Director Adam McKay shot so much extra footage for “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” — including multiple alternate takes for nearly every joke and every scene — that the first cut of the film was four and a half hours long.
That’s what McKay told ScreenCrush in a new interview promoting the upcoming release of the hotly-anticipated sequel to 2004’s “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.” McKay said subsequent cuts shaved the movie down to three hours and then to two and a half, before finally settling in right around two hours for the soon-to-be-finished film.
Of course, all that editing means many jokes won’t see the light of day, but the director doesn’t want that to happen. McKay said he’s mulling over cutting a completely new version of the film that still keeps the plot, but uses all the alternate takes and extra jokes in place of the originals, essentially telling two different versions of the same story. Right now, McKay and co. are mulling releasing the second version in theaters after “Anchorman 2” opens, but want to make sure audiences would be interested before forging ahead with any concrete release strategy.
“If someone told me it was ‘Pulp Fiction’ will all new story turns and new Sam Jackson monologues, there’s no way I’m not going to see that,” McKay told ScreenCrush. “The question is, does Paramount release that in the theaters? Is it midnight screenings or just VOD and DVD?”
Regardless of where “Anchorman” fans can expect to see that alternate reality movie, McKay said there’s only way to sum up what it will entail.
“More crazy sh*t,” he said.
Sounds like kind of a big deal. For more from the director and his editor, Brent White, check out the full interview over at ScreenCrush.
“Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” is due out on December 20.
Gallery | 2013 Fall Movie Preview: Comedy
‘The Family’ (Sept. 13)
What It’s About: After a mafia boss (Robert De Niro) snitches on the mob, he and his family are put into the witness protection program and sent to hide out in a quiet French town. But, even with an FBI agent (Tommy Lee Jones) keeping a watchful eye on them, the clan can’t help but revert back to their unique way of problem solving — you know, the “family” way.
Why We’re Excited: Robert De Niro has been staying away from the tough guy roles lately, notably in “The Big Wedding” and “Silver Linings Playbook.” And while we’re all in favor of seeing the softer side of Bob now and then, this part is a return to what he does best. We also expect his unique brand of humor to be on display a la “Analyze This,” which is always a treat.
‘Baggage Claim’ (Sept. 27)
What It’s About: Montana (Paula Patton) is a flight attendant whose relationships have never quite taken off. When her younger sister gets engaged, she feels the pressure to not only find a date for the wedding, but a future husband. With only a month to spare, there’s no time to meet any new men, so she revisits her old flames with the help of her fellow airline employees — anytime one of her exes flies, you better believe she’ll be on that plane. A slew of awkward dates and situations ensue in her search for Mr. Right.
Why We’re Excited: We have to admit, we love Paula Patton — she’s beautiful, smart, and from what we’ve seen of the trailer, her comedic timing seems to be pretty spot-on. We love seeing her in leading lady roles, and while “Baggage Claim” may not turn out to be the biggest movie this fall, more Paula makes us happy. Also, her parade of gentlemen suitors will likely provide enough man candy for the entire season.
‘Don Jon’ (Sept. 27)
What It’s About: Jon Martello (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is your typical New Jersey juicehead, who happens to have a little addiction to internet porn. His friends call him Don Jon because he has a knack for bringing home a different girl every night, that is until he meets Barbara Sugarman (Scarlett Johansson), a Jersey girl who steals his heart. Jon’s affinity for dirty movies, coupled with Barbara’s love of old Hollywood romance, leaves the pair awkwardly navigating a real-life relationship that will never live up to either of their unrealistic fantasies.
Why We’re Excited: Aside from the Jersey accents, we’re excited to see a buff Gordon-Levitt in a very different role. He’s usually the sensitive boyfriend every girl wants (“500 Days of Summer”), the best friend you don’t realize is perfect for you until the end (“10 Things I Hate About You”), or more recently, the hero (“The Dark Knight”). Macho, borderline sleazeball Jon is quite a departure for him, but we’re sure he’ll still manage to charm us. The comedy also marks Gordon-Levitt’s directorial debut, and we’re definitely curious about his skills behind the camera.
‘Last Vegas’ (Nov. 1)
What’s It About: Lifelong friends Billy (Michael Douglas), Paddy (Robert De Niro), Archie (Morgan Freeman), and Sam ( Kevin Kline) decide to have one last hoorah after perpetual bachelor Billy gets engaged. The group heads to Vegas, and soon realize Sin City isn’t what it used to be — and neither is their alcohol tolerance. Hilarious we’re-too-old-for-this hijinx ensue.
Why We’re Excited: With four Oscar-winners in the leading roles, we expect the acting in this movie to be top-notch. And, think about it: It’s like “The Hangover” with seasoned actors poking fun at their age — why wouldn’t we be excited?
‘About Time’ (Nov. 8)
What It’s About: After yet another disappointing New Year’s party, Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) gets some shocking news from his dad: the men in their family can time travel. Upon learning the supernatural secret, he uses the gift to relive the past and finds himself a girlfriend named Mary (Rachel McAdams). Then, after an unfortunate time traveling incident causes the couple to never have met at all, Tim needs to make her fall in love with him all over again.
Why We’re Excited: A huge reason we’re stoked to see the London-set romcom is because it’s directed by “Love Actually”-helmer Richard Curtis. And we love “Love Actually.” The movie also looks fun, witty, and charming — three words we would also use to describe McAdams, who never disappoints as the romantic female lead.
‘The Best Man Holiday’ (Nov. 15)
What It’s About: In this sequel to 1999’s “The Best Man,” old college friends played by Taye Diggs, Terrence Howard, and Morris Chestnut reunite for the holidays, reigniting long-forgotten rivalries and relationships.
Why We’re Excited: Fans of the first film will be excited to know that the whole cast is returning for another go, and we’re excited to see the shenanigans these (very attractive) men will get into this time.
‘Delivery Man’ (Nov. 22)
What It’s About: David Wozniak (Vince Vaughn) — no relation to Steve– is an underachieving delivery guy working for his dad, and has no notable life accomplishments or goals. But things get a little more interesting when he finds out that the, uh, specimen he anonymously donated to a sperm bank 20 years ago fathered 533 kids due to a slight mix-up. Now, some of those offspring are suing to find out their dad’s identity. After he gets a file containing his children’s names, David does his best to make up for lost time and attempts to help them in various little ways, without ever revealing who he is.
Why We’re Excited: No matter what you have to say about Vaughn’s brand of comedy, the actor always manages to make us chuckle. And while the story is far-fetched, it is unique, and we have to admit, we’re intrigued.
Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images
