Goosebumps franchise author/creator R.L. Stine has officially confirmed that filming has finally started on the sequel to the popular 2015 Goosebumps film - which has undergone yet another change in title. Previously reported as being subtitled Horrorland and then Slappy's Revenge, Stine has now revealed that the latest (final?) title for Goosebumps 2 is Slappy Halloween.
The first film was released in October 2015, and starred Jack Black as a fictionalised version of Stine who saw his literary creations overrun a small town. It went on to gross over $150m worldwide from a budget of $58m and rumors of a follow-up began almost immediately. After a few false starts, the Goosebumps sequel found its current director in the form of Ari Sandel. Originally known as Goosebumps: Horrorland, the project was reportedly retitled to Slappy's Revenge during its development (presumably inspired by Stine's follow-up to the film in book form). This indicated that the eponymous dummy from the first movie - also voiced by Black - would be returning to serve as the main antagonist in the sequel.
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That would still seem to be case, as Stine broke the news on Twitter that filming on the sequel had now officially started, and that the title is indeed now Slappy Halloween. He also took the opportunity to announce the publication of the latest SlappyWorld book. You can read his post in full below:
Since the film recently scored a Halloween release, the new title makes perfect sense. Rather than linking it to the Slappy's Revenge book - which mostly consists of dialogue from the dummy sharing tips and explaining how he gets even with the characters from the film - this indicates that it will be a completely original story, which ties straight into the screening dates at theaters. The plot will reportedly feature an all-new cast and a suitably madcap storyline, which is said to feature Nikola Tesla helping Slappy bring forth an Apocalypse. It still remains to be confirmed as to whether Black is definitely reprising his role of Stine or even voicing Slappy again, but it seems unlikely that the sequel won't feature him in some way or another.
But after a long period of development and possible story changes, it's good to see that the production has finally started and will hit theaters in the same calendar month as its predecessor. The new cast has been building up nicely with the recent additions of the three comedy veterans Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ken Jeong, and Chris Parnell. The younger generation of actors involved also includes; Madison Iseman (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle), Jeremy Ray Taylor (IT), Ben O’Brien (Manchester by the Sea), and Caleel Harris (Castle Rock). Since they will be playing new characters in the franchise, it remains to be seen what their connection to Slappy and/or Stine will be. Hopefully all the ingredients are there to bring a fun rematch with the demented doll, when Slappy Halloween hits theaters this fall.
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Source: R.L. Stine
