While superheroes dominated the box office landscape for much of 2012 (as they do in 2013 and will in 2014 and beyond), the surprising $130M success of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel proved mature audiences will turn up if shown a little attention. The low-budget film Brit comedy did so well that a sequel was quickly ordered up, and rumors surfaced awhile ago that Colin Firth and Helen Mirren were considered "likely additions" to the cast. They've yet to be confirmed, but there's one more who may just check in first.
Richard Gere is being sought to play a new character in the film about a group of British retirees who move into a rundown India hotel, seeking to broaden their horizons and live a richer life. John Madden will return to direct with Ol Parker again penning the screenplay, but most importantly we can count on Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilton and Maggie Smith reprising their roles. Presumably Dev Patel will be back as the hotel manager, but maybe the plot could have to do with his absence? Maybe he quits his job, leaves India, and goes on to do grunt work at Atlantis Cable News?
Filming is set to begin early next year.
