The various streaming services now available have allowed a number of long-awaited sequels to come to fruition. For example, the introduction of Disney Plus has finally allowed fans the opportunity to see Hocus Pocus 2. Now it appears that Tubi, another popular streaming service, will allow fans of the 2001 film The Animal a similar satisfaction. It’s been announced that Rob Schneider is returning for The Animal 2, a film which he plans to both direct and star in.
As revealed via Deadline, the film will follow the original storyline established by the older comedy film. Rob Schneider’s character, Marvin Mange, has been placed in a scenario where he’s “now an old dog,” and “needs to learn new tricks as he hunts down a new uber-animal with powers far beyond his own” as revealed in the official logline.
So far, the plan for The Animal 2 is that it will begin production early next year. This will give the project enough time to debut on Tubi at some point in 2023. As such, we should have additional updates regarding the newly-announced sequel in the near future. Fans no doubt ever expected a sequel to The Animal to get off the ground – but streaming services have allowed studios all-new ballparks to play in. With sequels like Hocus Pocus 2 dominating the streaming landscape and Top Gun: Maverick dominating theaters – it wouldn’t be surprising if we started seeing other such sequels announced as well.
The first film managed to make $84.4M worldwide with a $47.8M budget. And, while it received mixed reviews, it’s earned a cult following over the years. So perhaps a sequel on Tubi will be the proper move to not only make sure it’s a successful film – but that fans can have the sequel they’ve been wanting.
The Animal 2 was co-written by Rob Schneider and his wife, Patricia Schneider, in addition to writing partner Jamie Lissow. The film will be produced by Rob Schneider along with Michael McConnell of Zero Gravity Management. The project will then be executive produced by Scott Hemming of Content Partner’s Revolution Studios and Marianne Wunch, Ani Kevork, and Fernando Szew of MarVista Entertainment.