Man, now that “The Hangover,” is the bonafide surprise success of the summer — two number one box-office slots in a row; $105 million total and climbing after two weeks — the sequel is right around the corner, right?
Late Friday, director Todd Phillips told MTV that Spring 2010 is their hopeful start date, but this was before ‘Hangover’ topped the b.o. twice in a row which is a pretty amazing feat for an R-Rated comedy (it’s $105 million total set a new record for an R-rated movie reaching the $100 million mark in 10 days; “Sex & the City” took 11).
But even before this weekend Phillips said the sequel was “100% happening.” “We were thinking of sequel ideas when we were shooting, which sounds cocky, but we were doing it more because it was just fun to talk about ideas while hanging out on the set. Two weeks ago I was saying, ‘let’s see how it works out.’ Now that the movie has really connected, it’s something we’re doing for sure.”
The filmmaker says all four principals — Ed Helms, Zack Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper and Justin Bartha — would need to return to the fold for the film to go forward. “I wouldn’t do it unless all four guys were back. I love ‘The Hangover’ so much and I think we could crush it with the sequel. I’ve never had more fun making a movie, ever. Not that ‘Old School’ wasn’t fun, but these guys were so hungry and ready to kick ass everyday. We just all gelled so well on this film.” [ed. drop Bartha, he’s dead weight. Team the trio up with someone new.
As for the long-gestating “Old School 2” (“Old School Dos”)? Yeah, probably not going to happen anytime soon if ever. “The Hangover” is now the priority. Getting Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell’s schedule’s to open up is tough (though Luke Wilson is what, mowing lawns these days? When was the last time he acted in anything good?).
‘Old School Dos’ is a harder nut to crack because we’re dealing with such big stars. It’s hard to get those planets to align right now with Will and Vince and Luke.There is a script for ‘Old School Dos.’ But as of today, I would say the chances of it happening are unlikely.”
So what happens in “The Hangover 2”? No one’s said yet, though Galifianakis has hinted that the buddies could go abroad for the next one and have crazy adventures in foreign countries. That’s either a brilliant or horrible idea (think “European Vacation,” which had its moments, but…). Though we thought ‘Hangover’ was fairly different from “Old School,” Vanity Fair put together this pretty funny piece about the two film’s similarities including a photoshopped poster to further the point. Worth a read.
