In a recent interview with Slash Film, ‘Sky High’ director Mike Mitchell expressed his desire to collaborate with Marvel Studios for a sequel to the 2005 cult classic.
Mitchell, who has since directed animated hits like ‘Kung Fu Panda 4,’ shared his enthusiasm for a sequel, admitting that he would appreciate Marvel’s or Disney’s help to make progress:
“We’re the first movie to make fun and have a joke and make fun of superheroes, but at the same time, I think fans of ‘Sky High’ realize we love comic books. So they could tell that we’re having fun with the genre rather than making fun of it. But yeah, help me out! Next time you have an interview with anyone at either Marvel or Disney, say, ‘Hey, Mike Mitchell’s ready.’ We’ve got a scriptment ready to go. I’ve got some designs. We’ve designed a few new costumes for them. I’m ready to make another ‘Sky High’ film.”
He mentioned having potential titles ‘Sky Higher’ and ‘Save U’ ready, with a narrative where the original film’s young heroes and villains become teachers:
“We thought maybe all the kids had grown up and are now teachers, so now they’re dealing with the crazy kids that they once were. Because all these terrific kid actors are all grown up now. And Kurt Russell’s in. He had a blast. So I’m ready to go.”
Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is currently exploring the multiverse, and this provides an opportunity for ‘Sky High’ characters to interact with other superheroes. Mitchell specifically mentioned Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios and a fan of the original film, as a key figure in bringing this vision to life.
Previous Plans For a ‘Sky High’ Sequel
Despite its positive reception and a storyline suitable for expansion, making a ‘Sky High’ sequel wasn’t without challenges.
Initial plans included a follow-up titled ‘Save U‘ (Save University) and a television series to continue the characters’ stories into their college years. However, these plans largely remained in development limbo, with Disney’s acquisition of Marvel in 2009 shifting the superhero focus.
Released by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, ‘Sky High’ tells the story of Will Stronghold, the son of two of the world’s most renowned superheroes, as he embarks on his journey through a high school for the super-powered. Grossing $86.4 million worldwide against a $35 million budget, the film was well-received.
Whether ‘Sky High’ will have a sequel remains to be seen, but the director’s clear vision and passion for the project suggest that the sky may indeed be the limit.
