In the next installment of "Hollywood has no more original ideas," Star Partners and Hummingbird Productions announced production of a sequel to the iconic 1946 Frank Capra film, "It's a Wonderful Life".
The sequel will feature Karolyn Grimes, who played the "Zuzu" character in the original movie, and producers are looking at a Christmas 2015 release, Variety reported.
Grimes, 76, was only 6-years-old when she played scenes opposite Jimmy Stewart in the Oscar-nominated film. In the sequel, she will play an angel, the "Clarence"-type role in the film. The sequel will reportedly be the flip side of the original movie, CinemaBlend said, since Grimes' character will show George Bailey's unlikeable grandson how the world would be a better place without him.
The grandson character, who will also be named George Bailey, will be cast in February, according to Variety. Producers have reached out to Jimmy Hawkins, who played Tommy Bailey, and Carol Coombs, who played Janie Bailey, to reprise their roles in the sequel.
Most of the movie will be shot in Louisiana, and producers are planning on an estimated $25 million to $35 million budget. Allen J. Schwalb of Star Partners and Bob Farnsworth of Hummingbird will co-produce.
"The storyline of the new film retains the spirit of the original--every life is important as long as you have friends," Farnsworth said.
The sequel has already received criticism from various outlets, The Huffington Post putting a wry twist on the original film's most famous line with: "Teacher says, 'Every time a bell rings, a studio tries to milk an old classic for new life.'"
At least fans can take comfort in Grimes' endorsement.
"The new film will retain the feeling of the original, and it simply must be shared," Grimes said. "I've probably read close to 20 scripts over the years suggesting a sequel to 'It's a Wonderful Life,' but none of them were any good. The script by Bob Farnsworth and Martha Bolton was wonderful, and I wanted to be involved with his version of the film immediately."
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