If you frequent any of your local AMC theaters, as I often do, there’s a very good chance that you have seen (and, well, probably memorized)Nicole Kidman’s now-iconic ad. The cinema-celebrating, ultra-quotable, one-minute promo features the Oscar-winning actress walking into a mysteriously-empty movie theater, complete with high heels, a snazzy gray suit, and a raincoat that disappears upon entry, as she is swept up in the beauty and glamour of the big screen experience. An expensive campaign to welcome moviegoers around the world back into the comfort of their local theaters, this extended AMC commercial serves as a warm comfort blanket before every screening, as a friendly reminder of why we love to go to the movies in the first place.
Unabashedly sentimental and cheesy though it might be, it’s also a winning (and highly memeable) reminder of the majesty of the silver screen. And it makes sense that AMC is happy with how well-received it has been. In addition torenewing Kidman’s AMC contractfor another year, it’s been announced that this celebratory advert is also slated to receive a surprise sequel.
I got a text from the chairman of AMC about a month ago asking me if I would write the next one, and of course, the answer to that is yes. It’s already written.
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Scribed as a favor to Kidman, with whom Raypreviously worked within 2015’sThe Secret in their Eyes, which he wrote and directed, the ad’s author has admittedly been blown away by the pop culture impact of this video. He claims that “nobody saw this coming, nobody,” when it comes to its increasing awareness and popularity, and he’s “very, very excited” for what’s in store with this unexpected sequel.
As for what moviegoers can expect from this next installment, Ray has understandably stayed coy for the time being, but he claims that he knows better than to attempt to “top” what came before. With that said, it will be different than what we’ve seen time and time and time again at AMC theaters over this past year.
All I can tell you about it is we are not dumb enough to fly in the face of the one we’ve already done and try to top it. So it’s a very, very different approach that is a little bit of a wink to the one we’ve already done.
And, in case you might’ve been worried, this sequel will definitely feature Kidman once more. As Ray has noted, he’s “not doing it without Nicole,” as it simply wouldn’t be the same without the celebrated actress.
Meanwhile, if you have somehow missed the original ad, or simply want to revisit it again in the comfort of your own home, you can watch it below. Though, admittedly, it’s not the same as seeing it in theaters.
