When I Am Number Four was released in 2011, it was expected to kick off a major young adult sci-fi movie franchise. Adapted from the Lorien Legacies book series by Pittacus Lore (a pen name used by authors James Frey and Jobie Hughes), the film promised a thrilling journey filled with alien warfare, teen drama, and supernatural powers. However, fans have been left wondering for years — is there a sequel to I Am Number Four?
Let’s explore what happened to the franchise and whether there’s still any hope for its continuation.
What Was I Am Number Four About?
Directed by D.J. Caruso and produced by Michael Bay, the film follows John Smith, a young alien hiding on Earth after his home planet, Lorien, is destroyed by the hostile Mogadorians. John is one of nine alien children sent to Earth to survive and develop their powers, known as Legacies. The movie introduced an exciting premise with clear potential for sequels, especially considering it was based on the first book in a seven-part series. I Am Number Four is available to watch on Amazon Prime.
Why Was a Sequel Never Made?
Despite interest from fans, I Am Number Four 2 never materialized. Several key factors contributed to the decision not to move forward with a sequel:
1. Critical Reception
The film received mixed to negative reviews from critics, scoring only 33% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics argued that it followed a formulaic storyline and lacked originality, which hurt its long-term appeal and studio confidence.
2. Box Office Performance
Although the movie grossed about $150 million globally against a production budget of $50 million, it was not considered a strong enough performance to justify a multi-film franchise, especially given the high cost of visual effects and marketing.
3. Studio Transitions
DreamWorks, the studio behind the film, was undergoing internal changes and shifting partnerships during that period. As a result, projects that were not already hits became less of a priority, and I Am Number Four quietly faded from its plans.
The Story Continues in the Books
While the movie franchise ended prematurely, the story continued in book form. The Lorien Legacies series includes six more novels after I Am Number Four:
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The Power of Six
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The Rise of Nine
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The Fall of Five
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The Revenge of Seven
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The Fate of Ten
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United as One
These books dive deeper into the war between the Loric and Mogadorians and fully develop the characters and plot lines that were only introduced in the film. The complete book series is available on Amazon.
Is a Reboot or Sequel Still Possible?
Although a direct sequel is unlikely after more than a decade, there is a growing possibility that the series could be revived — especially as a streaming show. With the rise of young adult adaptations on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, properties like I Am Number Four may find a second life.
A detailed analysis on What’s On Netflix explores how the current demand for sci-fi and fantasy adaptations could pave the way for a reboot of the Lorien Legacies universe.
The series has developed a cult following over the years, and its presence on streaming services has introduced it to new audiences. Plus, with six additional books providing ample material, a limited series or multi-season show could be a realistic future possibility.
What Did the Cast and Director Say?
At the time of the film’s release, director D.J. Caruso expressed interest in adapting The Power of Six as a sequel. However, momentum stalled, and no official development followed. Lead actor Alex Pettyfer moved on to other projects, and over time, no further announcements were made regarding the continuation of the story in film format.
Final Thoughts
There is no official sequel to I Am Number Four, and a second movie was never made. However, fans can still experience the full narrative through the Lorien Legacies book series, which offers a complete and compelling continuation of the story.
With the way streaming platforms are revisiting older franchises and adapting book series into episodic content, there remains a small but growing chance that I Am Number Four could return — not as a direct sequel, but perhaps as a reimagined series in the future.
Until then, the legacy of Number Four lives on in the pages of the books that started it all.
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