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TORONTO 2008

Richard Linklater Says School of Rock 2 Not Happening?

by Alex Billington
September 5, 2008

Earlier tonight in Toronto I caught the world premiere of director Richard Linklater's newest film, title Me and Orson Welles, a delightful period comedy drama starring Zac Efron, Claire Danes, and Christian McKay. After the screening I briefly stopped by the film's official party to chat with Linklater and the other guests. I couldn't help to mention how excited I was to see School of Rock 2, a sequel I'm honestly looking forward to, but his response to my mentioning of it wasn't all too positive. In July, the news about the sequel was officially confirmed by Variety, but apparently that's not the case. Linklater was quick to say to me that the film "might not" happen at all and that Paramount just jumped the gun on the news.

Linklater explained that he had only ever been called once by the studio and that his involvement really hadn't been officially confirmed. He went on to say that the studio had put out the news too early and said again that it probably wasn't happening, or that he wasn't really sure whether he would do it. At first I thought he was joking, but he really seemed somewhat skeptical about it, mentioning how sequels usually aren't that great. He said that they sort of snuck it into his schedule in an attempt to bump him off of the other movie he was trying to make. Linklater made it seem like the possibility of the sequel actually happening was rather slim. Unfortunate news for those few like me who were actually excited to see this.

I'm not entirely sure how many other people were interested in this sequel, but it's a bit disheartening to hear this news either way. All this really means is that we're not sure whether School of Rock 2 will still get made or not, but it doesn't sound likely. What do you think - is this good news or bad news?

Filed under Movie News, Opinions, TIFF 08

From around the web:

bat

Yes!!! i hate stupid kid movies.
Al

I was expectin it to turn out good. Considering Mike White, Jack Black, and Linklater(so we thought) was returning. Usually sequels to comedys dont seem to get their writer, star, and director returning.
Kail

No!!! i love stupid kid movies.
http://movieguyreviews4u.blogspot.com Ryan

Kind fo happy. Liked the original but found a sequel totally unnessecary.
thejugfather

it took me a few vewings to actually enjoy the first so a sequel seemed like an okay idea but now that it sounds like it's off it is a bit depressing but not all that much.
Pedroia

Bat, A film involving children is not necessarily a "kid movie". You should watch it sometime. PD
Ryan

This is bad. I don't know. How are they making the movie? I want to go to see it. I'm finished.
Marikris Januin Alcarez

I really liked this movie, the concept, storyline.. it can be considered as an ORIGINAL for me. The cast was great-- Jack Black was amazing in this one, he really balances with the others. It was cast greatly, very talented and amusing kids & everything fit together great. Though, I'm not a big fan for a sequel to this, I'd like to see the same children (though, not kids anymore but probably young adults), with another movie with a similar concept but different names and personalities. That would definitely hit the ratings... But weeell, it's impossible, I know that's for sure.
Poonose

i hope it comes out cause school of rock 1 was awesome
sarah colt

school of rock is a great movie!!! please make a sequel! wait but would the same people be in it? and why so long after the first one came out???
MON

no don't made the sequel because it is not necessary anymore to make. most sequels are rather making money than to create a better movie than the first one and also the 1st movie is good enough stay what it is..
pinkystuff

i agree dont make the sequel anymore bec the 1st one is good enough a sequel totally unnessecary!
Razi

cmon! a sequel! no! is this high school musical! it is not really necessary anymore to make another one i really enjoy the movie and jack black is fu ck ing awesome but sequel no way! just make a different movie rather than to make a sequel.
Dax

The first movie was classic I think they should just leave it at that making a bad sequel just because it's thre is a bad idea as it might ruin the reputation of the first movie which in my opinion was a great movie, you can't make a Casablanca, gone with the wind, or To kill a mocking bird 2 just leave a great movie alone