Emmy, Oscar, and Golden Globe nominee Jesse Plemons has declared that he’d leap at the chance for a sequel to the black comedy/action film Game Night faster than you can say, “Why wouldn’t Netflix just buy the rights to my soul?” So, grab your popcorn and flood every Warner Bros. executive’s inbox with snack-themed GIFs, because we may just be in for round two.
The mid-budget comedy genre has been declining like that weird Tupperware in the back of your fridge for over a decade as Hollywood clings to blockbusters that promise international returns, favoring the explosive visuals of action and horror films over nuanced humor that doesn’t always translate. Remember those days when studios churned out raunchy flicks starring Vince Vaughn or Will Ferrell, which boasted more crass jokes than critical acclaim, yet somehow found their way into every DVD collection across America? Good times.
Then, as if the universe was playing a cosmic prank, Game Night rolled around in 2018. This star-studded, chaotic delight about overly competitive game lovers inadvertently embroiled in a crime caper grossed nearly $120 million on a paltry $37 million budget. Who knew that dice-rolling could have such high stakes?
Comedy’s Decline and Plemons’ Rise
Since then, mid-budget comedy films have become rarer than a polite comment on a family group chat, while Plemons has graduated to the prestigious league of award-winning films like Killers of the Flower Moon and Judas and the Black Messiah. Now an A-lister, the actor has a single burning desire that any financier worth their popcorn should take seriously.
In a mind-bogglingly casual moment during a Variety profile, Plemons enthusiastically volunteered, “I’d do a Game Night sequel in a heartbeat,” labeling the first edition as “pure fun.” Based on our totally serious A.I.-powered box office projection tool, dubbed the P.L.E.A.S.E. (Programmed Logistical Entertainment Algorithm Statistics Engine), we find that a second installment would undoubtedly be just as enjoyable—and twice as profitable. Cha-ching!
Revisiting Game Night, we follow the tales of Max and Annie, played by Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams, whose serene game nights are ambushed by Max’s somewhat sketchy brother, Brooks (Kyle Chandler). When Brooks’ criminal associates intervene mid-game and kidnap him, our players are thrust into a thrilling scavenger hunt to rescue him, and naturally, to save their own skins.
Plemons, in the role of Gary the neighbor—a sad-sack police officer with an uncanny social awkwardness—becomes the backdrop against which the real drama unfolds. Sidelined yet utterly memorable, he delivers some of the film’s most quotable quirks, embodying the phrase, “when life gives you lemons, make memes.” As it stands, Gary would actually get to participate from the get-go in a sequel. And honestly, who doesn’t want more Plemons antics in their lives? Save your Tostito’s Scoops—Gary is coming to play.
All Roads Lead to Laughter
Let me reiterate: Game Night is the kind of hilarious, smart, and gripping comedy that we haven’t seen since the days when those mid-tier films were all the rage. From the exceptional direction by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein to the fantastic performances (especially from the often-underrated Plemons), the film is a twisted joyride that keeps you guessing, snagging laughs at every unexpected turn. We need more of this comedic gold!
In a landscape where risk-taking in comedy feels like a relic of the past, the premise of a life-or-death game night offers deep wells of comedic potential ripe for exploration. It wouldn’t need to rely on recycled jokes or reheated leftovers. The time is ripe for a sequel, and Plemons is champing at the bit to seize the opportunity. Let’s just hope his enthusiasm doesn’t end up at the bottom of the “to-be-decided” pile, alongside expired coupons!
