'It's A Wonderful Life' Sequel In The Works, Big Mistake?

Treasured 1940s Christmas movie It's A Wonderful Life apparently has a sequel in the works, set to be released nearly 60 years after the original 1946 film. Described as "one of the most beloved films ever made" by our own Christopher Null, the movie has earned its place as one of the most cherished festive films that spans generations.
With this is mind, it's easy to see why the news that there is a sequel in the works has sparked such mixed reactions, with many condemning any attempts to revive or replicate the original charm.

In the original, James Stewart plays a businessman named George Bailey who is compassionate but despairing and plans to commit suicide on Christmas Eve. Clarence, Bailey's guardian angel, intervenes to save George's life and show him what life would be like had he never existed.

The actor who played 4 year-old Tommy Bailey in the movie, Jimmy Hawkins, told TMZ that the movie's sequel will be successful in the hands of the right producers but is in danger of falling apart under the wrong script or director.

The 72 year-old also revealed that the original director, Frank Capra, tried pitching an It's A Wonderful Life sequel for years after the first movie but the studios felt that such a move would be sacrilegious. Read our review of the 1946 classic, It's A Wonderful Life.

Hawkins also confirmed that he was currently in talks to revive his 'Tommy' role but wants to tread carefully in case it's a case of "stunt casting." This means that instead of a remake of the 1946 classic, the new movie is likely to be a revisit to the characters in the next generation.

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George Clooney for It's A Wonderful Life 2!

Indeed, Star Partners and Hummingbird Productions have already started work on It's A Wonderful Life: The Rest Of The Story, according to Den of Geek. The film will apparently focus on the grandson of George Bailey, who is also called George. Karolyn Grimes, who appeared in the original as Bailey's young daughter will be an angel this time, suggesting a similar plot to the first.

Not to worry though, assures Grimes: "the new film will retain the feeling of the original, and it simply must be shared." No casting announcement has been made but we're going to go ahead and suggest George Clooney for the role of George Bailey's grandson. Why not?

Twitter reactions have been largely negative from those who hold the original movie dear, ranging from a common "Noooo!" to suggestions of a petition or a boycott. Perhaps the film provokes such strong reactions because it is evocative of a time when shops didn't start advertising Christmas in September and the festive season was a more a time for togetherness rather than commercialism. All of which could be tainted if the sequel is crass.

Importantly, Jimmy Hawkins gave his blessing to the sequel, saying "I wish them all the luck in the world."
It's A Wonderful Life: The Rest Of The Story is scheduled for release in late 2015.

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‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Sequel in the Works (EXCLUSIVE)

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NOVEMBER 18, 2013 | 11:30AM PT
Story to focus on George Bailey's grandson; actress who portrayed 'Zuzu' in the original returning to play angel

Dave McNary
Film Reporter@Variety_DMcNary

Star Partners and Hummingbird Prods. are collaborating on production of a sequel toFrank Capra’s iconic 1946 movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which starred Jimmy Stewartand Donna Reed.

The sequel, titled “It’s a Wonderful Life: The Rest of the Story,” is being financed by Allen J. Schwalb of Star Partners who will also produce along with Bob Farnsworth of Hummingbird. The duo are aiming to get the movie into theaters for the 2015 holiday season.

Karolyn Grimes, who played George Bailey’s daughter “Zuzu” in the original, will return for the “Wonderful Life” sequel as an angel who shows Bailey’s unlikeable grandson (also named George Bailey) how the world would be if he had he never been born.

Grimes, of course, bellowed the iconic line “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings!” in the original movie, about a troubled family man (Stewart) whose near-suicide on Christmas Eve brings on the intervention of his guardian angel.

Farnsworth and Martha Bolton have written the screenplay.

“The storyline of the new film retains the spirit of the original – every life is important as long as you have friends,” Farnsworth said.

No casting decision for the lead role of Bailey’s grandson will be made until February but producers have also begun discussions with original cast members Jimmy Hawkins, who portrayed Tommy Bailey, and Carol Coombs, who played Janie Bailey, to reprise their roles as well.

The producers are interviewing potential directors and plan to shoot the majority of the film in Louisiana. The sequel will have a budget in the $25 million to $35 million range.

“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.”

Star Partners is the managing member of the slate portfolio Star Partners 8 LLC, a $100 million offering. Previously, Star Partners funded seven slates of films, dating back to the 1980s, including “The Right Stuff,” “The Killing Fields,” “The Color Purple,” “The Mission,” “Moonstruck” and “Rain Man.”

“It’s a Wonderful Life” was nominated for five Oscars including best picture but lost out to “The Best Years of Our Lives.”
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‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Sequel in the Works (EXCLUSIVE)
NOVEMBER 18, 2013 | 11:30AM PT

Story to focus on George Bailey's grandson; actress who portrayed 'Zuzu' in the original returning to play angel
Dave McNary
Film Reporter@Variety_DMcNary
Paramount Pictures has slammed the brakes on plans by independent producers to mount a sequel to Frank Capra’s iconic Christmas tale “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

The studio said that Star Partners and Hummingbird Prods. have not obtained the sequel rights to the movie, which starred Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed.

“No project relating to ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ can proceed without a license from Paramount,” a Par spokesman said. “To date, these individuals have not obtained any of the necessary rights, and we would take all appropriate steps to protect those rights.”

But producer Bob Farnsworth told Variety that the producers have a “clear” claim to the sequel rights and expressed optimism that any dispute can be resolved amicably.

RKO Pictures released the movie in 1946. Paramount owns the copyright due to its 1998 acquisition of Spelling Entertainment and its Republic Pictures subsidiary, which had been the owner of the rights to the original 1939 story “The Greatest Gift.”

The sequel, titled “It’s a Wonderful Life: The Rest of the Story,” is being financed by Allen J. Schwalb of Star Partners, who would also produce along with Farnsworth of Hummingbird.

“We have spent a lot of time, money and research that leads us to believe that we are clear on any infractions of the copyright,” Farnsworth said. “If anyone feels that have a legal claim, we will be happy to talk with them. I believe that whatever resolution needs to be made will be made amicably, in the positive spirit of the project.”

Karolyn Grimes, who played George Bailey’s daughter in the original, has agreed to return for the “Wonderful Life” sequel as an angel who shows Bailey’s unlikable grandson (also named George Bailey) how the world would be if he had he never been born.