Nearly 30 years after My Best Friend’s Wedding hit theaters in 1997, it has been confirmed that the film will be getting a sequel, and romance fans are jumping for joy. Julia Roberts‘ iconic rom-com, centered on Julianne’s last-minute attempt to derail Michael and Kimmy’s wedding, has endured as one of the definitive ’90s date-night films. Now, Sony has officially tapped Past Lives and Materialists writer and director Celine Song to pen the new screenplay, and the response has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic.
Over the years, My Best Friend’s Wedding has been hailed not merely for its humor and heart, but also for Roberts’ flawed yet lovable Julianne, Cameron Diaz’s magnetic Kimmy, and Dermot Mulroney’s swoon-worthy Michael. The film grossed over $127 million domestically and nearly $300 million worldwide, while also earning three Golden Globe nominations. With the promise that a sequel could honor the past while crafting a new story and the lingering possibility of original cast members making a return, fans are understandably excited.
What Might the ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ Sequel Be About?
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At the time of writing, Sony has only confirmed that the sequel is in early development, with Celine Song writing the screenplay. Beyond that, no plot details, cast, or director have been announced yet, leaving the sequel’s path vague.
However, one possible direction for the sequel could be revisiting Julianne, Michael, and Kimmy years later, exploring where life has taken them. This approach would allow for both dramatic depth and comedic opportunities. The story could explore themes like family life, career paths, regrets, and redemption. Could Michael be in a rut? Has Julianne matured and moved on? And what role, if any, does George play now? Roberts herself has previously shared that she would love to dive into the story once again. When questioned on ‘Watch What Happens Live’ in 2023 about one film she’d like to see get a sequel, Roberts said (via Deadline):
“I think, maybe, My Best Friend’s Wedding. Because there’s so many people in it, and to see what they’re doing and how Kimmy and Michael’s marriage is going…”
The sequel could adopt a completely fresh angle, possibly centering on a new wedding, such as that of a child of Michael and Kimmy, or a career-related event that forces the crew back together. Since the film’s release, dating culture, social media, and ideas about love have all evolved. A sequel could make use of these changes and weave them into the mix. Whatever direction Sony and Song choose, the sequel will most likely answer the question of where the characters are now and how their choices reflect on a modern view of relationships. Especially with Song in the mix, viewers can expect a dose of both sensibility and emotional honesty.
The Success of ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ Makes the Sequel a Big Deal
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My Best Friend’s Wedding was most definitely not a sleeper hit. In 1997, the film clocked in as the ninth-highest grosser domestically. With its box office haul, both domestic and international, the film’s performance left a significant mark on Hollywood’s rom-com boom of the ’90s.
Going beyond its box office performance, the film also earned critical and award recognition. It was nominated for three Golden Globes, including Best Comedy or Musical, plus acting recognition for Julia Roberts and Rupert Everett. Cameron Diaz and Everett also won several awards, securing the film’s reputation in all respects.
However, even with all its awards and critical commendations, My Best Friend’s Wedding’s true legacy lies in its enduring popularity. The movie’s quirks, including Jules’ scheming, the emotional roller coaster, and George’s singing, have become staples of rom-com lore. Generations of viewers have revisited the film, laughed at its cringe-worthy comedy, and rooted for its characters despite their flaws. Its status as a rom-com touchstone means a sequel carries both opportunity and pressure.
The sequel film must unfailingly honor what fans loved about the original while also standing on its own in a more challenging storytelling landscape. With headlines constantly reminding fans that the sequel comes after a break of 30 long years, and that Roberts has never before reprised a role in a sequel, the stakes for the upcoming film remain sky-high.
Viewers Are Excited To Have Celine Song at the Helm
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Adding to the hype of the sequel and creating even more excitement is the news that Celine Song will helm the film. Oscar-nominated for Past Lives and recently behind Materialists, Song is known for emotionally intelligent portrayals of love triangles and longing. Given this, Sony’s decision to bring her on board lends serious credibility to the sequel.
Song’s Past Lives earned Oscar recognition for Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture, while Materialists brought her mainstream recognition through casting actors like Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans. Her style is quiet, observant, and truthful, making it exactly what romance fans would want in revisiting Julianne’s complex emotional journey nearly three decades later.
30 years after Julianne Potter tried, and failed, to sabotage her best friend’s wedding, the story is finally coming full circle, and fans are all for it. The announcement of the sequel has ignited a wave of enthusiasm rooted both in nostalgia and, given Song’s involvement, trust in meaningful storytelling. With the original’s box office success, awards recognition, and enduring cultural power, the sequel film holds the rare chance and pressure to honor a classic while also offering something fresh and modern.
At the time of writing, casting, plot, and release date details remain under wraps, although Song’s involvement does promise that audiences will likely get a sequel with genuine heart rather than just another hollow, cash-grab remake.
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