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Robert De Niro Back for a Brand New 'Midnight Run' Sequel

by Alex Billington
March 5, 2010
Source: Deadline

Another day, another sequel, right? This time, the 1988 comedy classic Midnight Run is getting a sequel at Universal, because the studio has no good ideas of their own and has decided to dig up 80's films they own in order to finally make some cash (or so they think). Deadline reports that Universal has "started the wheels moving" on a sequel to Midnight Run and has already confirmed that Robert De Niro will return to reprise his role as Los Angeles-based bounty hunter Jack Walsh. It doesn't look like director Martin Brest or writer George Gallo will be back, so they've instead hired Tim Dowling (Role Models) to write a new script.

The original Midnight Run saw De Niro's bounty hunter Jack Walsh, a former Chicago cop, hunting a mob accountant played by Charles Grodin in order to collect a $100,000 fee. I never saw it so I don't know how it was a comedy, but I can already tell you I'm not too interested in this. It sounds like Universal is just "doing what everyone else is doing" (e.g. Sony's The Bounty Hunter, Lionsgate's Killers, Fox's Knight & Day) and putting their own bounty hunter/cop comedy in development as well. No word on how far into development this is, but Deadline does say De Niro is producing through his Tribeca Productions company. Thoughts?

Filed under Movie News, Opinions

From around the web:

theotherbluth

Alex, I suggest you go netflix or rent the original. I can't believe you haven't seen this movie. It is hilarious, Grodin and DeNiro have great chemistry, great 80's flick. Do it now.
The Man With No Name

There is no room for a sequel; the movie wrapped up perfectly. What would the plot be? Would De Niro still be a bounty hunter? No, I won't have any of it. What would Grodin's role in this movie be? After watching his performance in "The Ex", I don't think he could handle a fast-paced action comedy like Midnight Run again. SO in conclusion... There should be NO "Midnight Run" sequel. Why not just pair up Bobby D and Chuck G in an original movie. Universal, give me a day and I will make you a movie.
Worrie

This is an absolutely awesome comedy, and to this day I quote lines from it. Go out and see it right now if you have not. However, it does not need a sequel. I agree with the other posters, this would be a bad idea.
indyjack

what a classic the original was... but i don't know about a sequel
Xerxex

"Why are you unpopular with Chicago police department?" if DeNiro and Grodin are on board I'm in! Oh and Dennis Farina better be in it to! Alex do yourself a favor and check it out!
Bash

As has already been said, if you have not seen this movie then you are missing out. It is hilarious with absolutely brilliant acting by all the main cast but John Ashton, for me, is a particular stand out and direction. Agree with the others that it does not require a sequel but my view nowadays is that if the sequel sucks I won't let it, in my eyes, bring down the original movie. Hope they can somehow get George Gallo and Martin Brest on board.
People's Champ

I seen the movie when I was 13 back in 88. Didnt think it was anything special. Maybe because I'm not a Grodin fan. (At All)
slopshoe smith

yes, the original was a scream...best soundtrack ever...too bad it isnt available....but a sequel???/ this has FAILURE written all over it...I agree with #2...the original wrapped up good & tight...leave it alone.....
harrison

yea rent this movie, its a great flick and like #1 said its hilarious and deniro and grodin are great together, i actually wouldnt mind a sequel but i think deniros too old to be playin a bounty hunter still, maybe im wrong though
Kevin

Agree with #5... if they are both in, then I'm in. I love that movie!!
Swarley

Oh the original was fantastic. Very funny movie. With the script being written by Role Models Dowling i'm thinking it might not be that bad. Depends who they get to play Grodins character
Xerxex

#11 I think Grodin will come back, since DeNiro is involved.
http://www.michaelpshipley.com/ Michael P. Shipley

very happy to hear there will be a sequel to midnight run! will Charles Grodin be in it? i hope so because it wouldnt be the same without him. he was absolutely hilarious and perfectly complemented de niro.
Malaka

One of my favorite movies EVER! Can't believe you haven't seen it Alex. Dude you've been deprived a classic from the 80's. Lets hope De Niro's quote to Grodin at the end isn't true! 'See you in the next life'.. I hope this happens!
Dan

CLASSIC! The perfect midnight movie
Alonzo Mosely

This was a hilarious, action-packed, and very entertaining movie. I'm not sure they should do a retread of the same plot, but the whole race against the clock aspect was very effective, and De Niro producing is a very good sign.. Definitely watch the original if you can.