The events of September 11, 2001 understandably precluded any chance of DONNIE DARKO getting a fair shot at critical success seven years ago. The story of a somnambulant teenager who narrowly escapes death and sees an imaginary rabbit named Frank after a jet engine crashes into his bedroom fared poorly at the box office in 2001, although a director's cut was assembled and released in 2004. The film has since developed a cult following and has become a lucrative hit on DVD. Word now is that a sequel entitled S. DARKO will begin filming this month and follows Donnie's younger sister, Samantha (Daveigh Chase will reprise her role from the original) who takes a road trip with her friend Corey, and they both encounter strange visions. Neither the original's director, Richard Kelley, or the star, Jake Gyllenhaall, are currently involved with the project.
The film will be directed by Chris Fisher, who previously helmed NIGHTSTALKER (2002) and RAMPAGE: THE HILLSIDE STRANGLER MURDERS (2006).
No word yet on a release date.
