There’s no denying that Mike Myers’ comic creation Austin Powers had a deep cultural impact. Through three films, the bumbling British secret agent comedically charmed his way through saving the world from Dr. Evil’s diabolical plans and launched a handful of catchphrases that everyone repeated until they were no longer funny. The franchise ultimately brought in $1 billion dollars, so it is understandable that some folks would be interested in keeping that gravy train going.
Austin Powers franchise director Jay Roach was on Larry King Now and stated that even though it has been 14 years since the last film, he and Myers have not given up on the idea of a fourth film.
You know, Mike Myers and I talk about it every time we get together. I would say it’s in a latent phase right now, but someday if we find the right idea that seems to have it earn itself, for sure. Mike gave me the break of a lifetime in letting me direct [Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery] so I’m always good to go.
Frankly, seeing that we’re already two needless sequels into this franchise, if Meyers and Roach never get around to a third film it will be fine with me. The first film was a legitimate comedy hit, funny and fresh. But like many things from the era of TV’s Saturday Night Live that launched Meyers’ career, the things that everyone liked from the original were recycled and just beaten into the ground ad nauseum with the two sequels. It has gotten to the point where the real joke is someone who finds the Austin Powers schtick to still be funny. I really don’t think that there is anyone out there really clamoring for a fourth Austin Powers movie, except maybe Meyers and Roach. If they were to come out with a really innovative idea for a new sequel, I would be interested. But their track record so far has does not give me much hope that they will.
