Ready Player Two fanbase hopes for book accurate adaptation as Steven Spielberg returns

The Ready Player Two movie got an update this week as The Direct published a report on the development of the long-awaited project. Screenwriter Zak Penn was provided an update on the adaptation of the book. Turns out, the experienced writer hasn't finished the screenplay of the movie. Therefore, it seems that it will be a while before the cameras start rolling on the sequel.

The Ready Player One movie was released back in 2018, two years before Ready Player Two was published. But six years later, there hasn't been a movement on the sequel. But Zak Penn's recent comments suggest that we have to wait for a few years for the big screen adaptation of the book.

Ready Player Two - What do we know about the sequel?

Zak Penn spoke with The Direct at a red carpet event for Stuart Fails to Save the Universe. There, The Direct reporter asked Penn about the status of the Ready Player One sequel. To this, Penn responded saying that he is still working on the screenplay of the second movie. Zak Penn had written the screenplay of the first, and it seems that he is doing the same for the second one as well.

This update has fans hopeful that the second movie doesn't stray away from the source material. On the other hand, some were not that enthusiastic for the Ready Player Two adaptation, as opinion on Ready Player One (both the book and movie) has fallen over the years. Many consider it shallow and pandering, adding to the negative perception.

As for Steven Spielberg's involvement, the filmmaker confirmed to Showbiz 411 in 2024 that he will be involved in the sequel, but only as a producer and not director. As of now, we don't know who is directing the sequel.

What is the Ready Player One sequel about?

Published in November 2020, the second book takes place mere days after the events of Ready Player One. The central narrative of the second book revolves around Wade unearthing a device inside one of Halliday’s vaults, which would change the way the world perceives OASIS. As that happens, a new enemy is on Wade's tail as he is in a race against time to save the world as he knows it. The official logline of Ready Player Two reads:

"Days after winning OASIS founder James Halliday’s contest, Wade Watts makes a discovery that changes everything. Hidden within Halliday’s vaults, waiting for his heir to find, lies a technological advancement that will once again change the world and make the OASIS a thousand times more wondrous—and addictive—than even Wade dreamed possible. With it comes a new riddle, and a new quest—a last Easter egg from Halliday, hinting at a mysterious prize."

The synopsis continues:

"And an unexpected, impossibly powerful, and dangerous new rival awaits, one who’ll kill millions to get what he wants. Wade’s life and the future of the OASIS are again at stake, but this time the fate of humanity also hangs in the balance."