Cult classic Donnie Darko has been in the news again recently after the film was re-released on Blu-ray and DVD to celebrate its 15th anniversary (you could still win a copy in our competition which closes tonight). Writer/director Richard Kelly has been speaking about both the restoration of the film and the impact it has had in the period since it was first released, for which he says may not be over with just yet.
Speaking to hmv, Kelly spoke about the film and the “universe” the film is set in and said that he is not opposed to returning to it at some point in the future, saying:
“I think there’s something much bigger and more ambitious to do in that universe. It’s big and expensive and I think there’s time to get to that. I want to make sure we’ve got the budget to do it justice and not to compromise anything. Another story in this world needs resources and we need to have that in place. I need to get my next film out of the gate and then we can go back and look at it.”
While it’s unsurprising in many ways that a sequel/continuation might veer its head onto the schedule, Donnie Darko is one of those few original films over the last two decades that doesn’t need a follow-up, it’s perfect just as it is. They have tried once before to continue the story – anyone else remember 2009’s ill-fated S.Darko? And despite the disappointments of Southland Tales and The Box, we would be surprised if Kelly thought twice before going back to the well.
The reissued Donnie Darko is out now on Blu-ray and DVD.
In a funny, moving and distinctly mind-bending journey through suburban America, one extraordinary but disenchanted teenager is about to take Time’s Arrow for a ride. After surviving a freak accident, Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) begins to explore what it means to be alive, and in short order to be in love, he uncovers secrets of the universe that give him a tempting power to alter time and destiny.
