Book Club is back in session. But don't worry, there's no reading to catch up on. Book Club: The Next Chapter is the sequel to the 2018 hit that brought together four acting legends — Candice Bergen, Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton and Mary Steenburgen. They are back with a new movie that sees the four friends travel to Italy.
If you're getting a bit of deja vu from having four legendary actresses (one of which is Jane Fonda) in a new 2023 movie, don't panic, Book Club: The Next Chapter follows in the footsteps of 80 for Brady, which saw Fonda alongside Sally Field, Rita Moreno and Lily Tomlin.
80 for Brady was a surprise hit early in the year, will Book Club: The Next Chapter duplicate that and its own $100 million success from 2018? We'll see, but in the meantime, here is everything that you need to know about the comedy.
Book Club: The Next Chapter release date
Book Club: The Next Chapter comes out in the early days of the summer blockbuster season, premiering exclusively in movie theaters on May 12.
It can be an adult alternative to the superhero (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) and big action movies (Fast X) that are headlining the blockbuster slate.
We've got all the info you need on how to watch Book Club: The Next Chapter here.
Book Club: The Next Chapter plot
After meeting the book club in the first movie, the four lifelong friends are jet-setting off to Italy to celebrate the pending nuptials of one of their own. Here is the official synopsis from Focus Features:
"The highly anticipated sequel follows our four best friends as they take their book club to Italy for the fun girls trip they never had. When things go off the rails and secrets are revealed, their relaxing vacation turns into a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country adventure."
The script was written by Bill Holderman and Erin Simms, who both wrote the first movie.
Book Club: The Next Chapter cast
The main quartet for Book Club: The Next Chapter is once again Candice Bergen as Sharon, Jane Fonda as Vivian, Diane Keaton as Diane and Mary Steenburgen as Carol. All four actresses are Oscar nominees (three are winners in Fonda, Keaton and Steenburgen) who have starred in some all time classics in TV and movies, including Murphy Brown (Bergen), Klute (Fonda), The Godfather (Keaton) and Elf (Steenburgen).
Also returning for the sequel are four recognizable actors, Andy Garcia (Father of the Bride) as Mitchell, Craig T. Nelson (The Incredibles) as Bruce and Don Johnson (Knives Out) as Arthur.
Other members of the cast include Giancarlo Giannini (Casino Royale) and Hugh Quarshie (The Son).
Book Club: The Next Chapter trailer
See what the book club gets into on their trip to Italy in the Book Club: The Next Chapter trailer directly below. Oddly enough, we're not sure a book is seen at all in the trailer.
Book Club: The Next Chapter director
In addition to writing both Book Club movies with Erin Simms, Bill Holderman is pulling double duty again for Book Club: The Next Chapter as the director. The Book Club films are currently the only movies that Holderman has directed, but he also wrote A Walk in the Woods and has produced a number of movies, including The Conspirator, The Company You Keep (the Robert Redford movie, not the new ABC TV series) and The Old Man & the Gun.
Book Club: The Next Chapter reviews — what the critics are saying
What to Watch's Book Club: The Next Chapter review admits that the movie may be little more than a travelogue, but the chemistry of the four leading ladies makes it one that's enjoyable enough.
Overall, the sequel has a 49% "Rotten" score on Rottentomatoes from critics as of May 11, but it's audience score is nearly double, coming in at 86%.
How long is Book Club: The Next Chapter
The runtime for Book Club: The Next Chapter comes in at one hour and 47 minutes.
What is Book Club: The Next Chapter rated?
Book Club: The Next Chapter is rated PG-13 in the US and 12A in the UK for "some strong language and suggestive material."
