In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Richard Kelly opened up about his cult classic “Donnie Darko” and the possibility of a sequel.
As the film celebrates its 20th anniversary, the director explored the possibility of expanding “the world of Donnie Darko.” For those unfamiliar with the surreal thriller, it’s a doozy. There are complex themes and the space-time continuum, you know, stuff you’d find in a Chris Nolan movie.
Except in this film, Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal), deals with disturbing visions of a man in a bunny suit who convinces him to commit crimes. You’re basic cult classic, it didn’t sit right with audiences upon it’s release. Despite its stellar cast, including Drew Barrymore, Jenna Malone, Patrick Swayze, and Maggie Gyllenhaal, people couldn’t get past the dense plot.
The film did receive a director’s cut in 2004, due to conspiracy theorists and Gyllenhaal fans alike. Which gave more explanation to the events of the first film, but still raised questions for core fans.
The film is full of threads for viewers to metaphorically tug on. And the director clearly wants to see what potential story remains in the world:
“There’s so much information in Donnie Darko, I’ve been processing it for two decades, but I think really in the past five years or so, since Trump was elected, I’ve been really digging into it and working to see what the bigger world of the film could look like.”Richard Kelly
This may come as especially exciting news to fans who were less-than-pleased with the 2009 ‘S. Darko’. The film attempted to expand the world of Donnie Darko through his little sister, Samantha. The new film was helmed by different writers and Richard Kelly disowned the supposed sequel.
Rightfully so, since audiences and critics trashed it. Since then, there’s been no word on another film.
With the original director back in the driver’s seat, and the desire to explore more of the world. There’s potential for another twisted and though-provoking story.
