Steven Soderbergh Plans Potential Sequel to ‘Contagion’ Focused on Microplastics
Filmmaker Steven Soderbergh remains busy with various projects, including the release of two films, “Presence” and “Black Bag,” and the completion of another titled “The Christophers.” In addition, he is currently working on a book discussing the making of the iconic film “Jaws.” However, recent interviews reveal that Soderbergh is also exploring the possibility of a sequel to his 2011 pandemic thriller, “Contagion,” in collaboration with screenwriter Scott Z. Burns.
The Impact of Microplastics
In a recent conversation with Variety, Soderbergh highlighted the urgent topic of microplastics, which has increasingly garnered public attention and concern in recent years. “There’s certainly a case to be made, especially in the West, for the long-term effects, environmentally, of what we eat, what we breathe,” Soderbergh stated. He went on to emphasize the alarming fact that microplastics have been found in human blood and reportedly in brains, suggesting that these developments could have significant health implications.
Crafting a Plausible Narrative
Soderbergh underscored that any sequel would need to present a fresh narrative, steering away from simply capitalizing on the success of the original film. “It would have to be about something new, but also something that’s plausible,” he noted. “The reason people resonated with ‘Contagion’ during its initial release and again in light of the COVID-19 pandemic was its grounded realism,” he explained.
Exploring Human Behavior
In describing what could drive the film’s plot, he suggested looking into current events that might escalate into larger crises with a slight push. “It would need to be something that’s going on right now that just needs a tiny little shove to turn into a huge thing,” he commented. He also mentioned his desire to find a new source of fear that feels authentic and relatable, echoing the chilling essence of the original film.
Reflections on the Pandemic Response
Since the film’s resurgence in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, Soderbergh has reflected on the human behavior exhibited during real-life emergencies. “There’s a lot of really fascinating human behavior that we didn’t even think about when we were doing this,” he stated, acknowledging how the film’s realistic depiction of pandemic dynamics was met with often irrational responses from the public during the actual crisis.
Current Projects
As for his latest projects, “Black Bag” is currently showing in theaters, distributed by Focus Features. The multi-talented director continues to engage with contemporary issues through his artistic endeavors, aiming to create work that resonates with audiences while addressing real-world challenges.
