Yesterday some reader out there punched four words into Google, and to this website she — or possibly he — came. What information might that nameless reader have wanted to know about?
“Across the Universe sequel.”
I mostly enjoyed Across the Universe. I picked up the two-disc soundtrack, and I’m looking forward to the DVD release in February.
But a sequel?
Besides the gut feeling that the film wasn’t financially successful enough to warrant it, what would an Across the Universe sequel do?
At least, that was my first thought.
My second thought, if it could be done, might actually work.
Take it as read that Across the Universe is the 1960s.
Suppose the soundscape for the sequel came from the 1970s. In other words, what if the sequel music came from the solo careers?
Max, trying to come to grips with his life, post-Vietnam, tries to find meaning in life in religion, and he sings “My Sweet Lord.”
JoJo’s musical career isn’t going anywhere, and he sings “It Don’t Come Easy.”
Jude tries to find a place for himself in Nixonian America, and he’s part of a “Band on the Run.” Perhaps his relationship with Lucy hits the skids, and all he has is her “Photograph.”
I think you get the idea. Explore life in Nixonian America with the music of the early solo careers.
It’s an idea that would work. Whether it’s a good idea, though, is a completely different question.
I, personally, am content with Across the Universe as it is. Not every story needs a sequel.
Will there be a sequel? I kinda doubt it. But hey. I’m not the one in charge of a Hollywood studio. So who can really say? If there’s money to be made, and if the audience is there, anything is possible.
And Across the Universe director Julie Taymor is apparently considering a sequel. If her plan for a Spider-Man musical doesn’t work out.
So, who can really say? 🙂