The 1995 buddy comedy Mallrats has gone on to achieve cult status among fans for its unconventional way of approaching comedy. As such, admirers of the entertainment classic have been gunning for a sequel ever since. However, the tragic and untimely passing of actress Shannen Doherty earlier this year put a massive roadblock in the progression of the project. In a recent interview, director Kevin Smith revealed that he hopes to tackle this issue with Mallrats 2 in a tasteful manner by casting Doherty’s longtime friend, Sarah Michelle Gellar, as Rene Mosier.
Kevin Smith wants to make Mallrats 2 with Sarah Michelle Gellar as Rene Mosier
Smith stated that he intends to shape Mallrats 2 as a tribute to Shannen Doherty by recasting Sarah Michelle Gellar in the role of Rene Mosier.
While talking to The Hollywood Reporter, the multi-faceted filmmaker shared insight into his revamped plan for the much-awaited Mallrats sequel. Smith disclosed that instead of rewriting the film and excluding Shannen Doherty’s character, Rene Mosier, he now hopes to recast the part in a way that honors the late artist’s legacy. The seasoned filmmaker then flighted the name of Sarah Michelle Gellar for Mallrats 2, highlighting her connection with Doherty and himself.
“Shannen’s closest friend was Sarah Michelle Gellar, and I worked with Sarah on Masters of the Universe: Revelation,” Smith said. “So her being Shannen’s bestie and having already tried out for Mallrats 30 years ago next year, I would ask Sarah to step in for Shannen if there’s a possibility that we get to make Twilight of the Mallrats.”
The seasoned filmmaker then expanded upon what it would mean to have Sarah Michelle Gellar in Mallrats 2. “I think that’d be personally meaningful for her on some level because of her relationship with Shannen,” Smith explained. “She’d bring Shannen’s warmth with her, and it’s maybe the next best thing to having Shannen there.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar responds to Kevin Smith’s Mallrats 2 idea
Shortly after Kevin Smith confessed his idea to collaborate with Sarah Michelle Gellar over Mallrats 2, the Buffy star came out to provide her take on the proposal.
After conducting the discussion with Smith, The Hollywood Reporter took to Instagram to share the director’s updates on the Mallrats sequel. Moreover, even Gellar seemed to approve of the plan, as she replied to the post by commenting, “Here for this idea!!”
At the time of writing, there is no concrete update regarding the progression of Mallrats 2. According to Smith, Universal is yet to greenlight the idea, majorly due to its constantly revolving door of executives. As such, Gellar’s suggested inclusion in Twilight of the Mallrats remains a mere proposition for now.
Meanwhile, the Clerks director is currently occupied with conducting promotions for his latest comedic venture, The 4:30 Movie. Check out Kevin Smith’s exclusive interview with ComingSoon’s Editor-in-Chief, Tyler Treese, where he discusses his personal experiences that helped him craft the 2024 coming-of-age comedy.
