Queer cult classic Jennifer’s Body gets sequel update: ‘Fun and crazy like the first film’
Jennifer’s Body sequel is officially in the works. (20th Century Studios)
Jennifer's Body sequel is officially in the works. (20th Century Studios)
The 2009 comedy-horror Jennifer’s Body has become a queer cult classic over the years, and the good news is there’s been an update on the sequel.
The original film is a gay-coded horror flick that follows childhood friends Jennifer (Megan Fox ) and Needy (Amanda Seyfried). When Jennifer becomes demonically possessed, killing and eating her male classmates, Needy must find a way to end her bestie’s cannibalistic rampage.
Jennifer’s Body was somewhat mis-marketed upon its original release. The poor marketing campaign was aimed towards a younger male audience. However, in recent years, Jennifer’s Body has been reclaimed by feminist and LGBTQ+ audiences.
There have long been calls for a sequel to the much-loved film. Now, it seems that wish is closer than ever.
Previously, original writer Diablo Cody shared that she would be very keen to make a Jennifer’s Body sequel. But now, for the first time, original director Karyn Kusama has confirmed a sequel is in the works.
Speaking to Deadline, Kusama shared that Cody is working on it “right now. I’m very excited to hear what comes of it,” she continued.
The outlet confirmed that Cody is developing a Jennifer’s Body sequel script for 20th Century Studios.
‘I’m very excited to hear what comes of it’
“I know some of the bones of it, so I’m not going to give anything away, but it sounds fun and crazy like the first film. And I have no doubt that Diablo will do something absolutely incredible with it.”
Kusama said she’s “just so grateful that the film managed to find its audience” with its current cult status.
“For the part of me that has a healthy ego that I try to keep in check, to have Jennifer’s Body be like the antidote to another classic film that I worship,” Kusama continued.
“But the idea that Jennifer’s Body would be somebody’s Godfather, that just tickles me all the way down to my toes.”
Last year, Cody told Bustle that Jennifer’s Body is “obviously” a queer movie.
“First of all, I think it’s pretty obviously a queer relationship between Needy and Jennifer,” the writer explained. “We didn’t get to go there, at least not as much as we wanted to. Luckily the subtext was there, and people were able to take that away.”
Perhaps the sequel will explicitly tackle the queer undertones of the original film.
Furthermore, Fox and Seyfried have both separately said they’d be interested in reuniting for a new instalment.
