“Step Brothers 2” Updates: Why The Will Ferrell Sequel Won’t Happen

The original Step Brothers is regarded as one of the funniest comedies of the last decade, but here’s why Step Brothers 2 won’t happen. The 2008 movie paired Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as two immature adults who become stepbrothers after their parents marry. Initially at odds, they eventually bond and attempt to mature.

Despite its success and growing reputation over time, a sequel has never materialized. While fans have long hoped for Step Brothers 2, Ferrell, Reilly, and director Adam McKay (The Big Short) have been reluctant. Although Ferrell and Reilly reunited for the comedy Holmes & Watson, the chance of a Step Brothers sequel remains slim.

A Story for Step Brothers 2 Exists

Though McKay, Reilly, and Ferrell have resisted making Step Brothers 2, several sequel ideas have been proposed. Comedy sequels often fall short of expectations, but fan demand has kept the possibility alive. One concept imagined the brothers as functioning adults with jobs, with one married and raising a child. Their natural immaturity would cause chaos, forcing them to start over and rebuild their lives.

Another idea, which came close to production, involved the brothers following their long-suffering parents into a retirement home, believing they too deserved to retire. However, rather than pursuing Step Brothers 2, Ferrell and McKay opted to make a sequel to their other cult comedy, Anchorman.

Anchorman 2 Killed Any Chance of Step Brothers 2

The release of Anchorman 2 effectively ended hopes for Step Brothers 2. Fans had clamored for an Anchorman sequel, and McKay took on the creative challenge. The 2013 film performed well at the box office but received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Disappointed by the outcome, McKay decided to avoid further sequels, including Anchorman 3 and Step Brothers 2. He has since shifted to making more dramatic films, such as Vice.

Will Ferrell’s enthusiasm for Step Brothers 2 also waned following the reception of Anchorman 2, and John C. Reilly has expressed disinterest in sequels altogether. The overwhelmingly negative reaction to Holmes & Watson further dampened studio interest. Unless a significant change of heart occurs among the key creatives, Step Brothers 2 is unlikely to happen.

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