Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire, which starred Dev Patel and Freida Pinto, could be getting a surprise sequel.
The film, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2009, follows Jamal Malik (Patel), a once-impoverished boy who takes part in the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Progressing through each set of questions, Jamal is ruthlessly questioned by producers who suspect him of cheating, with the character recounting the major landmarks of his life that informed each answer.
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Over 15 years since its release, it seems that a follow-up may be on the cards, with Variety reporting that newly-formed production company Bridge7 had struck a deal with Celador to secure both film and television rights to the project.
“Some stories stay with us long after the credits roll and Slumdog Millionaire is undoubtedly one of them,” said Bridge7 founders Swati Shetty and Grant Kessman. “Its narrative is universal, cutting across cultural and geographical lines.
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“It embodies the kind of stories we love - ones that bridge entertainment with profound human experiences. What makes [it] extraordinary is not only its cinematic brilliance - spanning storytelling, music and its remarkable accolades, but also how it brought together talent from across the world to make a global winning team.”
“I am delighted that Swati and Grant have chosen the Slumdog Millionaire sequel to launch their newly formed company,” added Celador International chairman Paul Smith. “Celador looks forward to working with Bridge7, as the next chapter of Jamal’s journey of discovery unfolds on the screen.”
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Whilst Smith’s statement seemingly confirms that the sequel will be a continuation of Jamal’s story, it is unknown if Patel - who recently made his directorial debut with Monkey Man - will reprise his role.
It’s also unclear if Boyle, who won the Best Director prize at both the Academy Award and BAFTA ceremonies, will return in the same or any capacity. In addition to the top prizes of Best Picture and Best Director, Slumdog Millionaire won a further six Academy Awards.
Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.
