The long-anticipated sequel to the cult comedy, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, is closer than ever to finally coming to fruition, as its in the early stages of development. Its stars, Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow, confirmed the news yesterday in separate interviews, EW is reporting.
Sorvino teased the information during an appearance on Today. Kudrow made a similar announcement later in the day, while speaking to Jess Cagle on his SiriusXM show.
The news of the follow-up being in the early stages of development comes as the original film is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. It was released in theaters in 1997 by the former Buena Vista Pictures. (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures discontinued the usage of Buena Vista Pictures in its distribution branding in 2007).
Sorvino told Today co-hosts Michelle Buteau and Jenna Bush Hager that the new project is in such early development that the original movie’s screenwriter, Robin Schiff, hasn’t even finalized the idea for the sequel yet.
But the Oscar-winning actress, who has long been championing the idea of making a second installment, assured the hosts: “We’re getting closer. Something might be in the works…There’s nothing official to report, but I can unofficially hint that we’re closer than we’ve ever been to getting something to happen,” Sorvino added about the potential follow-up.
Kudrow, meanwhile, confirmed to Cagle, who serves as the Editorial Director of People and Entertainment Weekly (EW), a few hours later that Schiff is “thinking about it and coming up with something. Isn’t that thrilling?” Like Sorvino, the Emmy Award-winning Kudrow added that she can’t reveal anything else.
Schiff created the characters of Romy and Michele for her 1988 stage play, Ladies’ Room, which starred Kudrow. The SAG Award-winning actress was later joined by Sorvino in the movie, which was directed by David Mirkin. The screen adaptation became a moderate hit at the box office upon its theatrical release, but has become a cult classic in the years since its initial distribution.
Sorvino and Kudrow reignited interest in a follow-up to Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion after they reunited at the SAG Awards in February to present an award. While on stage, Kudrow wore a sparkly pink pantsuit, and Sorvino wore a blue pantsuit, which matched their iconic metallic pink and blue minidresses from the film.
“Do you think that this is the cutest anyone has ever looked at an awards show?” Kudrow asked her former co-star, evoking a line of dialogue from the comedy. Sorvino responded, “I just realized this, we’re wearing great ensembles while at the same time presenting to great ensembles,” while they present the trophy for outstanding ensemble in comedy series.
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion followed the 28-year-old titular protagonists, who were played by Sorvino and Kudrow, respectively, as they contend with their unhappiness over how unsuccessful they are in their lives. So they decide to invent fake careers to impress their former classmates at their 10-year high school reunion.
The movie also stars Janeane Garofalo and Alan Cumming as Heather and Sandy, two of Romy and Michele’s former high school classmates, who they reconnect with at the reunion.