Iconic Duo Reunites for Highly Anticipated Follow-Up
Production has officially commenced on the sequel to the beloved 1997 cult classic, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion. Stars Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino have sparked excitement by sharing a photograph from the set, showcasing their distinctive style, reminiscent of their unforgettable characters.
The news was further confirmed by 20th Century Studios, which posted the image with the caption: “The reunion you’ve been waiting for! The Romy and Michele sequel is now in production.” Sorvino, 58, expressed her elation, stating, “It’s finally happening. Bursting with joy to be ‘reunited!'”
Streaming Release and Potential Timeline
Unlike its predecessor, the new installment is slated for release exclusively as a Hulu Original via streaming services. This strategic move means the film will bypass a traditional theatrical run. If the sequel premieres in 2027, it would align thematically with Romy and Michele’s 40th high school reunion.
Creative Team and Returning Cast
Guiding the new film is director Tim Federle, while Robin Schiff, the creator and writer of the original characters, is penning the script for the sequel. Alongside Kudrow, 62, and Sorvino, several familiar faces from the original movie are set to return. Janeane Garofalo will reprise her role as Heather, with Alan Cumming as Sandy Frink, Camryn Manheim as Toby, and Julia Campbell as Christie also confirmed.
The expanded cast includes newcomers Keegan-Michael Key, Rob Huebel, Breckin Meyer, Patrick Warburton, and Nathan Lee Graham, who will be portraying characters in roles yet to be revealed. Key figures from the original film’s production team are also involved, including producers Laurence Mark and Barry Kemp, and original costume designer Mona May.
Costume Designer’s Excitement
Mona May shared her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I’m so excited to be a part of this amazing project to keep the DNA of the characters and design the fashions to be as fun and fabulous as the original film. Romy and Michele are forever fashionistas, and I’m so excited to be working with Lisa and Mira again.”
Legacy of the Original Film
The 1997 film, directed by David Mirkin, followed two aspiring fashion designers who concoct a story of business success to impress their former classmates at their high school reunion. Despite a modest box office performance, grossing $29.2 million against a $20 million budget, the comedy blossomed into a cherished cult classic over the ensuing years.
Updates and Character Continuity
Last year, Lisa Kudrow offered an optimistic update on the sequel’s progress during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, following Mira Sorvino’s confirmation that they had signed their contracts. Kudrow revealed, “She said it perfectly. We’re as close as we have ever been. There’s a script that’s really good. [Original screenwriter] Robin Schiff wrote it.” She added, “So it’ll happen! I mean, we’ll see. Because having a close friend it’s about you know friends that love each other – which is funny because I was on a show that was like that too – but that is basically what it is.”
Initial discussions for the follow-up gained momentum after Kudrow and Sorvino reprised their roles in 2022 to present an award at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards. Reflecting on her hopes for the sequel, Sorvino expressed a desire for the characters to remain “relatable, but also as dumb and lovable as they ever were.” She elaborated, “Like, I don’t think they’ve learned that much in the time in between, but they still have that unstoppable spirit and that friendship and that idiocy that makes everybody kind of love them. And so, that essential nature of them and the heart that’s at the center of that, that heart has to stay there.”
