‘Face/Off’ Sequel Loses Director Adam Wingard

Hollywood Reporter

by Ryan Gajewski

February 21, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The highly anticipated sequel to *Face/Off* has lost its director, Adam Wingard, who parted ways with Paramount Pictures last summer in a mutual agreement. The departure of Wingard, who was set to write and direct the follow-up to John Woo's 1997 cult classic, leaves the project open for new creative visions. While Wingard had praised the script as "one of those things where you read it, and you’re like, 'Oh, shit! This is a true sequel to *Face/Off* that I could have never dreamed of,'" his exit marks an uncertain turn in the film's development. The *Face/Off 2* project has been in motion since at least 2019, when producer Neal Moritz announced plans for a remake. Oren Uziel was initially hired to write the script, but the focus later shifted to a sequel with Wingard brought on board in 2021 to collaborate with Simon Barrett on the screenplay. Despite his excitement for the project, Wingard's decision to leave has now put the director's chair up for grabs at Paramount, allowing other filmmakers to pitch their ideas for the follow-up. This shift is significant for fans of the original *Face/Off*, as the film's legacy hinges on its bold premise of FBI agent and terrorist swapping identities. While Wingard’s exit creates opportunities for fresh creative input, it also raises questions about how the studio will maintain the tone and vision that made the first movie a hit. With no immediate replacement announced, fans will be watching closely to see if *Face/Off 2* can recapture the magic of its predecessor while staying true to its cult following.

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/21/2026