Whodunit? It’s almost time to solve anotherMurder Mystery. A sequel to theAdam SandlerandJennifer Aniston-led Netflix comedy is tentatively set to be released by the streamer later this year. Despite a lukewarm critical reception, the film was very popular with viewers.More than 30 million householdsviewed the first film during its June 2019 opening weekend, making it the biggest opening weekend for a Netflix film at the time. After the first four weeks of release, that number climbedto 73 million households, which made it the most successful Adam Sandler film on the platform.
Now, the streaming giant is ready to build on the momentum set by the first installment. With that in mind, let’s look at everything we know so far about Netflix’sMurder Mystery 2. Where will the plot take the characters this time? Who is expected to return to the cast, and what new faces will join them? When can we expect to see the film released? And what else should audiences expect to see inMurder Mystery 2?
Plot: What We Know
In the first film, viewers will recall that married couple Nick and Audrey Spitz (Sandler and Aniston, respectively) get caught up in a murder investigation while vacationing on a billionaire’s yacht. When they were suspected of being involved, the couple was forced to clear their name while working with the others on the yacht to find the real killer. As of this writing, there is little information about what specifically is in store for the plot. Given the title, we can reasonably expect that Sandler and Aniston’s married couple will solve another murder. It may be connected to the first film, or it may take them on an entirely separate adventure. However, the ending of the first film may have given us some clue as to what the plot might involve.
After solving the murder, the Spitzs continued their vacation aboard the infamous Orient Express train. Of course, that particular train is known for its incorporation in the Agatha Christie novelMurder on the Orient Expressand its various film adaptions. If this train is a part of the sequel, it could offer a chance for the film to put a comedic spin on one of the world’s most well-known whodunits.
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With filming taking place in locations such as Paris, the Caribbean, and Hawaii, the sequel’s plot will likely take viewers to similar exotic locations. With so many unknowns as of now, all that eager viewers can do is use the few details we’ve got to make guesses about what’s in store. It makes sense that Netflix wants to keep as much of the plot under wraps as possible. The first film was a massive success, and the streamer likely intends to replicate that for the sequel and build anticipation. More details will likely be released in the coming months, but for now, all that we can do is wait.
Cast: What We Know
In the sequel, lead stars Adam Sandler and Jennifer Anistonreprise their roles as Nick and Audrey Spitz. Other returning stars from the first film include John Kani as Colonel Ulenga and Adeel Akhtar as Maharajah. At this time, these four are the only confirmed returners from the original. They will be joined by various new cast members, including Jodie Turner-Smith, Mark Strong, Annie Mumolo, Melanie Laurent, Kuhoo Verma, Enrique Arce, Zurin Villanueva, and Tony Goldwyn. While we know that these stars are joining the film, we do not yet know what characters they are playing or how they will be connected to the main plot. More casting announcements and information will likely follow in the weeks and months to come.
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Release Date
There is currently no set release date forMurder Mystery 2, though there is speculation that it will drop sometime in 2022. With the original film receiving a summer release, there is a chance that Netflix will schedule the sequel sometime in the summer months. However, with summer just a few months away and filming having only recently wrapped, it may not be ready by the summer. Another possible option would be to release it sometime in November or December. This would allow Netflix to capitalize on the holiday season where they have found success with their biggest titles (such asBird BoxandDon’t Look Up). Whenever the streamer does decide to releaseMurder Mystery 2, audiences will likely know far ahead of time to build as much anticipation as possible.
Everything Else: Happy Madison
Murder Mystery 2is the latest collaboration between Netflix and Sandler’s production company Happy Madison. Other notable partnerships between the two includeThe Ridiculous 6,The Do-Over,Sandy Wexler, andHubie Halloween. Netflix has distributed all of Happy Madison’s films since 2015’sThe Ridiculous 6. In addition toMurder Mystery 2, Sandler also has the upcomingHustle,Spaceman, andThe Out-lawsall set for a release this year. If they prove to be as popular with audiences asMurder Mystery, then it is possible that we could see this partnership between the streaming giant and iconic comedy studio continue to roll out new productions in the future.
