The Long Wait: Unveiling the Delay Behind Judd Apatow's Sequel to This Is 40

Article Overview

This Is 40 was released in 2012, and director Judd Apatow announced in 2022 that he was interested in making a sequel called This Is 50.

Apatow recently expressed his interest in creating a sequel while acknowledging the scheduling difficulties with his family members, who portray three of the four main roles. If the sequel were to come to fruition, it would feature the return of Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, and Maude and Iris Apatow from the original film. The storyline would delve into relatable topics such as parenting, finances, and romance.

Judd Apatow's planned sequel to This Is 40, called This Is 50, has encountered some obstacles that have prevented its realization. This comedy film, released in 2012, stars Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann as a married couple named Pete and Debbie. They navigate through various challenges of family and finances as they approach their 40s. Apatow had confirmed last year that he was working on a script for a sequel set 10 years later, but now he provides an update on This Is 50. In a recent interview with The Playlist, Apatow expresses his continued desire to make the film, but reveals that one of the issues revolves around his own family. In the first movie, his real-life wife Leslie Mann played the role of Debbie, and their daughters Iris and Maude Apatow portrayed their on-screen children. Below is Apatow's complete statement.

What Could This Is 50 Be About?

I have a concept for [‘This is 50’]… I have envisaged a plan for it, which I have been sketching out separately. It’s a project close to my heart, but currently, my top priority is determining if my family members are available as their schedules are becoming increasingly packed.

No story details have been disclosed yet for This Is 50. Nonetheless, the initial film gives a strong indication of the potential storyline. Importantly, any narrative would involve the comeback of key cast members from the first movie, such as Rudd, Mann, and both of Apatow's daughters. Other supporting characters, possibly including Jason Segel, Annie Mumulo, Megan Fox, and Robert Smigel, could also make a return.

Regarding the storyline, the initial film presents the idea that maintaining relatability to the audience can be a successful approach. This Is 40 portrays an exaggerated and comedic portrayal of the challenges and changes that come with turning 40, while still feeling authentic. Pete and Debbie encounter difficulties in their business, romantic lives, friendships, and raising their children, indicating that similar issues may arise when they reach their 50s.

Nonetheless, if This Is 50 were to be created, significant changes would likely involve Pete and Debbie's daughters, who were eight and 13 years old in the previous movie. Considering that a decade has passed, their dynamic with the parents would have undoubtedly transformed, and it is possible that either one or both of the daughters may have moved out of the family home. Although it is uncertain if This Is 50 will come to fruition, scheduling appears to be a major obstacle for the film.

Source: The Playlist

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the potential sequel to "This Is 40." On one hand, I am excited to see the return of the original cast and to catch up with their lives 10 years later. I can relate to the challenges of parenting, finances, and romance that the characters faced in the first movie, and I am curious to see how they have evolved over time. On the other hand, I am concerned that the sequel might not live up to the original. The first movie was a critical and commercial success, and it set a high bar for any sequel. I am also worried that the film might feel dated, as the original movie was released over 10 years ago and the world has changed a lot since then.

Overall, I am cautiously optimistic about "This Is 50." I think it has the potential to be a great movie, but it will need to be well-written and well-executed in order to avoid falling short of expectations. I am looking forward to seeing more information about the film as it becomes available.