While the original 2001 movie Wet Hot American Summer turned into something of a cult hit, nobody could have predicted that this absurdist comedic tale of camp counsellors and their exploits at Camp Firewood would go on to spawn a franchise – but here we are. With news that Netflix plans to follow up its limited series prequel – Wet Hot American Summer: First Day Of Camp – with a limited series sequel, we also have the announcement that Jai Courtney has joined the cast. That means the upcoming Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later will have some Suicide Squad-level star power.
The original movie was star-studded all on its own. Co-written and directed by David Wain, with Michael Showalter also penning the script, Wet Hot American Summer featured an ensemble cast that included Janeane Garofalo, David Hyde Pierce, Michael Showalter, Marguerite Moreau, Christopher Meloni, Molly Shannon, Ken Marino, and Joe Lo Truglio. It was notable, specifically, as an early launchpad for the comedy careers of Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler, Bradley Cooper and Elizabeth Banks. The plot focused on the complex relationships that came to a proverbial head during the last day of camp in 1981.
The limited series delivered by Netflix in 2015 was a prequel in the sense that it depicted the events of the first day of camp in 1981 – the gimmick being that the same actors were reprising their roles, even though they were now clearly fourteen years older themselves. While the original cast reunited, it also added Lake Bell, Jason Schwartzman, Josh Charles and Chris Pine, among others.
Now, Netflix has committed to delivering Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later, which will depict events involving many of the original characters as they return to Camp Firewood in 1991 – the gimmick of aging performers reprising their roles clearly still applies. Jai Courtney will play Garth MacArthur – star of the indie movie world and an actor on the cusp of international stardom. He’s embroiled in a ‘friends with benefits’ situation with Susie (Amy Poehler), but seeks to move their relationship to the next level, and so follows her to Camp Firewood with that in mind.
It has not yet been confirmed whether original stars Paul Rudd, Bradley Cooper, Janeane Garofalo or Molly Shannon will return, but with many of the original cast signing up to return to camp, there are also reports that Alyssa Milano will be joining them this time around. A specific release date has yet to be set, but all indications are that Netflix is looking at a 2017 release for Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later.