Camila Mendes Returns as Star and Producer for ‘Upgraded 2’ Sequel

The romantic comedy genre is experiencing a resurgence, and streaming platforms are taking note. Light-hearted love stories with glamorous backdrops and engaging characters are as popular as ever. A new project set to debut on Prime Video in 2024 is ready to capitalize on this trend.

‘Upgraded’ followed the journey of an ambitious intern at an art auction house whose life takes a turn when she is upgraded to first class on a flight to London. Released on Prime Video in February 2024 and directed by Carlson Young, the film received a Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Its mix of romance, fashion, and workplace humor resonated with many viewers.

Now, the story is set for a sequel. According to an exclusive report from The Hollywood Reporter, Camila Mendes will return as both the star and producer of ‘Upgraded 2’ for Amazon MGM Studios. Production is slated to begin this month in Italy, with the sequel expected to be available globally on Prime Video.

Becca Gleason will direct the follow-up, taking over from Young. The original film’s writers, Luke Roberts and Justin Matthews, are back to craft the script. Specific plot details have yet to be revealed.

The production team includes Mike Karz and Bill Bindley from Gulfstream Pictures, who financed the first film. Mendes and Rachel Matthews will produce through their company Honor Role, alongside Lena Roklin from Luber Roklin Entertainment. Piers Tempest will produce for Tempo Production.

Mendes and Matthews also served as executive producers on the original film. They established Honor Role to promote character-driven narratives, including this year’s ‘Idiotka’, where Mendes also co-stars.

In the first film, Mendes portrayed Ana Santos, an intern at a New York auction house under the demanding Claire, played by Marisa Tomei. When an airline employee mistakenly upgrades Ana to first class, she meets Will, portrayed by Archie Renaux, who confuses her for her boss, leading to a web of lies and glamorous escapades.

Critics and audiences often likened it to ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, swapping the fashion industry for the art world. Metacritic reviewers described it as ‘What a Girl Wants’ meets ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ with a hint of ‘Emily in Paris’ charm. Mendes received widespread acclaim for her captivating performance in the lead role.

Casting details beyond Mendes have not been confirmed. It remains uncertain whether Renaux and Tomei will reprise their roles or who will star alongside her in the sequel. The shift in setting to Italy hints at a new backdrop for more romance and comedic mix-ups.

This uncertainty keeps fans on their toes. The chemistry between Ana and Will, along with the dynamic with Claire, was a significant draw in the first film. Any sequel will need to navigate how much of that magic to retain.

This announcement aligns with Mendes’ evolving career. She has developed a strong partnership with Amazon MGM through projects like ‘Música’ and ‘Masters of the Universe’, where she portrays Teela alongside Nicholas Galitzine’s He-Man.

Mendes first gained widespread recognition as Veronica in ‘Riverdale’. Since then, she has gradually transitioned into producing, taking creative control over the narratives she wishes to tell. ‘Upgraded 2’ marks another step in that direction.

The streaming landscape has revitalized the rom-com genre, and sequels are a natural progression to expand the audience that discovered them. The first film maintains a strong reputation, arriving at a time when viewers craved lighter entertainment. Setting the sequel in Italy adds an extra layer of escapism.

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