A.V. Opinions: I would greenlight The Cable Guy 2
In 1996, Jim Carrey starred in The Cable Guy, a dark comedy that explored themes of technology addiction, social isolation, and the blurred lines between reality and television. Today, those themes are more relevant than ever, and a sequel could be a timely and cost-effective movie for a streaming service.
Studios are in a constant streaming arms race, competing for subscribers and seeking new content to attract and retain them. Developing a sequel to an existing movie is often more cost-effective than creating entirely new content. The original movie's brand recognition and built-in audience would reduce marketing costs. Also, with the rise of Disney+, HBO Max, and Peacock, the market has become increasingly saturated, and services are looking for ways to stand out from the crowd. That's where The Cable Guy 2: The Streaming Guy comes in.
Imagine Jim Carrey reprising his role as Chip Douglas, the eccentric and awkward cable guy. After escaping from the insane asylum where he's been confined since the end of the first movie, Chip Douglas finds himself in a world gone mad for streaming and social media. He tracks down his old friend Steven, only to discover him zombified by a never-ending loop of streaming, online gaming and viral videos. Chip is horrified by the state of modern entertainment, but also sees an opportunity - he becomes obsessed with a popular streaming service and sets out to become a viral sensation, convinced that his knowledge of movies will make him a star. As he struggles to understand the strange new world of online fame, Chip's antics only get weirder and wilder...
The sequel would update the original themes for the streaming era, exploring the consequences of excessive screen time, the blurring of reality and online personas, and the desperation for online validation. Chip's antics would provide plenty of comedic moments, while also commenting on the darker side of our online obsessions.
The Streaming Guy has the potential to be a hit on streaming services, tapping into the cultural zeitgeist and providing a fresh take on the original movie's themes. With its cost-effective production and built-in audience, it's an opportunity that streaming services shouldn't miss.
Would you greenlight The Cable Guy 2? Let us know in the comments.
-Brad McBoom