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Donnie Darko Getting an Unnecessary Sequel?!

by Alex Billington
May 9, 2008

When I wrote about the rumor of Matthew McConaughey being considered as Captain America a few days ago, I really thought there was nothing worse that I could ever report. I was wrong. Today we've come across some news courtesy of Screen Daily announcing the development of a sequel to Donnie Darko titled just S. Darko. Why is this so bad? The original films creator, Richard Kelly, is not involved in any way, shape, or form, and it's being developed entirely on its own by a completely new creative team. While I wouldn't have a minded a sequel if Kelly were to be doing it, this is a disaster in the making. There is really no way anything good can come of this! Right?!

In S. Darko, the story picks up seven years after the first film (and Donnie's death) when little sister Samantha Darko and her best friend Corey are now 18 and on a roadtrip to Los Angeles when they are plagued by bizarre visions. Daveigh Chase will reprise her role as Donnie's sister again and Justin Chatwin, Briana Evigan, and Ed Westwick will join the cast as well. The budget will be around $10 million and shooting begins in a few weeks. Chris Fisher, of Nightstalker and Rampage previously, will direct the film. Fisher has said that he is "a great admirer of Richard Kelly's film and [he] hope to create a similar world of blurred fantasy and reality."

"Donnie's not in [the new film] but there are meteorites and rabbits." Really?! I know that Donnie Darko seems to be more of a generational thing, only connecting with particular groups of fans, but this is still outrageous! There is no way that this will even come close to living up to the original at all. It really seems like much more of a studio creation made for money than it is a development purely from the creative mind of a genius filmmaker.

You may not think Richard Kelly's involvement is necessary anymore, especially with how bad Southland Tales was, but considering Donnie Darko was entirely his creation, the fact that he is not involved is not only worrisome, but an indication that this is destined to be utter crap. I'll reserve my real judgment until I see this actually come together, but at the moment, I'll stand my ground. I'm a big Donnie Darko fan and this is painful to hear bout. And on that note, I'm off to go fire up my copy of Donnie Darko and enjoy some truly brilliant filmmaker at its finest.

Explore tags: Movie News, Opinions

http://movieguyreviews4u.blogspot.com Ryan

Really????? Come on, Holywood!
Alfredo

Aww geez. What else?? Will Paris Hilton play Sally in a Nightmare Before Christmas live-action remake??
http://www.firstshowing.net Kevin Powers

do you smell sh*t?....and who turned on the fan?
Stephen

The chances of it being good with out Kelly see low. I hope they can pull it off though.
Heckle

This will go direct to DVD. Do not pass go. Do not sacrifice yourself for the good of humanity. Alex....take off your human suit and get the forums running.
http://www.myspace.com/brianriccimodelidiot Brian Ricci

this is a bad idea. I actually really liked Southland Tales though
Heckle

NO YOU DIDNT. You didnt just say you liked southland tales. I wanted it to be good so badly. But it reached the end and i was just pissed off. It was terrible.
Digs

WTF!!!! what happened to original ideas? You cant take a minor character from a great movie and expect it to come out good. They're f'n it up big time with this decision
Brian G

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Say it isn't so! I will do everything in my power to make sure that everyone I know is aware that this movie is in no way connected to the original creative team. Bah!!!
Nate

Can anyone say: Straight to DVD?
harrison

even with kelly i wouldnt want a sequel, it would just be terrible, let the great donnie darko rest was gonna rent southland tales but after everyones negative response glad i waited, gonna watch cloverfield again instead also theyre filming This side of the truth down the street from me, just started today im told jennifer garners there, gonna see if tina fey or jonah hills around maybe get some pictures with them, ill get back with them if i can
http://www.modelmayhem.com/kevjohnphotography kevjohn

There is no such thing as an unnecessary sequel! Was Speed 2 an unnecessary sequel? Was Caddyshack 2 an unnecessary sequel?!? Was Weekend at Bernies 2 and unnecessary sequel?!?!?! ...umm..... After further consideration I'd like to withdraw my opening statement.
Conrad

The first one ended perfectly fine!! why continue a story about his sister going on road trip via Los Angeles? - let alone at all Ridiculous!! I'm with you Alex, this sounds like its going to be a steaming pile of "sh*te".
http://www.firstshowing.net/author/ken-evans/ Ken Evans

This is absolutely ridiculous! 'Nuff Said.
http://www.myspace.com/kail2007 Kail

I smell a sure-fire oscar winner
Rob

I read this earlier on another movie discussion website. I was speechless. My first response was, what the fuck!? Then, WHY?? "Donnie Darko" is one of my top 5 favorite movies of all time. This is just so wrong on so many levels. I'm sure I'll rent this out of morbid curiousity. But they should have left this alone. And with no Richard Kelly attached, in any capacity, NO SALE!
aerophantom

I heard Uwe Boll is producing.
Shwan

I hope a jet engine falls on the set and destroys it...when its empty of course.
DavidR

I agree with 18
TheGuyInThePJ's

This is a direct quote from Richard Kelly, when asked if he could do something to stop this abomination.... Richard Kelly - "I have done all I can to try and stop it from being made... but I am sort of powerless... legally they can do whatever they want. They see it as guaranteed $$ for them as a straight to dvd title." Their you have it folks... studios greed leads to an artist work be shat on.
Nunya

HEY HOLLYWOOD, I have a great idea for a movie that needs a sequel. Are you ready? OK, picture this, (ha ha, pun): CITIZEN KANE 2!! Brilliant idea, right?
jason_md2020

Now class, would making this movie be an act of LOVE or FEAR?
interl0per

Ugh, I smell Straight to DVD stink on this one. Cant writers come up with their own freaking stories or?
bltzie

hahaahahah #23, great stuff!
L'il Matt

Oh sh*t...say it ain't so! "Donnie Darko" was such an original mind bender...personally I feel it'd be like doing a sequel to a Kubrik film (yeah, I know 2001 & 2010...but they were adaptations of novels). Just leave it as a stand alone...please!!!
Cluffy101

Alright well this is a load of shit, but we must stay stop and look on th bright side here. It will go straight to dvd so it wont take up any theaters that otherwise might play something worth watching. Second all you have to do is (ding ding) you guessed it! Dont watch this filth! Pretend it never happened and the story will not be tarnished. Anyone who realy loved the first movie already knows this isnt a true sequel. So dont by it and dont watch it and the greedy bastards woulnt make any money off this crap.
sam

i refuse to give hollywood any money for the abomination they are attempting to create... save your money even if your curious watch it on the internet...
http://handfulofwires.blogspot.com DCompose

I hope he goes back in time and fights Black oppression!
Xerxex

Okay the first (and only) was errie and a mind trip. This wanna be sequal will and never will be good.
Zerge

Wouldn't touch that one with a 60 ft. pole.
http://www.enterprisingenergy.com Enterprising Energy

I think sequels get a hard time to often, I like to watch a sequel with fresh mind and eyes... I realise that the first one exists but it is nice to watch and see what stories may unfold.
what?

im going to fiorcibly insert this movie into my teachers anus
Amalia

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I think my soul just died.