So much for that 'Eastern Promises' sequel

Back when Vincent Cassell was filming David Cronenberg's A Dangerous Method, the actor let slip that a sequel to the Russian mafia thriller, Eastern Promises, was in the works. Talk of a follow-up has only increased ever since, despite the film not really seeming like it lent itself naturally to a sequel. It didn't exactly do gangbusters at the box office, either, earning less than $60M worldwide, but earning the high praise of critics and audiences. It was beginning to look like the film would be next on Cronenberg's to-do list back in June when he was confirmed to direct it, with original scribe Steven Knight returning, and Viggo Mortensen due back as well. So where does the film stand now?

ThePlaylist had a chance to speak with Cronenberg while he was doing press for Cosmopolis, and according to the director, Eastern Promises 2 is dead as a doornail. In reference to what he had coming up next, here's what he said....

Cronenberg: "It was supposed to be 'Eastern Promises 2.' But that's dead."

Ok, that sounds mighty final. Cronenberg said that filming was to begin in October, which is sooner than many thought. He also said you could blame Focus Features for pulling the plug. Somebody must've crunched the numbers and figured it probably wasn't financially viable, and to be honest, they were probably right. Then again, it may have been worth it just to stay on Cronenberg's good side, because I imagine he's pretty bitter right now.