If there’s ever been a perfect example of how not to approach a sequel, it has to be The Hangover Part II. Basically, director Todd Phillips took everything that was great about his 2009 original and tried to replicate this for a second time, albeit in a different location, with hilariously unfunny results. Still, the sequel went on to out-gross the original, earning a mighty $581m at the global box-office, so naturally a third installment was inevitable and – not content with producing a near-carbon copy with Part II – the Wolfpack are now heading back to Las Vegas as The Hangover Part III enters production this month.
On first glance, that does raise fears of a complete retread of the 2009 original, but it should be noted that Phillips has promised to freshen things up for the third installment. According to the Las Vegas Sun, Part III will see Philips shooting much of the film in Los Angeles and Tijuana, with the plot said to revolve around Phil (Bradley Cooper) and Stu’s (Ed Helms) efforts to rescue Alan (Zach Galifianakis) from a mental institution. Along with the Wolfpack, Mike Tyson is also confirmed for another cameo, while you’d have to expect to see plenty of familiar faces cropping up for what is said to be the closing chapter of The Hangover trilogy.
The Hangover Part III is currently scheduled for release on May 24th, 2013.
Originally published June 8, 2012. Updated November 6, 2019.
