Pineapple Express producer Judd Apatow reveals Pineapple Express 2 would have dealt with the legalization of marijuana. Released in 2008, Pineapple Express followed a process server (played by Seth Rogen) and his marijuana dealer (James Franco) as they try to evade hitmen and a corrupt police officer after witnessing them committing a murder. The film, which was directed by David Gordon Green and written by Rogen and Evan Goldberg, was a hit. It grossed $102 million worldwide on a budget of just $26 million. Critics were also charmed by the comedy, greeting it with favorable reviews overall.
Pineapple Express has remained a favorite since it debuted, with many of its fans quoting memorable lines from the film. The comedy, which takes place in California, has grown dated in other ways. In its early moments, featuring Bill Hader in a cameo role, a crucial scene hinges on the punchline that marijuana is illegal. However, as of 2018, recreational cannabis was made legal in California and it’s now the largest market for legal marijuana in the world. Similar laws have been passed in other states. Given that Franco’s character relied on the fact that his product was illicit, it’s likely Pineapple Express 2 would have a different setup if it happened. While promoting his new movie, The King of Staten Island, Apatow made clear that he’s been thinking of the changes that have occurred since Pineapple Express came out.
In an interview with LADBible, Apatow shed some light on his ideas for a Pineapple Express sequel. “There was so much happening with the legalization of marijuana in California,” Apatow explained. “We thought there was a funny story about how they would deal with it, the pot dealer community having to handle the fact that suddenly it was legal.” While the idea sounds interesting, particularly as an example of a followup that would offer something new rather than repeating the same beats, Apatow was less confident about whether a sequel would actually happen.
Noting that he’s been a big proponent of Pineapple Express 2 for years, and that he fought hard for it to happen, the director said he’s unsure if it will get made. Rogen has made similar comments in the past, mentioning that he’s pushed for a sequel only to be met with rejection by a studio executive.
Still, if Pineapple Express 2 ever were to move forward, it’s good to know that it wouldn’t be a complete rehash of past glories. There is genuine humor worth exploring in the idea of checking in with old characters and placing them in unfamiliar scenarios, as the anticipation for Bill & Ted 3 makes plain. On the other hand, there is also an argument to be made that Pineapple Express should be kept as a success indicative of its time. Much like Weeds, it would play quite differently if it was being released today.
Source: LADBible