The Hangover franchise is currently on a break with no new movie in the works. However, Zack Galifianakis has a crazy plan for Hangover 4 that could revive it. The first Hangover film came out in 2009 and was a huge success. It followed a group of friends trying to piece together their wild night before. While the concept wasn't entirely original, the movie was hilarious, had memorable characters, and a cast with great chemistry. Even though it didn't revolutionize the genre, few comedies have had the same impact as The Hangover.
The sequels, including The Hangover Part III, made a lot of money, with the franchise earning over $1.4 billion. After the first film's massive success, it was expected that there would be many more sequels. However, the subsequent movies didn't quite live up to the original. While they were successful at the box office, they faced criticism for recycling storylines and relying on stereotypes. Nonetheless, Galifianakis has a unique idea for Hangover 4 that could breathe new life into the series.
Zach Galifianakis Wants Hangover 4 To Be Animated
The Rest Of The Cast Reportedly Burned Their Hangover 4 Screenplays
An image of Stu Phil and Alan looking nervous in The Hangover - The Rest Of The Cast Reportedly Burned Their Hangover 4 Screenplays - Zach Galifianakis Wants Hangover 4 To Be Animated
Many critics have expressed their disappointment in the declining quality of the Hangover movies as each new installment was released. However, Zach Galifianakis' recent comments bring a sense of hope for the future of the franchise. It's been quite some time since the last movie in the series hit the big screens back in 2013, but Galifianakis' fresh perspective could potentially breathe new life into it. During an interview with Extra TV, the actor was asked about his thoughts on returning to the Hangover series. Galifianakis shared his insights by stating:
Maybe if they made it a family-friendly Pixar version.
The actor may have mentioned this because the movie he was talking about, Ron's Gone Wrong, is animated, even though it's not from Pixar. He also revealed that he had been working on writing the screenplay for Hangover 4 himself. This should be taken with a pinch of salt considering Galifianakis's background in comedy.
I shared it with my friends, and they responded by sending me videos of them burning it.
He may have been jotting down some thoughts, even though he wasn't involved in writing any of the previous films in the franchise.
How An Animated Hangover 4 Could Save The Franchise
An Animated Hangover Movie Wouldn't Have Any Limitations
Phil on the phone looking tense on The Hangover - An Animated Hangover Movie Wouldn't Have Any Limitations - How An Animated Hangover 4 Could Save The Franchise
The Hangover Part II faced criticism for essentially mimicking the original movie but in Thailand instead of Las Vegas. In contrast, The Hangover Part III strayed too far from its original concept. A fresh approach is necessary for the franchise to thrive. An animated Hangover Part 4 could be set anywhere, offering limitless creative possibilities. While most of The Hangover Part III was filmed in North America, the series' appeal also lies in its exotic locations, which an animated movie could fully explore.
The concept of a family-friendly Hangover 4 may be challenging due to the mature nature of the franchise. However, the success of R-rated animated comedies like Sausage Party shows that adult animation can be popular. This opens up the possibility of a fourth Hangover movie or a reboot in animated form, which could bring a unique twist to the franchise and potentially become another box office hit.
Big Mouth, BoJack Horseman, & Sausage Party Prove There's A Market
The main characters of The Hangover in an elevator - Big Mouth, BoJack Horseman, & Sausage Party Prove There's A Market - The Popularity Of Adult Animation Helps The Hangover 4
Since Galifianakis suggested the idea of creating an animated version of The Hangover 4, the R-rated animated genre has seen a surge in popularity. Award-winning TV shows like BoJack Horseman and Big Mouth on Netflix have contributed to this trend. These two R-rated animated shows offer different styles - one explores adult themes while the other focuses on gross-out comedy, similar to the humor found in The Hangover movies. R-rated animated comedies are not a new concept, with raunchy animated films dating back to the 1970s with titles like Fritz the Cat, Heavy Metal, and Sausage Party, showing that there is still a market for this genre.
Sausage Party, for example, was a successful R-rated animated movie, earning $140 million worldwide with a budget of only $19 million (source: Box Office Mojo).
"The Hangover was a huge hit, and franchises like The Expendables have shown that there can be a long gap between movies before a comeback. The key to The Hangover's success lies in its cast, who played a major role in making it great. However, as the actors age, it may be easier to bring them back in animated form. Adult animation has proven successful in various genres, such as comics like Harley Quinn and fantasy shows like Arcane. Therefore, Zack Galifianakis may not be too far off with his ideas for Hangover 4."
Sources: The Numbers, Extra TV, Box Office Mojo
Editor's P/S:
While the idea of an animated "Hangover 4" may seem unconventional, it presents intriguing possibilities. The franchise's previous installments have struggled to maintain the freshness and originality of the first film, leading to criticism. However, an animated format could offer unlimited creative freedom, allowing the story to explore new settings and concepts without the constraints of a live-action production.
Furthermore, the success of R-rated animated shows and films like "Big Mouth," "BoJack Horseman," and "Sausage Party" suggests that there is an audience for this type of content. By embracing the animated format, the "Hangover" franchise could potentially reinvigorate itself and appeal to both existing fans and new viewers.