In an emotional blend of nostalgia and tribute, Kevin Smith recently opened up about considering a "Mallrats" sequel to honor late actress Shannen Doherty.
Reviving "Mallrats" might turn into a heartfelt homage to the original cast, particularly to Doherty, while also aligning with the film's 30th anniversary in 2025, New York Post reported.
"Mallrats," which debuted in 1995, failed to make a significant impact at the box office but has since cultivated a dedicated fanbase. Despite its initial reception, the unique blend of comedy and drama has turned it into a cult classic. Recently, Smith revealed that the discussions about a possible sequel had resumed, igniting hope among fans.
Shannen Doherty, an iconic part of the original "Mallrats" cast, had spoken to Smith about the sequel before her tragic death from cancer in July at 53. Their last conversation about the potential project seemed to have deeply affected Smith, originally discouraging him from pursuing the sequel in the wake of her loss.
Reflecting on their conversations and the bond formed over the years, Smith expressed the emotional weight of moving forward without Doherty. "When we lost Shannen, which was a tough loss, man," Smith said, outlining how her pass greatly influenced his initial decision to halt the project. This sentiment showcases the deep connections often formed within the film industry and their impact on creative decisions.
However, as the conversation about the sequel rekindled recently, Smith warmed up to the idea, inspired by the potential to celebrate Doherty's legacy through the film. "It is very early, but there may be some hope," Smith hinted, suggesting that the discussions are still in preliminary stages but moving positively.
The sequel is poised to be a multigenerational narrative that includes not only the original characters of "Mallrats" but their children as well. This storyline mirrors Smith's evolution as a storyteller and his current life stage, reinforcing a deeper, more expansive narrative approach.
While the original film did not perform well financially, Smith and Doherty commonly reflected on the harsh outcomes it produced. Doherty discussed on her podcast, "Let’s Be Clear," how she felt the blame for the film's failure impacted her career. "People thought that I was carrying the movie, so therefore it was a box-office failure; it was completely on me," she explained, shedding light on the often unfair pressures placed on actors within the industry.
Despite these setbacks, Smith regards the original film and its reception as a learning curve, an event that shaped his subsequent projects and personal growth in the film industry. "She’s right, man. It’s like, if this works, here goes the movie career. And it did not. Boy, I apologize for that," Smith remarked, illustrating his reflective acknowledgment of the film’s impact on Doherty’s career.
As the 30th anniversary of "Mallrats" nears, Smith is hopeful that he can bring the sequel to fruition, blending nostalgia with fresh narratives. The potential addition of a new generation of "Mallrats" could not only honor the original cast, like Doherty but also connect with newer audiences who can see their stories reflected in the characters on screen.
Although still in the early stages, the discussions around the "Mallrats" sequel present an opportunity for Smith to revisit a pivotal project in his career with a mature perspective. With a focus on honoring Doherty's memory and celebrating the legacy of both "Mallrats" and "Clerks," the project harbors the potential for deep emotional resonance, both for those involved and for the fans who hold the originals dear.
With heartfelt intentions and a clear passion for storytelling, Kevin Smith's contemplation over a "Mallrats" sequel encapsulates a blend of past reflections and future aspirations, with the past certainly helping to shape the envisioned future of the intended sequel.
