Comedian Seth Rogen has vowed that Superbad 2 is the one sequel he’ll never make. The original 2007 coming of age comedy remains popular with a wide range of age demographics and consistently ranks as one of Rogan’s most beloved films.
When it was first released, Superbad’s cast was made up of several stars who had yet to make a huge impact on Hollywood. In the years that followed, however, the likes of Emma Stone and Jonah Hill became household names, with Stone eventually winning an Oscar for her work in 2017’s La La Land, and Hill gaining two separate Oscar nominations in 2012 and 2014. And although Superbad’s plot basically consisted of three high school friends desperately trying to lose their virginity through the course of a single crazy evening, the film struck an enduring nerve with audiences. In fact, it’s arguable that of all the films Rogen has made throughout the course of his prolific career, Superbad is the most in need of a sequel. However, to date, the challenge hasn’t been taken up.
During a recent interview with Ladbible, Rogen spoke about his career and the films he’s made that have sequel potential. Unfortunately for those fans who’ve been hopeful for a sequel to Superbad, it doesn’t look promising. Citing Superbad as one of his “good accomplishments,” Rogen vowed not to do anything that could potentially mess up what the 38-year-old filmmaker describes as a film he’s “incredibly proud of.” What’s more, Rogen’s argument against making a sequel is pretty sound, meaning that fans will simply have to settle for just one film involving Seth, Evan, and Fogell (aka McLovin’). According to Rogen:
"I think of all the movies we've ever made, Superbad is the one I'd 100 percent probably never touch. Honestly, I don't think it requires improvement or anything to be built upon it. I'm unbelievably proud of it, it really holds up - people still watch it, high school kids come up to me telling me that they watched it for the first time and how they loved it. It's worked its way into being viewed as one of the better high school movies that's out there. I'm so terrified of subtracting from it in any way with a bad sequel or spin-off that I'd never do it. I have so few actual good accomplishments that I'm horrified to f*** with the ones I have [laughs]."
Rogen and Goldberg conceived of Superbad when the two friends were just thirteen years old. The initial goal had simply been to see if they could write their own movie, but in later years it clearly developed into something much larger. Given that the film followed three friends in the final days of high school, it’s arguable that a sequel could be made that continued the friends’ stories as they tackle university or adult life. But it’s also worth acknowledging that the success of aforementioned stars like Stone and Hill could mean that they’ve moved on from this sort of comedy. Whatever the case, it’s clear that Rogen doesn’t want to tempt fate with a sequel.
Though some fans will be disappointed by Rogen’s assurance that a Superbad 2 will never materialize, it’s admirable to see such a high profile celebrity put his foot down. It’s arguable that most films don’t necessitate sequels, and when studios push ahead regardless, things can end up getting messy. Hollywood’s history is filled with stories of great films that were detracted from once a sequel was made. Rogen deserves credit for seeing that things were just right on Superbad the first time around.
Source: Ladbible