As waves crash upon the shorelines, tourists flocking to oceanic paradises for a peaceful getaway are in for a monstrous surprise. The gigantic prehistoric predator, Megalodon, is once again making waves in the cinematic universe with “Meg 2: The Trench“. This time, not only is the monstrous shark returning, but it is accompanied by a horde of its kin and other ancient deep-sea behemoths.
In a recent tête-à-tête, the film’s director, Ben Wheatley, delved deep into the behind-the-scenes process of creating one of the movie’s most anticipated stunts: putting characters literally into the jaws of danger – the mouth of the Megalodon itself. He described an intriguing mix of practical effects to bring this daunting vision to life.
“We had, like, a kind of bumper bar or something like that, and then people in the swimming pool, and we were pulling over and then pulling them down from underneath and all this. [Laughs] Yeah, it was good fun. And then, obviously, that’s some great CG on it as well to finish it off.”
Expanding on the universe introduced in the initial film, “Meg 2: The Trench” aims to go above and beyond. While the first film showcased a mere couple of megalodons threatening humanity, the sequel promises a cavalcade of colossal sea creatures, emerging from the abyss to challenge both those keen on studying these maritime mysteries and those with ulterior motives, capitalizing on their prehistoric prowess.
As Wheatley recalls the conceptualization of the awe-inducing inside-the-mouth shot, he says
“What it was with that is I’d drawn a lot of gags for the sharks. So we were thinking about, ‘What could the sharks do?’ And this interior mouth shot was something like, ‘Oh god, we gotta do that. That’s great!’ And that fear of people being eaten alive was the thing, and the reality of what happens. […] The Meg is massive, and when people go in its mouth, you don’t know what happens to them, but that’s the question in your mind, is like, ‘What happens next once you’re inside there?’ Because if you don’t get bitten by the thing, which is unlikely, you’re just swimming around inside. And I think that’s what makes it fun.”
A Dive into the Depths: Jonas Taylor Returns for “Meg 2: The Trench”
Making a splashing return is Jason Statham as Jonas Taylor. It’s been half a decade since we saw Statham confronting the terrifying Megalodon in “The Meg”. Taylor, once a proficient rescue diver, has been haunted by his past encounters with the gargantuan beast. His insatiable curiosity propels him deeper into the mysteries of the deep, searching for more knowledge about these ancient aquatic anomalies. But little does he know, his quest will not only bring him face-to-face with a myriad of marine monsters but also put him in a position to safeguard those on the coastlines. Joining him in this thrilling marine adventure are co-stars Wu Jing, Sophia Cai, and Page Kennedy.
For those ready to take a deep dive into this aquatic adventure, the official trailer for “Meg 2: The Trench” is now available for viewing.
Conclusion
“Meg 2: The Trench” promises to be a mammoth marine roller-coaster ride, amping up the suspense and adrenaline from its predecessor. With a plethora of ancient sea creatures, intricate visual effects, and a stellar cast, the film is set to be a cinematic experience that plunges viewers into the thrilling depths of oceanic terror. With Wheatley at the helm, fans can expect a refreshing blend of horror, action, and mesmerizing aquatic visuals, making it a must-watch for thrill-seekers and marine enthusiasts alike.
