Studio already wants another 'Hangover'

Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms already set for a sequel

By HitFix Staff Monday, Apr 6, 2009 1:04 AM

Zach Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms of 'The Hangover'

Credit: Warner Bros.

"The Hangover" won't premiere until the beginning of June, but Warner Brothers is already moving forward on a sequel.

According to Variety, WB had given a multimillion dollar commitment to "Hangover" director Todd Phillips to write a sequel with Scot Armstrong.

In addition, Phillips will return to direct and produce the sequel, while stars Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms are also back on board.

That's a pretty hefty commitment to a low-budget comedy with relatively unproven stars and only limited early promotion, but the trade paper says that "The Hangover" tested well and that the trailer played well for exhibitors at ShoWest.

"The Hangover" focuses on a bachelor party in Vegas that goes astray when, amidst the bacchanalian fun, the groomsmen lose the groom. The movie is set to open on June 5, but Warner Brothers hopes to begin production on the sequel later this year.

This is the second preemptive sequel announced in less than a week. Paramount just hired Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof to write a sequel to "Star Trek." That film doesn't open until May 8, but at least it has a recognizable franchise name attached.

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