Why Step Brothers 2 Should Stay in the Past

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Fans have long hoped for a Step Brothers 2, but it seems unlikely to happen due to various reasons.

The potential storyline for Step Brothers 2, where the main characters venture into a retirement community, promises uproarious laughter and seamlessly aligns with the thematic elements of the first film. The cast and filmmakers unanimously acknowledge that creating a sequel merely for the sake of it would be ill-advised, recognizing the merit in preserving certain movies as timeless, standalone classics.

Step Brothers, released in 2008, quickly gained popularity as a beloved comedy. John C. Reilly and Will Ferrell deliver flawless performances as Dale Doback and Brennan Huff, two adults who become step-siblings after their parents' marriage. The absurd plot, hilarious jokes, and talented cast, which includes Adam Scott, contribute to the movie's enduring popularity.

Just like with many successful films, fans have long speculated about the possibility of a Step Brothers 2. Read on to discover all that is known about the potential sequel and why it is highly unlikely to ever come to fruition.

There Was A Plan For Step Brothers 2

Step Brothers has garnered a significant following, resulting in a considerable number of individuals eagerly anticipating the release of Step Brothers 2. Certain movies become so beloved that fans incessantly clamor for a continuation, a prime illustration being the Simon Pegg film Shaun of the Dead.

During a 2017 interview with The New York Daily News, Will Ferrell divulged details about Step Brothers 2. Specifically, he discussed a potential storyline:

During our conversation, the topic of Step Brothers arose, but Adam and I quickly veered off on a tangent. We came up with a humorous concept for a sequel, envisioning John and myself relocating to a retirement community alongside our parents and attempting to prove that we too deserve the right to retire. This idea seamlessly aligns with the essence of the initial film's central theme: two grown men navigating the challenges of maintaining their immaturity as step siblings.

In 2013, Adam McKay was interviewed by The A.V. Club and he said that the plan for Step Brothers 2 kept getting tied up with an Anchorman sequel. He said:

We had originally intended to create Step Brothers 2 and had a solid concept in mind. We had all the necessary preparations in place to proceed. We were just about to begin discussions with Sony to move forward with the project. However, every time I mentioned it to someone, their immediate response would always be, "Oh, because you couldn't make Anchorman 2?" And the truth was, they were right. I realized that this could potentially overshadow the new film and become a disappointment for everyone. It's not that it bothered me immensely, but if that became the prevalent reaction, it would definitely be disheartening. The tale of Step Brothers 2 serves as a clear illustration of how filmmakers sometimes encounter obstacles in bringing a sequel or desired film to fruition. Various factors, such as studio disinterest or actors declining to reprise their roles, can contribute to these challenges.

Step Brothers Is Too Perfect To Need Step Brothers 2

Although there are a few comedy sequels that manage to be as exceptional as their predecessors, this is not always the norm. In reality, the majority of fans tend to be let down by sequels, primarily due to the lack of fresh jokes, uninteresting characters, and an absence of noteworthy plotlines.

An argument can be made that Step Brothers is an impeccable comedy, leaving no justification for creating a Step Brothers 2. The portrayals by John C. Reilly and Will Ferrell are remarkably compelling, with their characters Dale Doback and Brennen Huff being among the most unforgettable roles the actors have ever taken on.

If Step Brothers 2 were to follow the storyline that Will Ferrell discussed, it is highly likely that it would be just as amusing as the original Step Brothers. Nevertheless, it doesn't seem necessary. Ferrell and Reilly portrayed their characters so brilliantly that fans are delighted to watch Dale and Brennan engage in foolishness time and time again. While a sequel could delve deeper into the characters' development and it would be entertaining to see what they are currently up to, fans can be satisfied knowing that Step Brothers is an impeccable comedy.

Step Brothers 2 Will Probably Never Happen

The chances of Step Brothers 2 being made are slim as both the actors and filmmakers concur that creating a sequel solely for the purpose of it is not a good idea. Will Ferrell stated in 2017 to Rolling Stone:

Resisting the temptation is crucial, particularly because the appeal of creating sequels for highly sought-after concepts lies in their rarity. At the moment, there are no plans for sequels, as it's important to avoid saturating the market with endless sequels. Despite Step Brothers being considered one of Will Ferrell's funniest movies, it's unlikely that there will be a Step Brothers 2. Crafting a successful sequel can be a daunting task, and sometimes it's best to let a film stand on its own merit. Step Brothers is a memorable film for various reasons—it boasts a talented cast and a unique plot that revolves around grown men behaving like children. Additionally, the movie is well-known for iconic lines such as Dale's favorite dinosaur prompt, "On the count of three, name your favorite dinosaur. Don't even think about it. Just name it. Ready? One, two, three."

Editor's P/S

As a Step Brothers fan, I have mixed feelings about the possibility of a sequel. On the one hand, I would love to see more of Dale Doback and Brennan Huff's misadventures. On the other hand, I worry that a sequel could tarnish the legacy of the original film.

I think the main reason why Step Brothers 2 is unlikely to happen is because the original film is so perfect. It's a timeless comedy that doesn't need a sequel. The story is complete, and the characters are fully developed. There's no need to add anything more.

Another reason why I think Step Brothers 2 is unlikely to happen is because the cast and crew have all moved on. Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly are both busy with other projects, and Adam McKay is now directing more serious films. I don't think any of them are interested in making a Step Brothers sequel.

I think it's best to leave Step Brothers as a standalone classic. It's a film that doesn't need a sequel.