During the Galway Film Fleadh, John C. Reilly has confirmed plans to reprise his role as the titular big bad for Disney’s animated sequel, Wreck-It Ralph 2.
While the company is yet to formally confirm the existence of the sequel, that hasn’t prevented director Rich Moore from brainstorming ideas for the next video game-inspired feature. And though there is little-to-no information regarding plot or casting at this time, Reilly hinted that the follow-up could delve into the ever-popular world of online and console gaming, whereas Wreck-It Ralph primarily focuses on the medium’s most iconic villains.
Debuting in 2012, the film pulled in $470M for Walt Disney Animation Studios worldwide, meaning that news of a sequel should come as no surprise. Realistically, any progress on the next iteration would likely hinge on the company’s ability to work out agreements with platform holders about licensing their video game mascots, with the first film including cameos from Pac-Man, Bowser and many, many others.
The announcement comes on a sombre day for the medium, with the industry mourning the tragic loss of the indelible Saturo Iwata. Following a year-long battle with cancer, the Nintendo President and CEO passed away on Saturday morning after a glittering two-decade run at the helm of the prestigious Japanese publisher.
How exactly this will filter into development on Wreck-It Ralph 2 – Disney is understood to have opened negotiations with Nintendo about including roles for Mario and Link – remains to be seen, though we’re holding out hope that Moore’s animated follow-up is given the chance to pay homage to the late, great visionary. After all, the video game industry wouldn’t be the same without Iwata’s astute guidance and creativity over the past 20 years.
Tell us, what do you want to see from Wreck-It Ralph 2? Indeed, would you like to see Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer and Jane Lynch all return, too?