A Knight’s Tale, the beloved 2001 film starring Heath Ledger, almost got a sequel on Netflix. However, the project fell through due to Sony’s lack of interest and Netflix’s algorithm indicating it would not be successful.
Screenwriter Brian Helgeland had two ideas for the sequel: one following William’s nemesis, Count Adhemar, and another following William’s daughter. He explained the first idea as, “They end up as galley slaves after their boat is captured by pirates. There’s a prisoner on the boat who has a treasure map tattooed on his back, but he keeps getting flogged for indiscipline. The guys volunteer to take turns getting flogged in this prisoner’s place, so the map isn’t erased.”
The second idea was pitched by Paul Bettany, who played Geoffrey Chaucer in the movie. Helgeland said, “The guys had an idea that William had passed away during a war. However, William has a teenage daughter who wants to joust, but she’s not allowed to because she’s a woman. She tracks down the gang and they agree to teach her how to joust, but she has to hide who she is. They cut her hair short, and she speaks with a deep voice.”
After hearing the second idea, Helgeland pitched to Sony again. “It seemed like they were interested in making it with Netflix,” he recalled. However, Netflix’s algorithm indicated that the sequel would not be successful, and the project was ultimately scrapped.
Despite the failed sequel attempt, A Knight’s Tale remains a popular film, gaining popularity with each passing year.
