Fifteen years after the release of the cult classic ‘Jennifer’s Body’, Diablo Cody, the mastermind behind this horror-comedy gem, has sparked excitement among fans by discussing the potential for a sequel. The 2009 movie, directed by Karyn Kusama, starred Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried and has since cemented its status as a cult favorite, particularly among LGBTQ+ audiences.
The film’s story, set in the small town of Devil’s Kettle, Minnesota, revolves around two childhood best friends, Jennifer Check (Fox) and Anita “Needy” Lesnicki (Seyfried). Their lives take a dark turn after attending a local indie band gig, where a tragic fire and a botched human sacrifice ritual lead to Jennifer being possessed by a man-eating succubus. As Jennifer begins a killing spree targeting male students, Needy realizes the danger looming over her boyfriend, Chip Dove, and pledges to stop Jennifer’s murderous rampage.
Cody’s Vision and the Queer Coding
In a recent interview, Cody expressed her strong desire to continue the story of ‘Jennifer’s Body’. “Yes! I want to do a sequel. I am not done with Jennifer’s Body,” she remarked enthusiastically. This statement comes as a beacon of hope for fans who have been longing for more of the darkly comedic and thrilling world Cody created. The film’s original release, while not an immediate commercial success, gradually garnered a dedicated following. Its portrayal of the complex relationship between Jennifer and Needy has been widely interpreted as queer-coded, adding to its significance and appeal within the LGBTQ+ community.
The film’s reevaluation over the years as a feminist and queer icon has been a point of discussion. Diablo Cody reflected on this shift in perception, noting the younger generation’s embrace of the film. “At first, I thought, ‘Oh, where was this audience when I needed it?’ and then I realized they were like… seven,” she said with a hint of humor. Megan Fox herself has acknowledged the film’s lasting impact, describing it as “iconic” and “art.”
The Path to a Sequel: Funding and Fan Anticipation
Despite the enthusiasm for a sequel, Cody highlighted the current obstacle: funding. She emphasized the need for partners who share her belief in the project’s potential. “I just need to find… I need to partner with people who believe in it as much as I do, and that hasn’t really happened yet,” she explained.
As the writer navigates the complexities of bringing a sequel to fruition, the anticipation among fans, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, continues to grow. The potential sequel promises not only a return to the thrilling and darkly humorous narrative that captivated audiences but also an opportunity to delve deeper into the nuances of Jennifer and Needy’s relationship. With the original film’s cult status and the growing demand for diverse and inclusive storytelling, a sequel to ‘Jennifer’s Body’ could be just what the current cinematic landscape needs.