Ed Solomon, the writer behind the Bill & Ted series, debunked a rumor that a Bill & Ted 4 starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter is on the way. Bill & Ted Face the Music was released this past August, completing a trilogy that began with 1989's Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure and continued with 1991's Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey.
Buzz about a third Bill & Ted movie began in 2005 when Reeves indicated an interest in reprising his role as Ted Logan. Reeves, Winter, and co-writers Solomon and Chris Matheson then had discussions on where to take the series next. After a long road to release that hinged in part on negotiations with studios, fan support via social media, and the success of Reeves' film John Wick, Bill & Ted Face the Music was given the green light. The film, directed by Dean Parisot, received generally favorable reviews from critics for its comedy and tone while remaining popular among home audiences. It success made some fans hope for another wild adventure for Bill and Ted, but that doesn't appear to be in the cards.
When a story surfaced online reporting that Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter were set to return for Bill & Ted 4, Ed Solomon shot down the rumor on Twitter. Solomon jokingly acted surprised by the news of Reeves and Winter signing up for another Bill & Ted before quickly putting an end to the rumor.
However, Solomon has indicated that he's not against another film set in the universe created by Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. The screenwriter commented that Ted Logan and Bill Preston's story is likely complete but there is an opportunity to continue with characters introduced in Bill & Ted Face the Music. According to Solomon, a spinoff focused on Billie and Thea, the daughters of Bill and Ted played by Brigette Lundy-Paine and Samara Weaving, is a possibility given enough public interest.
Sequels are always tempting given enough success. Established characters with a built-in fanbase are much more of a safe bet for studios. But Solomon appears to have the right idea in mind by letting Bill & Ted Face The Music conclude a story over 30 years in the making. The film was designed to finish Bill and Ted's story and a majority of fans were satisfied with how things ended. The duo performed their song to save humanity, repaired the universe, and set everyone back in their proper time period.
Moving forward with Billie and Thea is a much better option, especially if Solomon is passionate about the idea. Maintaining the spirit of the original films would keep longtime fans interested while also creating something for a younger generation. It's a common formula in Hollywood but one that is nevertheless successful if done right. Bill & Ted Face The Music proved that the characters still have an audience in 2020 and Solomon has the chance to keep those fans entertained by turning the franchise over to Brigette Lundy-Paine and Samara Weaving as Billie and Thea.
Source: Ed Solomon/Twitter