What Talladega Nights 2 Would Have Been About, According to Adam McKay
The comedy world buzzed with excitement after a fan-made poster for Talladega Nights 2 made its way online, sparking anticipation for a potential sequel to the hit 2006 film, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. This sequel, humorously titled Talladega Nights 2: If We Ain’t Shakin’, We Ain’t Bakin’, would see the return of Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as the iconic duo Ricky Bobby and Cal Naughton Jr.
The original Talladega Nights was a massive success, becoming one of the highest-grossing comedies of the year, thanks to its hilarious take on the world of NASCAR. The wild antics of Ricky Bobby, who lived by the motto “If you ain’t first, you’re last,” captured the audience’s attention and cemented its place as a comedy classic.
The viral poster for Talladega Nights 2 offers a glimpse of what fans might expect if the sequel ever becomes a reality. The tagline humorously suggests that, despite the passing years and aging joints, Ricky and Cal would still be back on the track, albeit with more wrinkles than their old fire suits. The synopsis promises a fun-filled ride where, despite questionable diets and aching bodies, the duo still manages to burn rubber and secure Coca-Cola sponsorships. Although this poster was created by a satirical Facebook page known for making fake movie posters, it nevertheless stirs up fond memories of the original film and raises hopes for a follow-up.
However, while the fan poster has generated excitement, director Adam McKay has made it clear that a Talladega Nights sequel is unlikely. McKay revealed in 2015 that there were initial ideas for a follow-up, including a storyline where Ricky Bobby competes in European racing, specifically Formula 1, bringing a more international flair to the comedy. However, McKay expressed a preference for creating new, original ideas rather than revisiting old ones, citing his desire to create fresh worlds, as he did with Anchorman.
Will Ferrell, the star of the franchise, shares McKay’s sentiment. In a 2017 interview, Ferrell explained that while he briefly considered the idea of sequels to some of his past hits, such as Step Brothers, he generally prefers to “create new things” rather than revisit old projects. His decision to not pursue a sequel to the beloved Elf also reflects this approach to his career.
As a result, while the idea of Talladega Nights 2 might have garnered some initial excitement, it remains highly unlikely that fans will see Ricky Bobby and Cal Naughton Jr. racing together again anytime soon.
