When Donnie Darko was released in 2001, it immediately established a cult following that would remain loyal to the film for the next 16 years. When its sequel S. Darko came out in 2009 fans were understandably excited, but without the involvement of director Richard Kelly the film was a commercial and critical disappointment that’s best left ignored.
Now, almost 16 years after we first met Donnie and his macabre rabbit spirit guide, Richard has suggested he might be ready to give audiences the film they wished for in 2009. Speaking to HMV he detailed plans to “be back behind a camera in 2017,” hinting at a follow up to his 2001 classic. “I think there’s something much bigger and more ambitious to do in that universe. It’s big and expensive and I think there’s time to get to that. I want to make sure we’ve got the budget to do it justice and not to compromise anything. Another story in this world needs resources and we need to have that in place.”
READ: donnie darko director on the making of his cult classic
While details of what that might look like weren’t elaborated on, he did comment on some fan theories. When asked about the long held idea Donnie was in fact dead the whole time, he cryptically answered: “I think the film argues that life and death can perhaps coexist, that time is not necessarily a purely linear thing.”
Timing wise, audiences couldn’t be more primed for a follow up. Last year the film returned to UK cinemas in 4K resolution to mark its 15th anniversary, beckoning a new wave of fans who missed it first time around. After all, in 2017 the world needs Sparkle Motion more than ever.
Credits
Text Wendy Syfret