Hollywood loves a shameless sequel a little too much. Studio execs want to ravenously capitalize on known IP, even if there's not good reason to continue it. It's the laziest trick in the book, never having to write new characters, share new ideas. Sometimes, it works in their favor and the idea is worthwhile. Consider Top Gun: Maverick, defying all the odds and having something original to say for itself despite working with a character we all know and love. However, David Spade knew that this wasn't a good idea for a film like Tommy Boy. Not only does it not need rehashing but Chris Farley wouldn't be around to help make it.
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Consequently, Spade reveals that he turned down the idea of a sequel when they offered it to him. Recently, the comedian appeared on Theo Von's podcast, where he's asked if they would've ever done a Tommy Boy 2. While he's not explicitly against the idea, he doesn't think it's right to do it without the late Chris Farley.
David Spade Turns Down Tommy Boy Sequel Because of Chris Farley's Death
"I was pitched a Tommy Boy 2, which was our characters' kids are together. I was pitched this two years ago, and I was like I can't find a scenario with no Chris Farley. He was the whole movie. It would be too much of a sell out. I can't imagine it. No one could do that. It was our kids and it was about them and I was going to help them on the road. Listen, it was about Chris. If we did another one back then it would've been a blast," Spade says.
I'm glad he stuck to his guns on this one. It would've been incredibly easy to mindlessly accept a hefty paycheck, even if the idea doesn't really make sense. Maybe they would've had some emotional tribute in the film but I agree with Spade that it's not even worth exploring. Farley was the heart and soul of the film, no need to try retreading Tommy Boy without him.
