Richard Linklater discusses possible ‘School of Rock’ sequel with Jack Black
Over two decades since School of Rock first hit cinema screens in 2003, director Richard Linklater has shared his thoughts on the potential to reunite with Jack Black for a sequel.
School of Rock starred Black as Dewey Finn, a failing musician who becomes a substitute teacher and forms a band with a classroom of children. The film also starred Joan Cusack, Sarah Silverman and a young Miranda Cosgrove.
Taking in over $131 million at the box office, School of Rock secured its place as one of the most beloved comedies of the 2000s. Now, over 20 years on, the love for Dewey Finn and his band of prep school rockers is still going strong.
During a recent conversation with UNILAD, Linklater revealed his thoughts on creating a follow-up to the musical comedy. While he acknowledged that there were no current plans to bring Dewey Finn back to our screens, Linklater seemed open to the possibility given the right creative motivations.
The director stated that he would “love” to work with Black again, but specified that “there’s got to be a reason.” Linklater went on to cite his work on the Before trilogy, starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, as an example.
“Don’t do it unless there’s an idea,” he explained, “the reason we did two Befores is there was a good idea screaming out, there’s something to express about this.”
Linklater seems intent on avoiding what he calls a “victory lap sequel,” which he defines as quick, profitable and blatant responses to the success of a film. “We’re way beyond that,” he stated, “so why would you do it unless there’s something specific to tell. There’s always a good idea to be had.”
The director isn’t the only School of Rock cast and crew member who is open to revisiting the story. Black shared his interest in a sequel back in March, though he stipulated that writer Mike White would also have to return to the project.
White is currently tied up with HBO anthology series The White Lotus. A third season of the show is set to air next year, with another mammoth ensemble cast featuring Carrie Coon, Jason Isaacs and Parker Posey.
Meanwhile, Linklater is currently promoting his new film Hit Man starring Glen Powell, which hits Netflix next month. Black seems to be venturing further into voice acting, with an appearance in Kung Fu Panda 4 earlier this year and an upcoming role in Eli Roth’s Borderlands.
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