Mallrats is my favorite Kevin Smith movie. Though I was a die-hard Kevin Smith (who was in a Die Hard film) fan in college, the honeymoon phase ended around the time of Red State, when Smith finally became the Pot Head foreshadowed by his classic role as Silent Bob. Around the time of Tusk, I returned to Smith like an Ex desperately wanting to get back together. I’ve been especially excited after the announcement of Clerks III, if for nothing else, than the return of Jay and Silent Bob.
In fact, I think you can chart my Kevin Smith fandom using Jay and Silent Bob. Smith’s movies just haven’t been the same since Smith left the “View Askewniverse” behind (except for Zack and Miri Make A Porno, which was pretty great), and I’m glad he’s returning to Mallrats in addition to Clerks.
It’s time to get the gang back together. And not just Jay and Silent Bob.
In addition to Smith’s two famous universe connecting heroes, four other cast members from the original 1995 film are confirmed for Mallrats 2. And they may not be who you think…
Just don’t expect Brodie’s cousin Walt to show up… though Steve Dave and Fanboy will hopefully return! (Please, Kevin Smith! Pwetty Pwease!)
Fun Fact: Brodie is based on Walt Flanagan, a friend of Smith’s who has appeared in Clerks, Mallrats, Dogma, and Jay and Silent Bob, a host of my favorite Podcast TESD (Tell ‘Em Steve Dave), and star of AMC’s Comic Book Men. Walt being a comic enthusiast who carried a tiny cup of Pepsi whilst shopping for deals at the mall and the flea market. Hence, Brodie’s stories about his “cousin Walt.”
Now let’s get off to the races!
Jason Mewes as Jay.
‘Nuff Said.
Kevin Smith as Silent Bob.
Fly, Fatass, fly!
Jason Lee as Brodie!
Though he wasn’t the main lead, per say, Jason Lee’s Brodie is by far my favorite View Askew character and seems the most essential actor/character for a sequel to Mallrats. We’ve already seen him once since Mallrats, in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (my 2nd fav Kevin Smith film), when Jay and Silent Bob run into Brodie at Brodie’s Secret Stash (a play on Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash, Smith’s actual comic book store where Comic Book Men is shot).
And just like his past two appearances, Jason Lee’s announcement tweet about returning to the world of Mallrats still invites you to enjoy a delicious chocolate covered pretzel!
Shannen Doherty as Rene.
Because, really, what would Brodie be up to without Rene?
Michael Rooker as Jared Svenning!
Rooker is hotter than ever between The Walking Dead and his turn as Yondu in Guardians of the Galaxy. Yet he still has time to return for the sequel to what may have been the biggest flop of his career. Yet, that whole Stink Palm scene has given him legendary status before he ever fought Zombies or Ronan.
The only question here is, how does he play in to the movie, IF Claire Forlani doesn’t return as his daughter Brandi? He is simply Brodie’s nemesis now?
Brandi may return, but no announcement has been made yet. Really, I don’t think she or Jeremy London’s TS Quint are crucial to the sequel. For me, Mallrats is all about Brodie.
Finally….
Stan “The Man” Lee.
That’s right, just like a Marvel film, you can’t make a Mallrats movie without Stan Lee, perhaps the wisest person in the View Askewniverse besides Silent Bob. Like his Marvel appearances, Stan Lee will surely just have a small cameo, though he has done a lot of acting (a line at a time) in dozens of Marvel movies since 1995.
Here’s the pic Smith released to announce the cast, sans Jason Lee. (The earlier picture was Jason Lee’s announcement).
So those are the 6 confirmed returning characters: Brodie, Rene, Mr. Svenning, Stan Lee, Jay and Silent Bob.
Now is it too late to add Shannon, the clerk from Fashionable Male? You know, one of Ben Affleck’s first roles? Is Batfelck too busy with the DC universe or can he at least stop by for a cameo?
Kevin Smith shoots Mallrats 2 later this year. And I can’t wait to catch up with Brodie!
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