Decades Later: Update on John Travolta’s $297M Comedy Movie Franchise Sequel from Creator

John Travolta has played a pivotal role in the success of a beloved comedy franchise that collectively exceeded $400 million in box office revenue. His journey to stardom began with the television sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter, but it was his stellar performances in the 1970s films Saturday Night Fever and Grease that catapulted him into the spotlight, earning him critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Yet, the 1980s would prove challenging for Travolta, as he faced a series of commercial and critical setbacks.

The 1980s saw Travolta involved in films like Two of a Kind and Perfect, both of which were disappointing at the box office and received harsh criticism. Although the sequel Staying Alive managed to turn a profit, it failed to rejuvenate his career. It was not until the release of the comedy Look Who’s Talking in 1989 that Travolta experienced a significant career resurgence, with the film grossing an impressive $297 million, marking his return to commercial success.

Travolta’s revival solidified with his role in Pulp Fiction, a film that garnered him another Academy Award nomination and reinstated him among Hollywood’s elite actors.

Exciting Update on the Look Who’s Talking Franchise

Revisiting the Last Sequel Released in 1993

John Travolta and Kirstie Alley in Look Who's Talking Now

Promotional Image from Look Who's Talking

The Look Who’s Talking franchise, which consists of three films—Look Who’s Talking (1989), Look Who’s Talking Too (1990), and Look Who’s Talking Now! (1993)—is receiving a potential revival. The series follows the endearing characters James, played by Travolta, and Mollie, portrayed by Kirstie Alley, as they navigate the joys of parenthood and pet ownership, with a comedic twist of hearing the inner thoughts of their children and animals. Notable voice talents in the films include Bruce Willis, Joan Rivers, Roseanne Barr, and others.

In a recent discussion with Empire to mark the 35th anniversary of the original film, series creator Amy Heckerling shared that she is actively crafting a new script for the franchise, collaborating with her daughter Mollie—who inspired the original concept in 1985. Here’s what Heckerling had to say:

“Who knows if it’ll become a ‘thing,’ but I’m excited. I’m not through with [Look Who’s Talking] yet… She was looking at us, we were looking at her. Suddenly, [we] started ad-libbing things she might be saying. In my mind, I was like: ‘Oh no. This is gonna be my next movie.’. .. Family-oriented and cute – and I don’t feel like that’s me. But this was the idea I had.”

Implications of Heckerling’s Announcement for the Franchise

Can the Franchise Make a Comeback?

A baby putting an ice bag on John Travolta's forehead in Look Who's Talking

While Amy Heckerling is diligently working on new material for the Look Who’s Talking franchise, the project’s path to production remains unclear. Although the original film was a significant hit, subsequent sequels struggled at the box office and received dismal reviews, particularly Look Who’s Talking Now!, which infamously garnered a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Still, if anyone possesses the insight and talent to revive this franchise, it is undoubtedly Heckerling, whose creative direction was instrumental in the original film’s success and in revitalizing John Travolta’s career.

For more updates, check the source: Empire.

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