Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino, the stars of the 1997 cult classic "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion," have stepped back into their iconic roles for a highly anticipated sequel. The actresses appeared at a recent Disney showcase, sporting looks reminiscent of their characters while discussing the upcoming film.
Sorvino revealed that in the new movie, Romy and Michele still own their fashion boutique in Beverly Hills, which Kudrow described as "really chic." A central theme teased for the sequel is romance, with hints that the two friends might find true love. Keegan-Michael Key is set to play Michele's new love interest, and Rob Huebel will portray Romy's.
Kudrow, 63, who plays Michele, and Sorvino, 58, who stars as Romy, were seen filming scenes in Los Angeles earlier this summer. During one filming session, Kudrow was seen in a monochromatic pink ensemble, including a cropped jacket, mini skirt, opaque tights, and platform heels, with her hair styled in a half-up, half-down fashion. Sorvino was pictured in a pale lavender trench coat-style dress, accessorized with a silver belt and boots, her blonde hair in voluminous curls. Both actresses wore matching sunglasses.
Production for the sequel officially began earlier this year, with 20th Century Studios announcing the news on social media. "The reunion you've been waiting for! The Romy and Michele sequel is now in production," the studio captioned a photo of the stars on set.
The sequel is being directed by Tim Federle, and the script was penned by Robin Schiff, who created the characters and wrote the original film. If released in 2027, the sequel could align with what would be Romy and Michele's 40th high school reunion.
Several cast members from the original film are returning, including Janeane Garofalo as Heather Mooney, Alan Cumming as Sandy Frink, Camryn Manheim as Toby Walters, and Julia Campbell as Christy Masters. Breckin Meyer, Patrick Warburton, and Nathan Lee Graham are also joining the cast.
Original producers Laurence Mark and Barry Kemp are involved in the sequel, as is costume designer Mona May, who expressed excitement about revisiting the characters' fashion DNA. "Romy and Michele are forever fashionistas, and I'm so excited to be working with Lisa and Mira again," May told Deadline.
The original "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion" centered on two friends who concoct an elaborate story about their professional success to impress their former classmates at their ten-year reunion. Despite a modest box office performance, the film achieved cult status. The sequel is expected to be released as a Hulu Original.
Discussions for the follow-up gained momentum after Kudrow and Sorvino presented an award together at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2022. Kudrow previously stated that the script for the sequel is "really good" and that the project is closer than ever to happening. She emphasized the importance of maintaining the characters' relatable, lovable, and spirited nature, alongside their central friendship.