Jon Heder Talks About the Possibility of a NAPOLEON DYNAMITE Sequel, Saying a Second Film Could Be Darker

The 2004 indie film Napoleon Dynamite became an instant sensation when it hit theaters and won fans over with its quirky characters and endearing story. The creators attempted to recapture the magic in a 2014 animated series, but that didn’t last. Fans have wondered for all these years if they would get a sequel to the film and revisit Napoleon (Jon Heder), his brother Kip (Aaron Ruell), Uncle Rico (Jon Gries), Pedro (Efren Ramirez), Deb (Tina Majorino), Rex (Diedrich Bader), and Lafawnduh (Shondrella Avery).

While there’s nothing set in stone, star of the film, Jon Heder reunited with co-stars Efren Ramirez and Diedrich Bader for a virtual panel at Wizard World (via CB), and talked about the possibility of a sequel, which sounds altogether possible.

"I would come back if Jared decided, 'Hey, let's go ahead, and let's see if we can pull off the magic. We've thought about it. We're always playing with the idea. I know I've talked a little bit with Jared, and it's his baby, so I'm just like, 'You pull the trigger on that.'"

He went on to say he believed that a sequel could be "a dark version" of the character-driven story.

"I feel like the future for Napoleon would be a lot more raw and edgy. So whatever he comes up with would be fun to explore. Because I think whatever Jared comes up with wouldn't be your typical, 'Let's do a sequel where they all look the same and they all act the same.' I think it would be an interesting development in their lives."

So it would be something surprising to the audience, and not just a repeat. That actually sounds really fun and cool. Pedro actor Ramirez added:

It would have to be a bit different, but still in that whole genre of Napoleon Dynamite and his mind. There's so much more depth to find through these characters, especially in their futures. That would be pretty interesting.

He went on to share an improvised story for the sequel, saying:

A future where Pedro, now the owner of a bakery, is married to Summer and the father of five children. Kip has become a cage fighter while Uncle Rico embarks on his latest business venture, and "Rex Kwon Do" martial arts instructor Rex (Bader) tackles marital troubles with wife Starla.

The creators have a lot of time and depth of story to work with, especially with the cast having ideas on where their characters would be at this point as well. I hope they do make a second film, as I really enjoyed the original, and I know a second film would definitely have a built-in audience. Would you be excited for a second film?