Focus Features has announced that production on the forthcoming sequel to the hit 2018 romantic comedy, titled Book Club 2 – The Next Chapter, has officially begun. Award-winning actresses Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen are all reprising their roles as the four best friends head to Italy for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
The first official photo for the sequel has also been revealed, which you can check out below, providing us with our first look at the quartet’s fabulous return.
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Book Club 2 – The Next Chapter is once again being directed by Bill Holderman from a screenplay he co-wrote with Erin Simms. Joining the legendary quartet are returning cast members Andy Garcia, Don Johnson, and Craig T. Nelson. Additional cast includes new cast members Giancarlo Giannini, Hugh Quarshie, and Vincent Riotta.
“It follows our four best friends Diane, Vivian, Sharon, and Carol, as they take their book club to Italy for the fun girls trip they never had,” reads the synopsis. “When things go off the rails and secrets are revealed, their relaxing vacation turns into a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country adventure.”
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Book Club 2 – The Next Chapter is produced by Holderman and Simms, with Brad Weston, Trish Hofmann, Enzo Sisti, and Andrew Duncan set as executive producers. Endeavor Content will finance and produce, while Focus Features, who will distribute the film in the U.S. and Universal Pictures International, will distribute internationally. Julia Iglesias will oversee the project for Focus Features.
The original film was considered as a box office success with a worldwide gross of $104 million against a reported budget of $14 million. The 2018 film centered around a four friends as they discuss E.L. James’ erotic romance novel Fifty Shades of Grey for their monthly book club.
