I’m not sure whether to hang out the flags or open a vein?
One of the best, most widely loved [and one of very few actually memorable] movies in modern Hollywood history is getting a sequel. Oliver Stone’s glorious 1987 hymn of praise to the joys and pains of unquenchable avarice, “Wall Street,” is being fast-tracked by Fox for what some might say is a long-overdue second verse.
The movie, currently titled, “Money Never Sleeps” will focus on the life of Gordon Gekko as he emerges from prison, having served his time for past indiscretions. Michael Douglas has made it known he’s interested in reprising the role that deservedly secured him an Oscar, but he’s waiting for a script before actually inking the deal.
On the surface, this is wonderful news. The first movie had a viable plot, tangible characters and an overall premise you could actually believe; Which makes it depressingly rare. And with an eleven-year gap since its iconic parent, Fox can hardly be accused of ‘cashing-in’ with a quick, trashy sequel. Even the script is being crafted by Allan Loeb who’s a former Wall Street trader, so the bloodline on this project is looking superb. The only sour note is that Charlie Sheen is not currently due to return.
You certainly can’t fault the timing. The King of Wall Street is released from jail, only to find his former kingdom imploding in inexorable meltdown. The story potential is right off the charts! As a rule I hate sequels as they’re often no more than a shallow exploitation of the public’s affection for the original film, but it sounds like we can make an exception?
I don’t know about you, folks, but I’m booking my seat. Money never sleeps. And if this film’s performance displays even half of its pedigree, until it actually opens I may not be doing much either.
