Camila Mendes is set to return for a sequel to her 2024 romantic comedy ‘Upgraded’, taking on dual responsibilities as the film’s lead actor and producer for Amazon MGM Studios, states The Hollywood Reporter.
Titled ‘Upgraded 2’, the follow-up will be directed by Becca Gleason, with production scheduled to begin in Italy this month. The film will be released worldwide on Prime Video, although the studio has yet to announce a release date or reveal plot details.
Gleason takes over directing duties from Carlson Young, who helmed the original film. Luke Roberts and Justin Matthews, the writers behind the first instalment, are returning to write the sequel.
The project will be produced by Gulfstream Pictures and Honor Role, the production company founded by Mendes and Rachel Matthews. Mike Karz and Bill Bindley will produce for Gulfstream, while Mendes and Matthews will lead the project for Honor Role. Lena Roklin of Luber Roklin Entertainment and Piers Tempest of Tempo Production are also attached as producers. (Source: The Hollywood Reporter)
The original ‘Upgraded’ premiered on Prime Video in February 2024. Mendes played Ana Santos, an ambitious intern at a New York art auction house who finds her life transformed after receiving a first-class upgrade on a flight to London.
During the journey, Ana meets Will, played by Archie Renaux, who mistakenly believes she is her demanding boss, Claire, portrayed by Marisa Tomei. Ana allows the misunderstanding to continue, setting off a chain of romantic complications and professional dilemmas.
The film combined workplace comedy with romance and the glamour of the international art world. Its Cinderella-inspired storyline and Mendes’ performance helped it attract attention among streaming audiences.
Although Mendes and Matthews served as executive producers on the first film, the sequel marks a further step in their development as producers through Honor Role, which focuses on character-driven storytelling.
Mendes has continued her association with Amazon MGM through projects including ‘Música’ and ‘Masters of the Universe’. She first gained widespread recognition for playing Veronica Lodge in the television series ‘Riverdale’ before expanding her career into film and production.
The sequel will also bring a new creative perspective through Gleason, whose previous work includes directing the comedy-drama ‘Summer ’03’ and serving as a consulting producer on the series ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’.
While Mendes’ return is confirmed, the studio has not announced whether Renaux or Tomei will reprise their roles.
With filming set to move to Italy, ‘Upgraded 2’ will continue the franchise’s blend of romance and escapism, bringing the story back to Prime Video for a global audience.
