The latest image from Clerks 3 provides fans with a new look at franchise staples, Jay and Silent Bob. First introduced in Smith’s seminal 1994 indie hit, Clerks, the duo – portrayed by Smith and real-life best friend Jason Mewes – have gone on to achieve a status beyond any of Smith’s other characters or films. The third Clerks film finds them back where they’re most comfortable, standing outside the legendary Quick Stop.
To be fair, this time around, it seems that Jay and Silent Bob are up to more than just lounging around outside one of cinema’s most recognizable convenience stores. Based on previous information from Smith during the filming of Clerks 3 this past summer, the neighboring RST Video store now belongs to the two friends who appear to have rebranded it as RST THC. It’s hard to say exactly how Jay and Silent Bob will fare as business owners, though they have been engaged in the distribution of marijuana for several decades now. With the drug having officially been recreationally legalized in New Jersey this past Winter, it seems that it’s now time for Jay and Silent Bob to turn their expertise into a legitimate business.
Throughout the filming of Clerks 3, Smith was sure to keep fans up to date via social media with just how well the return to his hometown was going. And while everything seemed to have gone about as perfect as anyone would hope that a Clerks sequel would go, Smith’s updates slightly held back on any solid information or images of Jay and Silent Bob. Now, as the beloved 51-year-old gets set to deliver the first rough cut of the new film to his Lionsgate partners, he’s first taken the time to provide fans with a glimpse at Jay & Silent Bob. Smith dropped the photo via his Instagram account, stating that Clerks 3 is even better than he’d hoped it would be. Check out the new photo below:
The photo might not provide huge insight into either the upcoming film or the lives of Jay & Silent Bob, but it does seem to prove that aside from changing RST into what is likely a marijuana dispensary, the pair are still keeping things old school with VHS rentals. Silent Bob appears to be holding a VCR in the photo, and of course, the RST sign does state VHS and Nintendo sales and rentals. It’s a somewhat minor takeaway, but it’s great to see that the pair are still the same guys that fans have come to know and love after all these years. It’s also great to know that Smith’s fondness for the film has only grown since shooting it.
As far as filmmakers go, Smith is extremely fortunate that his fanbase is as devoted as they’ve always been. Even if Clerks 3 isn’t a commercial hit, it’s entirely likely that the film will be celebrated among fans and talked about for years to come. This willingness to please his fans first and foremost has long since provided Smith with a following that stays true to him through good times and bad.
Source: Kevin Smith