Focus Features has officially set the release date for the upcoming romantic comedy sequel Book Club 2 – The Next Chapter, featuring the return of acting veterans Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen as they reprise their roles from the 2018 film.
The sequel is scheduled to hit theaters on Mother’s Day Weekend, May 12, 2023. Its theatrical release date will see the film go up against no direct competition. However, it will be debuting in the same month as three other high-profile films including Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Fast X, and The Little Mermaid.
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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 newcomers 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 a box office success with a worldwide gross of $104 million against a reported budget of $14 million. The 2018 film centered around four friends as they discuss E.L. James’ erotic romance novel Fifty Shades of Grey for their monthly book club.
