Will Ferris turn 40? It's up to Hollywood

Ferris Bueller fans, here's some amazing news: There is a finished script being shopped in Hollywood for a sequel to the 1986 teen classic.

Titled "Ferris Bueller 2: Another Day Off," the movie places Ferris on the eve of his 40th birthday. The script was written by Rick Rapier, a screenwriter based in Arizona. Rapier provided "Stuck in the '80s" with an exclusive and complete copy of the 106-page script.

Is it good? I thought it was a blast. I read it in a single afternoon and was impressed with the care Rapier took with the original story and characters. The story has the same feel, humor and pace as the 1986 movie, which should please hard-core Ferris fans. (Click here and click here to read two full scenes from the script)

The movie fast-forwards Ferris' life about 20 years. In the years since high school, Ferris has turned his carefree "Life Moves Pretty Fast" motto into a motivational self-help career -- think Tony Robbins, only with a beret and sweater vest. His best friend Cameron is still at his side, managing his massive business.

But despite his phenomenal success, Ferris is a bit distracted on his 40th birthday (which, considering his massive fame, is being watched on pay-per-view TV by millions of devoted fans). He decides to take the day off, sending Cameron, his business associates and family into a frenzy.

Rapier says he hopes John Hughes would direct the movie and all the actors would return to reprise their original roles, including Matthew Broderick ("Ferris), Alan Ruck ("Cameron") and Jeffrey Jones ("Ed Rooney"). And what are the characters all up to now?

• Ferris' sister Jeannie (Jennifer Grey) is married to the boy she met in the police station (Charlie Sheen).
• No longer a school administrator, Rooney is still stalking Ferris for revenge.
• The economics teacher played by Ben Stein now is an airline gate representative.
• Ferris' girlfriend Sloane Peterson (Mia Sara) is a Hollywood star going through a rough marriage.

Can the movie be made? Right now, that's completely up to Hollywood. Rapier says several players in the movie business have read the script, with various reactions. One executive who passed on the script said he didn't like the idea that Ferris was profiting from his persona, Rapier said.

The big questions are whether Hughes can be talked into returning the director's chair and whether a studio will take a chance on a script from a relatively unknown writer. Personally, I think the Ferris legacy is too tempting to resist. (Movie bloggers and critics say otherwise -- read their reactions.)

Come on, Hollywood. Take the chance. After all, as our hero says, "Life goes by pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

Check this out:

• A Q&A with screenwriter Rick Rapier.
• Here's what the soundtrack would include
• Read a scene from the movie
• The critics react to the sequel idea

Comments

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[Rick]

Thanks, Molly, I happen to agree with you. In fact, I myself could use a little Ferris right now.

Maybe that's why I went a-Googling late last night, hoping that I'd missed some article out there which could offer me hope. I did find one which was positive, and I followed up on it -- and lo and behold -- they asked to read the script. If anything comes of it, I will be sure to let Steve and Stuck in the 80s know first off.

[Molly]

I'm really holding out hope that this sequel will be given a fighting chance. If nothing else, it would be nice for the studio execs to toss it around seriously and see what can come of it.
I think everybody who loves the 80s hopes that Mr. Hughes will come out of 'retirement', and give us a dose of his magic again.

Good luck, Rick. I hope this dream becomes a reality. I think the world could use a little Ferris right now.

[Rick in Scottsdale]

On 1/21/08 Anonymous wrote:
"I hate this idea because it goes against everything that the character is about...His skill set would not allow for him to organize a Tony Robbins like business ...He would not be married by forty. He would be a bon vivant. If he did marry it would be to a woman who was unconventional...Everyone worships him in the movie because he is a guy who could care less if he is worshipped. Is amused by it all and just wants to do it all. Loves skirting the rules and loves an adrenaline rush. That would be my Ferris at 40."

I just visited Steve's blogs about my sequel for old times sake, and I came upon this long post about who Ferris would be. But I read it all the way through. Interestingly enough, his conception is very much in line with who I imagined Ferris to have become, albeit in a more accessible form. Sometimes I wish we had posted the entire script so everyone could express an informed opinion, rather than on supposition.

Unlike those who would imagine Ferris stunted and stuck in everyone else's 9-to-5, I imagined that he would have taken his show on the road, and has sought to impart -- just as he did with Cameron -- his ethos for life, for enjoying it, for living it well and on one's own terms. And it is because his skill set wouldn't allow him to affect more than a couple people at a shot on his own, he has teamed up with Cameron to take it to the masses, and found a way to support that bon vivant lifestyle. But I think the character in the original was far too civilized to go backpacking through Tibet. Staying at a 4-star hotel in Hong Kong, well, that's more his speed.

Anyway, I want to thank everyone for getting behind what I sincerely hoped (and hope) could bring not only Hughes and Broderick together again for a sequel (which both have wanted but not found), but because I want see Ferris once again on screen. I didn't and don't think I am alone in this. Truly Ferris is an indelible character, but I for one don't think that his story ended with high school.

Like the Anonymous poster above who suggested that Ferris would be a guy who wouldn't let anyone stop him from "doing it all," I think that we would all like to see him living that out for us again, if only for one more day. And I hate that the reality of the film business will likely prevent us all from another day off with him.

It is such an old news story, this sequel business, and while I have privately thanked Steve Spears for taking up its cause with his terrific blog, I want to thank him here, publicly. It is thanks long overdue. So, I hope that whenever someone randomly hits upon this site/page, they will take the time to read how grateful I am, to Steve, and to everyone who supported me and this dream.

For now, I am gladly stuck in the 80s...
Rick Rapier

I hate this idea because it goes against everything that the character is about. A better concept for a movie would be Ferris Bueller's Life Off. Or a great title would be "In Search of Ferris Bueller" and would be based at the High School reunion with all the students wondering where Ferris was and talking about all the rumors they have heard about the extraordinary life he is living. Perhaps Mathew Broderick plays Ferris not of reality but of this mythe and legend in terms of stories being told by classmates that occasionally hear things. Face it. Ferris Bueller's character is considered the quintessential ENFP according to the Myers Briggs personality test. ENFP's inspire but always go their own road. They flit into life, make people happy, inspire, shake things up and then move on to a new experience. I know because I am also an ENFP. They would be horrified to have throngs of people worship them for some silly motivational course. They would think their own followers were sheep. Ferris was about enjoying life on the road less travelled. He is fiercely independent, highly individualistic and incredibly impulsive. His skill set would not allow for him to organize a Tony Robbins like business and he would laugh at the people who bought into being told how to live anyway. Instead I see Ferris in some sort of independent endeavor because he would create a universe where he was always exploring. He would not be married by forty. He would be a bon vivant. If he did marry it would be to a woman who was unconventional. He would be a guy who has reinvented himself many times over although always the same. Each time things got too boring he would take a different path. Its the ENFP persona. He is the guy who would quit his job every few years to take a sabbatical travelling through Asia. He probably would thrive as a Travel Book writer, or journalist. He would manage to land a gig as a writer for the Daily Show or Colbert Report. He would quit and bartend on a island for a summer and then work a couple of years making a lot of money in sales for awhile just so that he could quit again. People would admire him because he would always live life by his own terms but he would care less if anyone followed--unless it was for his own good time. He doesn't want to change Cameron.. Just get Cameron to partake in his adventure for awhile. Although he would be an inspiration to his friends because he would always be so much fun to be around. He never would be a cheesy motivational speaker. Ferris goes his own road to the end. To think that he would remain in such a small world as to still be around his high school friends is ridiculous too. Ferris is meant to cast a big net and move in and out of many circles of friends through life. He would never keep his world small like this. He realizes that he is just passing through high school and this small world of suburbia driven teens. Everyone is lucky to have known him but he would have taken off to New York after college just for the experience of testing boundaries. Ferris is the guy that no one can track down for the high school reunion because he has moved so far beyond it. He might show up but chances are he is not that interested. Everyone is more interested in seeing him and rumors would abound about what he was doing... "last I heard Ferris was teaching Ice Climbing in New Zealand", Last I heard "Ferris was running with the bulls in Barcelona" "Last I heard Ferris was teaching scuba diving in micronesia". Last I heard "Ferris was hanging in Goa with the Maharashji". He would by legend, myth. Ferris wasn't just a kid in his time, he was a glimpse into a person not meant to be held to the regular social conventions of high school and suburbia. Too smart, too independent to unconventional for the conventional world. A person who was so highly experiential he knew he needed to move on from "high school" which was pointless and childish by his own definition so that he could begin living. For him living is adventure. Everyone worships him in the movie because he is a guy who could care less if he is worshipped. Is amused by it all and just wants to do it all. Loves skirting the rules and loves an adrenaline rush. That would be my Ferris at 40.

[SuffolkHouse]

This script idea sounds bad. I'm from Chicagoland, and I think I know and have a feel for the sort of person Ferris was, that Hughes wanted him to be. I grew up with this film, freshman in HS the year it came out. The right script should have him, like most men in that age-group, realizing that life is work and once were done happily and eagerly spinning our webs, we're caught in them. Life goes on auto pilot. Strangely, we fans are now in the position of relating better to the parents than to Ferris. I've thought about the possibilities of this film for some time, and I think it could work - especially if you could reunite the cast.

[Pat]

I can see all of the original players coming back except one: Mia Sara. I have heard Mia does not look back on her ferris bueller days with fondness. Everyone needs to be there for it to work.

Sounds like a good idea

[CS]

The idea of a follow up movie is kinda cool. Although the thought of a registered sex-offender (Jeffrey Jones)having a part in the movie is disgusting to me personally.

[Kat]

While the potential script does sound clever, I hope this isn't made. A sequel could not possibly do the first movie justice and I cannot see either Hughes or Broderick wanting to be involved.

[Justyn]

I would love to see this movie..Nothing like 80s movies that hit home. Ive always figured there should be a sequel. This would be classic.

[Erika S]

Please.....YES!!!!

[anthony]

please no!!!!!!!!

[Erica]

Why does everything need a sequel?
No one has any original ideas anymore. Can't a great movie of the past be just that?

Brian wrote: >

Well, maybe this script can break the Catch-22 deadlock. Paramount -- snap up this script and get Hughes & Broderick to the table!!! ASAP!!! SAVE FERRIS!!!

[Brian]

I read talk of a sequel years ago, but the word was that Hughes wouldn't write a script until Broderick was signed and Broderick wouldn't sign until he had a script.

However strong this spec script might be, I think it's best if we leave Ferris, Jeannie + Sigue Sigue Sputnik back in 1986.

[today's reader]

I'm sorry to all the fans (I'm one too, believe me...I still crack up when I see Ferris playing the clarinet), but this is a horrible idea. I agree with above posts that say Ferris was a perfect character for that time and place. To try to do a flash forward set now would be a disaster. And having Rooney still seeking his revenge? That kind of puts it over-the-top.

Incidentally, Jeffrey Jones somehow managed to dodge jail. He was in "Deadwood" and "Who's Your Caddy?" I bet he'd sign on for this pretty quickly.

[Rick in Scottsdale]

Ashley, Ferris plays on kids channels constantly! If the kids didn't watch it, the channels wouldn't program it. For example, Nickelodeon had it a few months ago in their Friday Night movie slot and made a big deal over it. It also plays often on HBO Family and other youth-targeted channels. Your kids might not know about Ferris, but that doesn't square with the landscape of kids' cable television.

[Marsha]

I love the idea of a sequel to Ferris Bueller! HOWEVER, it would have to be done oh so right. John Hughes is the KING of teen 80's movies! And those are pretty big shoes to fill. As was mentioned before, if all the stars aligned right; with approval of Hughes, movie execs, and the ability to attract all the same actors back, AND with a script in keeping with the original, but different enough to keep our attention, there might be potential to have a hit. I know I would be at the theatre just out of curiosity! The expectations would be extremely high for a sequel of a movie that has been beloved for so many years. Good quality sequels are so few and far between, but maybe this is the pearl in the sand.
Good luck to you Mr. Rapier. I wish you the best!

[Jason]

I think Jeffrey Jones is too busy jerking-off to kiddie porn... Or preoccupied serving a jail term for related offenses. or both.

[Ashley]

Sounds great except almost all the people I know (teens) wouldnt know what it is except me and a couple of people and the adults.

[Rubba]

"Life goes by pretty fast" Is that what the 40 y.o. Ferris says now? When he was 17, he said "Life moves pretty fast"

[Sarah]

Oh, dear god no.

Can't Hollywood leave well enough alone? Every smash movie DOES NOT need a sequel. I hope the cast all turns it down.

[Dean Millard]

I think this would definitely bring in the GenXers who connected with the first film, as well as a new generation. Love the idea of Jennifer Grey and Charlie Sheen married.

[Nancy Sparks]

I loved the original FERRIS! It was well made and introduced the world to some fantastic actors. It was clever, unique and fun for both parents and kids. Over the years they have made sequels to movies that were AWFUL time and time again. Why not make one of such a classic from that time. I loved it as a teenager and subsequently bought the movie for my 14 year old son. He thought it was funny also. (gave him some big ideas on how to get out of school I am sure). I would love the opportunity to take him to see the sequel of a movie so deserving. I think Hollywood "big wigs" would be silly to not jump on this opportunity. This is a classic that both the 30-40-somethings would love and also could bring the kids. JACKPOT!!

[Former Producer Dave]

Great story Steve. I've gone back and forth on the idea of a sequel for Ferris. There's such a cult of personality surrounding him that any sequel would be almost doomed to failure. However, I think we all want to see what life has done to Ferris and how he has risen above it all. So, I guess I'll be standing in line to see it if it ever gets made. A movie about a benevolent con-man would be wonderful. The fact that it's Ferris simply makes it all the more fun. Heck, he might even have his own little Ferris, Jr. by now and he'll be getting ready for his own day off. Even if it sucked, we'd always have the original movie.....unless Hughes pulls a "Lucas" and starts adding and subtracting parts of the movie!

[Joan]

Some movies should be left alone. Why would you want a sequel to this movie? Bad idea.

[Rebecca]

I think the idea of a sequel sucks! It is about as stupid as "The Graduate, Part 2." The original movie is a classic and stands the test of time on its own. Ferris is one of my all-time favorites and I watch it everytime I see it on cable, plus I have the DVD. That being said, some things are better left alone. The beauty of it is the open ending, with the gang having their life ahead of them, before the everyday crap of adulthood. The script in the story sounds crappy.

[Jared]

All the enthusiasm in the world won't get this film made if Rapier doesn't own the rights to the Bueller franchise. Showing a sequel script to *anyone* (directors, producers, etc.) is a huge Hollywood taboo. If Hughes found out someone was freelancing an unauthorized script, it wouldn't surprise me if Paramount filed a lawsuit against Mr. Rapier. Get the movie rights first, then shop the project. And good luck getting the rights.

[tommyduncn]

I know that you are stuck in the 80's, but...

Is it possible to "fast-forward 20 years" if those 20 years have actually passed?

[Cindy]

I think this would be awesome to see how Ferris would spend a day off now that he is 40. In the first movie, he hooked us by doing something that most of us didn't have the guts to do when we were kids. I hope to see this in the theater with my kids next year. Best of luck to you!!!!

[Carmen Alcantara]

That would be so great. My husband and I agree, it would be fantastic to see a 40 yr old Ferris up to his old antics. Teaching his kids his tricks, having their friends saying "you have the coolest dad" I am so excited and hope to see it in theaters soon. My kids love ferris buellers day off and I think thye would enjoy a sequel too.

[Spears]

Denise -- when I interviewed Molly Ringwald, I asked about possible sequels for 16 Candles, Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink. She said she was involved in a 16 Candles sequel project at one point, but figures the time may have come and gone for that.

She's also a big believer that Breakfast Club should be turned into a stage production (but not necessarily a musical).

In recent interviews with Molly and Andrew McCarthy, both say they believe Andy and Blaine would be together in the future. (Which I disagree with!)

[Denise]

OK, I'd see it...but then we'll need an update on Andie and Blane and let's not forget Sam and Jake....I'm convinced that the lack of John Hughes movies for today's tweens is what is wrong with the youth of today.

John, please come back. Teenage angst isn't the same without you.

[T.Scott]

Wow! What an excellent idea...oh who am I kidding? I read the script by Mr. Rapier and it is golden! I think it would be a wonderful sequel. I mean how many more Marvel comic movies do we need? Ferris Bueller was a wonderful movie that brings back a lot of good memories, and having John Hughes direct...what a wonderful idea. This would definitely make it to the top of one of our family movie days! Please make this movie!!!

The timing is perfect for this!

[Lana]

I love the idea of a sequel to "Ferris". That is one of my favorite movies in the 80's! Ferris was someone who lived so carefree and daring. So to have a friend like him was so invigerating and yet scary at the same time. I agree with another post above that the roles possibly should be reversed in a sequel and make Cameron "saving the day". I think it would be a big hit. I know I would be at the theatre the day of release. And I truly believe it would be a hit for all ages (not just us from the 80's). :) I would love to see a sequel to "Ferris Buellers Day Off"!!!

[Mark]

Interesting!

[Sy]

'Someone in Hollywood' feel better now? Puff out your self-important, know it all chest enough?
Good, now go in the corner and stfu.

[Brad]

I don't agree with Hollywood Insider above that apologies need to be made.

But I agree that a spec script by a complete unknown (no IMDB entry?) has about as much chance of getting made as I do of winning the gold medal in the marathon at the Beijing Olympics. Could it happen? Theoretically possible. Will it happen? No.

Hey Steve - nice mention in a NY Post blog:

http://blogs.nypost.com/movies/archives/2007/08/matt_and_jen_to.html

[Kraeg]

I'll try to remain open-minded. But I will retain my skepticism for now.

[Spears]

Kraeg -- I see your points and I'm glad you shared them. When I first starting reading the script, I felt the same way. But as the story of the movie progressed, I changed my mind.

There are moments during the sequel that had me rolling on the floor laughing with delight, especially a scene in Las Vegas where Ferris is singing/lip syncing General Public's "Tenderness."

I know it's hard to "trust me" on this, but as someone who really worships the original movie and detests Hollywood sequels and remakes, I'm a pretty tough skeptic. And I think it's a great story. We'll see what happens.

[Pat]

Cool idea.... This world could use a lot more laughter and a lot less destruction ie. all Sly's films!!!

[Al]

Steve, you've unleashed a monster of a thread.

You must be cackling in joy as the comments pile up, and the money begins to flow in!

"Greed is good, greed is right...."

[Kraeg]

one more comment:

If the script is that good, it doesn't need to tie back to Ferris Bueller to be a good movie. If it needs that connection, it's not a good script in the first place.

[Kraeg]

This script won't work. It's ignored the basic allure of Ferris Bueller. It wasn't just a day, it was a life of no consequences. He was the kid in school that everyone liked. He could do what he wanted and it always worked out in his favor. He didn't take a day off because he needed one, he took it off because it was his nature.

I'm sorry, the idea of Ferris being a motivational speaker isn't the Ferris Bueller we saw in the 80s. He was a smart, motivated kid, whose priorities weren't academic. He did what he wanted and never, ever had to answer for them.

You can't do a sequel. That Ferris can't exist as an adult as someone we like or respect. The character was written for his age at that stage of life. Nowadays, he probably works at a stereo store. Or entered a frat and became a lawyer. Or perhaps he made it into advertising (his father's line of work).

There's any number of possibilities, but to think that Tony Robbins once spent the day that Ferris did in 1980?

Yet another sequel that pays homage to an original while completely ignoring what made that original great.

[Spears]

I'm not aware of any insult to John Hughes that requires an apology. If anything, the fact that someone has written such an impressive sequel to one of his movies is a compliment.

It's close, but you can do it one better.

Ferris should be a bit caught up in his own cult of personality, and CAMERON should be the one hauling him out and paying him back in kind for that day off all of those years ago. I'd like to see a little bit of a role reversal from the first film in the beginning, then Cameron in horror over the beast he has unleashed once Ferris gets back to himself again.

[Another Someone from Hollywood....]

Wow.... pretty .. harsh words... it just shows me how ignorant you are Mr. Big Shot Hollywood.
News flash hun.... just because this writer isn't from "Hollywood"... doesn't make him a hick. Get off your high horse...Mr. know it all I'm from hollywood 2nd generation movie maker!!

PS..... SAVE FERRIS!! SAVE FERRIS!!