Romy and Michele are back. Production has officially begun on the sequel to the 1997 cult classic Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, with original stars Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino reprising their roles. The film, written by original screenwriter Robin Schiff and directed by Tim Federle, will debut as a Hulu Original on Hulu and Disney+, bypassing theaters entirely, as 20th Century Studios confirmed.

Production begins last Friday for a Hulu-exclusive sequel

According to a statement from 20th Century Studios, filming for the sequel started last Friday. The project had been rumored for months before set photos surfaced on social media, prompting the studio to confirm the news. This marks the first time Federle, known for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, directs a feature-length sequel. Federle previously worked with Kudrow on the 2022 Disney+ film Better Nate Than Never.

Robin Schiff returns to write after 27 years

The screenplay is written by Robin Schiff,who also penned the original 1997 film.. Schiff's return ensures continuity of tone, as the original was known for its quirky, heartfelt humor. the sequel will likely explore Romy and Michele's lives decades after their high school reunion, according to the studio's brief announcement . No plot details have been released, but the original's themes of friendship and reinvention are expected to carry forward.

Why the original's $29 million box office turned into a cult legacy

The original Romy and Michele's High School Reunion grossed approximately $29 million worldwide during its theatrical run, a modest number for a studio comedy. However, it has since achieved a 76% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes and evolved into a celebrated cult classic, with memorable costumes and quotable lines. The sequel taps into nostalgia for late-1990s pop culture, a trend that has revived other films like Hocus Pocus 2 and Sister Act 3 on streaming platforms.

New faces Keegan-Michael Key and Rob Huebel join undisclosed roles

Joining the ensemble are new cast members Keegan-Michael Key, Rob Huebel,Breckin Meyer, Patrick Warburton, and Nathan Lee Graham. Their specific roles remain undisclosed, as the studio has not released a synopsis. Returning cast includes Janeane Garofalo as Heather, Alan Cumming as Sandy Frink, Camryn Manheim as Toby, and Julia Campbell as Christie.. The blend of original and new comedic talent suggests an effort to balance nostalgia with fresh energy.

One open question is how the sequel will address the passage of time: will the characters have aged naturally,or will the story use a time jump? Another unknown is the extent of Alan Cumming's role as Sandy Frink, given that his character's arc in the original ended with a romantic gesture. finally, no release date has been announced, but the fast-tracked production schedule points to a potential 2025 debut on Hulu and Disney+.