel stars Jackman as a boxing promoter who trains up one of these new-fangled pugilist machines. Shawn Levy directs, and while his back catalogue doesn't inspire a huge amount of faith ( Night at the Museum , Date Night ) he does seem to know how to pack in the crowds.
Perhaps the plot, with Jackman's character using the medium of robot boxing to reconnect with his son and estranged wife ( Lost 's Evangeline Lilly), will be able to find the human heart that's so lacking in the Transformers movies.
The trailer showcased some mightily-impressive special effects, but it still remains to be seen if Levy can get us caring about a robots in the ring.
Real Steel hits cinemas on 7 October 2011.
