The Austin Powers saga could return with an approach that would completely change its usual structure. Mike Myers, creator and star of the franchise, has confirmed that the script for Austin Powers 4 is being developed from the point of view of Dr. Evil, his most iconic villain. The revelation carries weight now because it comes after more than two decades without new installments and rekindles expectations about the future of the saga.
Myers shared these details on the podcast Hollywood Insiders With Hawk Koch, where he spoke about the evolution of the character and why, despite the time that has passed, he continues to generate so much interest among fans.
A script focused on the saga’s most popular villain
As Myers himself explained, Austin Powers fans are usually split almost equally between those who prefer the protagonist spy and those who favor Dr. Evil. That division in public taste has directly influenced the direction the new script is taking.
The actor detailed that, for the moment, he is writing the story primarily from the villain's perspective, whom he considers one of the most fun characters to play. This does not necessarily mean that Austin Powers will lose prominence, but rather that the plot could show the conflict from the opposite side of the usual.
The idea is not new. Myers had already mentioned in 2018 his interest in developing a film focused on Dr. Evil, and his latest statements confirm that this approach remains valid in the creative process.
The studio wanted to reduce Dr. Evil in the first film
One of the most striking facts shared by Myers has to do with the initial reception of the character within the studio itself. After a screening of the first Austin Powers, released in 1997, some executives suggested reducing Dr. Evil's scenes for fear that he would be unlikable for treating the protagonist poorly.
Myers, however, trusted the character because he saw that his interventions generated big laughs from the audience. Over time, Dr. Evil established himself as one of the great attractions of the franchise thanks to his particular way of speaking, his extravagant plans, and his complicated relationship with his son Scott, played by Seth Green.
In Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, released in 1999, the character gained even more weight thanks to his family conflicts and the appearance of Mini-Me, played by Verne Troyer. Later, in Austin Powers in Goldmember, from 2002, he shared the antagonistic spotlight with Goldmember. Now, with Austin Powers 4, the time could come to give the villain the space that Myers has been imagining for years.
The challenge of updating the saga to the current world
Beyond the focus on Dr. Evil, the new film will have to face a major challenge: adapting its humor to the present. Much of the success of Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, released in 1997, was based on the contrast between the sixties and the nineties, as the protagonist woke up after being frozen for thirty years.
Almost three decades have passed since that premiere and the social context has changed drastically again. The arrival of smartphones, social media, and artificial intelligence offers fertile ground for Austin Powers 4 to build its comedy based on current customs.
It is particularly striking to imagine how Dr. Evil would react to a world in which some real-life situations could seem as extravagant as his own master plans.
For the moment, Myers has not confirmed whether the plot will specifically explore these elements, so everything remains part of the possibilities that would fit the characteristic style of the saga.
Frequently asked questions
What is Austin Powers 4 about according to Mike Myers?
According to Myers, the script is being written from the perspective of Dr. Evil, which could give the villain more prominence than usual in the saga.
Why is Dr. Evil so popular among fans?
Myers points out that about half of the audience prefers the villain over Austin Powers himself, due to his way of speaking, his absurd plans, and his exaggerated personality.
Did the studio want to remove Dr. Evil in the first film?
They did not plan to remove him, but it was suggested to reduce his appearances after an initial screening, for fear that he would be unlikable. Myers decided to keep him as he was.
When was the first Austin Powers movie released?
The first installment, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, was released in 1997.
How many Austin Powers movies are there so far?
There are three previous films: the 1997 one, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me from 1999, and Austin Powers in Goldmember from 2002.
Is there a release date for Austin Powers 4?
No release date has been announced. Myers has only confirmed that the script is in development.
