Sequel Equal

Every year some film seems to come out of nowhere to become a huge hit. I'd say last year's example was The Hangover, a raunchy comedy with a basic plot and no-name cast that cost $35 million and has grossed $467 million worldwide.

Because so little was expected of the film, Warner Bros. didn't lock down the talent. The three leads were only ("only" by Hollywood standards is "handsomely" to most people) paid less than one million dollars combined, and there were no options in their contracts.

Even before the film opened, though, WB knew it had something and commissioned a screenplay for a sequel. Since then they've been haggling with the leads. They finally worked out a deal, and each of the stars will make around $5 million (and more if the film does well). Director/producer Todd Phillips will also do well, but since he was a profit participant last time, so he doesn't need any more money the rest of his life.

This should be interesting. The first film, unheralded, becomes a big hit. Everyone will be watching to see if the sequel, which will cost more than twice as much, grosses even half the original's numbers. Perhaps the title alone will guarantee $100 million, but how can you capture the comedy again--will they go to a different bachelor party in a different city and get high on a different drug?

William Goldman once wrote sequels are for whores. Maybe that's the answer. They'll put whores in the movie.