Critics were mixed about 2018’s “The Book Club,” but audiences felt differently. The modestly budgeted film, about four women in a book club whose reading of “Fifty Shades Of Grey” becomes a life-changing experience, made over $100 million at the box office. Of course, in Hollywoodland, that’s grounds for a sequel, and that’s exactly what director Bill Holderman has cooked up.
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Enter “Book Club: The Next Chapter,” ready to hit theaters next month. This time, the four friends head to Italy for a girl’s trip, but things quickly veer off track.
Here’s an official synopsis for the film, courtesy of Focus Features:
The highly anticipated sequel follows our four best friends as they take their book club to Italy for the fun girls trip they never had. When things go off the rails and secrets are revealed, their relaxing vacation turns into a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country adventure.
Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen return to reprise their roles from “The Book Club.” Craig T. Nelson, Andy Garcia, and Don Johnson also return from the 2018 film. Newcomers for “The Next Chapter” include Giancarlo Giannini, Hugh Quarshie, and Vincent Riotta.
Along with directing duties, Holderman also co-pens the film’s script with Erin Simms. Holderman and Simms also produce “The Next Chapter.” Executive producers on the movie include Brad Weston, Trish Hofmann, Enzo Sisti, and Andrew Duncan.
What surprises await these four book club friends on their trip to Europe? Find out when “Book Club: The Next Chapter” hits theaters on May 12. Watch a trailer for the film below.