The Brat Pack reunion: A sequel to ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ in the works?
Demi Moore hints at a possible sequel
Demi Moore, currently basking in the acclaim for her daring role in The Substance, has revealed that discussions are underway with Sony to create a sequel to the iconic 1985 film, St. Elmo’s Fire. This revelation came during an interview at the Toronto Film Festival, where Moore shared her excitement about the potential project.
“The update is definitely, conversations are happening,” Moore said. “The studio has been really behind and driving this. As far as I know, everyone seems to be up for it, which I think would be amazing.”
Revisiting the original
The original St. Elmo’s Fire delved into the lives of a group of recent college graduates navigating the tumultuous early years of adulthood, filled with relationship woes and career anxieties. The film was a significant milestone for Moore and her co-stars, including Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Ally Sheedy, Mare Winningham, Judd Nelson, and Andrew McCarthy. This group of actors was famously dubbed “The Brat Pack” in a snarky magazine piece, a label that has since become iconic.
Moore mentioned that there is no script yet for the sequel and that the studio is “looking for the right partner” to write it.
“Then I think we would all probably start to jump in and figure out who are these people this many years later,” Moore teased.
The impact of ‘The Substance’
As for The Substance, which received a 13-minute standing ovation at Cannes, Moore is thrilled by the intense response from viewers. The film follows Elizabeth Sparkle, an acclaimed actress turned fitness guru, who faces a personal crisis after losing her job as a TV host due to ageist and sexist biases. In a desperate move, Elizabeth takes a mysterious drug that creates a younger doppelgänger (played by Margaret Qualley), who becomes an overnight sensation.
“It’s impacted people,” Moore said. “My hope is that it would bring a cultural shift, that it would be part of the conversation that starts to move the needle…allowing us to see the importance of being more gentle, more kind to ourselves.”
The grueling process of making ‘The Substance’
Creating The Substance was a physically demanding process for Moore. The film, a body horror genre piece, required her to undergo extensive makeup sessions and body molds, sometimes taking up to nine-and-a-half hours. Moore also worked with a movement coach to ensure she didn’t injure herself while contorting her body to portray the grotesque transformations her character undergoes.
“I spent a lot of time in a hunched over position,” Moore explained. “I had to be careful not to hurt myself.”
A reflection on Hollywood’s beauty standards
Moore believes that the extreme measures Elizabeth takes to preserve her youth are relatable not just to those in the entertainment industry but to society at large.
“I knew how important and how relevant this subject matter was, not just for women…but I think for all of us as human beings,” she said.
Looking ahead
The potential sequel to St. Elmo’s Fire and the success of The Substance highlight Moore’s enduring impact on the film industry. As fans eagerly await more news on the sequel, they can revisit the original film and explore the themes of youth, beauty, and self-acceptance that Moore continues to champion.
For those interested in revisiting the original St. Elmo’s Fire, you can watch the trailer here.
To dive into the world of The Substance, check out the trailer here.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive look at the potential St. Elmo’s Fire sequel and the impact of The Substance, offering personal reflections and in-depth analysis for cinema and TV series enthusiasts.