Speaking of sequels—the unusual kind, which are always the best kind—here’s a major update on one that’s been brewing since the pandemic.
Last year, Stephan Elliott had started “preshooting” the sequel to the 1994 cult classic “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.” Why was it preshot? Because of Terrence Stamp, whose health was declining at the time. The British actor, who passed away in August at 87, spent the final months of his life reprising his memorable role as Bernadette for the sequel.
Stamp insisted on performing the role himself rather than using a digital double, saying, “Just in case I don’t make the start line.”
To honor Stamp’s wishes, Elliott pre-shot all of Bernadette’s scenes using a nine-camera array over multiple rigorous sessions. Despite his age, Stamp threw himself into the role, enduring long hours in full makeup and costume. Elliott described the experience as both joyful and bittersweet, saying that calling “that’s a wrap” on Stamp would haunt him forever.
As for the rest of the film, Elliott mentioned that he was “pretty devastated” by Stamp’s passing and needed time to mourn before deciding how to proceed with the sequel … Now Guy Pearce has a promising update: It’s happening.
“Well, the sequel, which is going to be—what are we now, ’26?” Pearce told Good Morning America. “We’ll probably shoot it ’27, it’ll come out ’28.”
According to Elliott, Stamp was initially hesitant to return but agreed after being assured that the follow-up would not simply repeat the original story. The first film starred Stamp alongside Pearce and Hugo Weaving as a transgender woman and two drag queens traveling across the Australian desert in a flamboyantly decorated bus.
“The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” may not have been an immediate success, but its irreverent humor, and campy spirit, helped it find a devoted audience over time. Decades later, its influence can still be felt in some parts of popular culture,
Turner will play an 80-year-old Jewish woman who falls for her much younger Trinidadian aide in Florida, "experiencing a love that transcends all differences." Yep, sounds like a Todd Solondz movie.