Napoleon Dynamite sequel

[BluBonnet]

‘Napoleon Dynamite' Sequel in the Works

“Napoleon Dynamite” was the ultimate accidental cult classic—a low-budget, deadpan tackling of awkward teens, tater tots, and tetherball that somehow turned a llama-feeding nerd in moon boots into a mid-2000s icon.

Released in 2004 and directed by Jared Hess, it confused half the country and captivated the other with its utter refusal to be cool, funny in any conventional sense, or remotely plot-driven. It was like someone filmed a school project in rural Idaho, forgot to add a real ending, and then dared America to worship it—and they did, slapping “Vote for Pedro” on every t-shirt while quoting it like gospel. It was weird. Would it work today? Probably not. But for one glorious summer, awkward was king.

And yet, here’s Puck’s Matt Belloni reporting that a “Napoleon Dynamite” sequel is in the works at Searchlight. Guys, are we really doing this?

It turns out that Hess, who is coming off having directed the blockbuster “Minecraft,” now has a lot of leverage to make this sequel happen. The film was deeply personal to Hess, as if you can believe it, it was based on his experiences growing up in Preston, Idaho.

There’s also certainly been interest from the original cast and crew.

Jon Heder, who portrayed Napoleon, had expressed a strong desire to return—but only if director Hess was involved. Efren Ramirez, who played Pedro, has also shown enthusiasm for revisiting the character. He mentioned that "everyone wants a sequel," and noted that "the door's not closed yet," suggesting that a real possibility of it happening.

“Napoleon Dynamite” was a surprise hit in the summer of 2004, grossing $46 million worldwide against a tiny budget of just around $400,000. However, it was its ongoing popularity via DVD sales and streaming that solidified its lasting cultural status. Making a sequel out of something like this is a risky proposition.

[HipsterTrash]

No. The FOX cartoon was lame and the magic of this film is the fact that it's an individual thing.

If any Hess thing needs a sequel it's Nacho Libre. More wacky Luchador elements? yes please.

[qb2333]

Bring em all back

[DR Herbert West]

I'd rather have an Office Space sequel.

[Prohibida]

[HipsterTrash]

Originally Posted by DR Herbert West

I'd rather have an Office Space sequel.

If Judge has something to say about work and current times then I ain't opposed to this.

[BluBonnet]

Originally Posted by Prohibida

[Zivouhr]

JON HEDER Remembers Early Reactions to NAPOLEON DYNAMITE - YouTube

Interview from 2023, Jon Heder talking about Napoleon Dynamite. In the full interview, he also mentions how a studio approached him about a sequel and said no way without Jared Hess as director for the reason it never happened.

The cartoon can't capture the subtle expressions of the real people as well, and that's why it's not really a true continuation of the series.

Closest movie since has been Jared Hess' Minecraft. Lots of similar humor in that although not as funny as this one was. IMO.

I'll believe there's a Napoleon Dynamite sequel when it's already in full production and filming.

[Stanis]

Now that he finally has a full box office hit on his hands, I can see Hess having the juice to get ND2 made (whether that's wise is another matter)

[Zivouhr]

Napoleon Dynamite (2/5) Movie CLIP - I've Been Chatting Online with Babes All Day (2004) HD - YouTube

I think a sequel really needs them still living at home in their 40s for the comedy to still be there.

[qb2333]

Originally Posted by DR Herbert West

I'd rather have an Office Space sequel.

Why choose one? Let's do both

[captveg]

Originally Posted by Zivouhr

Napoleon Dynamite (2/5) Movie CLIP - I've Been Chatting Online with Babes All Day (2004) HD - YouTube
I think a sequel really needs them still living at home in their 40s for the comedy to still be there.

I'm hoping Kip and LaFawnduh have had an awesome marriage and family.

[BluRayTim]

Originally Posted by qb2333

Why choose one? Let's do both.

[Show spoiler]

I like the Winchester shirt that the character that Gary Cole is playing is wearing there, but absolutely NOT the matching braces (suspenders) and necktie!

[Jay H.]

I don't want to see the young characters 20 years later. They either act the same - which is pitiful - or they have different personalities - which I'm not sure I would want to see.

For those who are interested in this, good on ya.

[Jennifer Lawrence Fan]

I'm probably one of the few who don't see the appeal of this movie. Bit glad to those who do and getting a sequel

[Winslow Leach]

There are two major comedies from this era I've never seen: Napoleon Dynamite and Borat.

[traths]

Originally Posted by qb2333

Bring em all back

Need to bring Pedro back too.

[Kylo_Ren]

This is actually getting a sequel after all these years?

[maverick22]

I would be in!

It can’t be worse than all these other bad comedies that keep getting made (which hardly grt made anymore for theaters - mainly streaming).

I love ND!

[Kubrick DeLarge1989]

Originally Posted by DR Herbert West

I'd rather have an Office Space sequel.