Directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by James Cameron, the 2019 film Alita: Battle Angel is based on Yukito Kishiro's 1990s manga series Gunnm, following the journey of its titular cyborg protagonist, Alita, as she navigates a post-apocalyptic world filled with futuristic technology, dangerous adversaries, and unavoidable questions about her identity. However, despite its positive critical reception and immensely loyal fan base, Alita: Battle Angel has yet to receive official confirmation for a sequel (though there are a lot of conversations about it happening soon), leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the continuation of Alita's story at one point in time. But why exactly is Alita both essential and necessary?

Expanding the Universe

One of the primary reasons why a sequel to Alita: Battle Angel is a requirement lies in the rich and expansive universe that the film has brought to life. From the floating city of Zalem to the brutal Motorball competitions, the world-building in Alita is intricate and destined for further exploration. A sequel would provide ample opportunities to delve deeper into the lore of the cyber-punk-like universe, uncovering hidden secrets and inner workings, and a chance to expand on the relationships between different factions and characters. At this point in time we’ve only witnessed a small fraction of this world — and from what’s been teased, there’s still a lot of potential!

Unresolved Mysteries

Throughout Alita: Battle Angel, viewers are presented with numerous unresolved mysteries and unanswered questions that demand closure. There’s Alita's true origin and her connection to the enigmatic city of Zalem, or even the motivations of key characters like Nova, each acting as just a few of the lingering plot threads that were initially constructed for further development. A sequel would not only tie up these loose ends but also introduce new mysteries and challenges for Alita to overcome, keeping audiences engaged due to its fruitful sci-fi lore.

Character Growth and Development

Central to the appeal of Alita: Battle Angel are the complex and multifaceted characters that populate its world. Alita herself undergoes significant growth throughout the film, transforming from a curious and naive cyborg into a fearless warrior determined to uncover the truth about her past. A sequel would create an enriching space to further explore Alita's character arc, delving into her struggles, triumphs, and relationships with other characters from the manga. When the film concludes, she’s pretty livid, and that suggests something major could follow.

Moreover, established supporting characters like Dr. Ido and Chiren still have compelling arcs that could be expanded in a sequel, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story.

Upgraded Visuals and Action Sequences

Another standout feature of Alita: Battle Angel is its breathtaking visuals and intricate action sequences. The film's use of cutting-edge CGI and motion capture technology delicately brought the world of Alita to life in stunning detail, immersing viewers in a vibrant and dynamic future unlike anything seen before — making it the biggest anime-to-film endeavor at that time. And maybe even now!

Based on Cameron’s recent comments about Avatar’s special effects being utilized in a potential sequel to Alita: Battle Angel, the creative team would undoubtedly raise the bar even higher, delivering more jaw-dropping visuals and innovative cinematography that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in filmmaking. The opportunity to witness Alita and her companions engage in enhanced, epic battles or daring chases is reason enough to warrant a sequel that promises to be overloaded with next-gen-powered tech.

Fan Demand and Support

Last but certainly not least, the overwhelming fan demand and support for a sequel to Alita: Battle Angel cannot be ignored. Since the release of the first film, fans have rallied behind a sequel campaign, voicing their desire to see more of Alita's story unfold on the big screen. The passionate and dedicated fan base of Alita: Battle Angel is a testament to the impact that the film has had on audiences around the world, solidifying its status as a modern cult classic in the making.

In essence, the case for a sequel to Alita: Battle Angel is rooted in the intriguing universe, unresolved mysteries, character growth, innovative visuals, and fan support that define the original film. So remember, the battle is not over yet. Join the movement and let your voice be heard: it’s time for an Alita sequel!