'Wreck-It Ralph' Sequel Officially in the Works for 2018
‘Wreck-It Ralph’ takes on the internet in sequel concept art (Photo: Disney)
By Maane Khatchatourian, Dave McNary, Variety
Wreck-It Ralph is officially getting a sequel, Disney Animation announced on Thursday morning.
The second installment of the animated hit will be directed by Rich Moore and Phil Johnston, with John C. Reilly returning to voice the titular lead character. The trio made the announcement via Facebook Live.
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Reilly revealed that Ralph leaves the arcade world and wrecks the internet in the sequel, which will hit theaters on March 9, 2018.
Wreck-It Ralph grossed more than $470 million in 2012. Moore directed from a screenplay by Johnston and Frozen co-director Jennifer Lee from a story by Moore, Johnston, and Jim Reardon.
The movie took place in the game Fix-It Felix, Jr. The villain, Wreck-It Ralph, embarks on a journey to break his bad guy rep.
Moore had been developing the sequel while directing Zootopia.
“From the moment we started working on the first Wreck-It Ralph, we knew there were so many possibilities with these characters,” Moore said. “This time, Ralph’s wrecking wreaks havoc on the Web — as only he can do. Characters we loved in the first film are back and we are ecstatic to be working with them — and the actors who voice them — once again.”
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“The world of the internet is the perfect place to send Ralph and Vanellope,” Johnston said. “The scope and scale are so vast and the possibilities for comedy are endless.”
Reilly interrupted the Facebook Live announcement several times while looking for a cup of coffee.
“Ralph is a character very near and dear to my heart,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to playing the big lug again. Making the first Wreck-It Ralph was one of the most special experiences I’ve ever had and I’m really looking forward to bringing him back to life. So many kids I’ve met all over the world are excited to see him again, too. They tell me all the time!”
Disney also announced Thursday that it had moved Gigantic out of the March 9, 2018, date now occupied by Wreck-It Ralph 2. Instead, Gigantic, which is loosely based on the fairy tale Jack and the Beanstalk, is scheduled to be released eight months later on Nov. 21, 2018.
‘Wreck-It Ralph’: Watch a trailer:
