As soon as I saw the pilot for HBO’sBarry, I knew thatAnthony Carriganwould be one to watch. The actorstole scene after sceneas the colorful henchman Noho Hank, who has since blossomed into a full-fledged crime boss on the show, and it’s great to see him lining up some feature projects. Last week, Carrigan signed on to joinKevin Hartin Sony’s dramedyFatherhood, and today brings word that Carrigan will play the bad guy inBill & Ted Face the Music.
Keanu ReevesandAlex Winterare set to return as the titular duo, whileBrigette Lundy-Paine(Atypical) andSamara Weaving(The Babysitter) will play their respective daughters.Scott Mescudi, aka Kid Cudi, is also set to co-star, though his role is being kept under wraps. The sequel will find the Wyld Stallynsjoined by their childrenin their quest to save the universe.
Elsewhere,William Sadlerwill return as Death, and I’ve gotta say that it would be pretty awesome if Carrigan was playing Death Jr., though I’m not sure why, in that case, he’d be described as Bill and Ted’s “relentless adversary” bythe Hollywood Reporter, which broke the news of his casting. Carrigan is often seen playing hairless characters because he has Alopecia Areata, so while I can see the resemblance to Sadler’s character, it’s just as likely that he’ll play an unrelated character, one who could even be outfitted with a wig.
Face the Musicwill arrive in theaters more than 30 years after the original film, 1989’sBill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, which was followed by 1991’sBill & Ted’s Bogus Journey. The sequel will find the stakes higher than ever for William “Bill” S. Preston Esq. (Winter) and Theodore “Ted” Logan (Reeves). Yet to fulfill their rock and roll destiny, the now middle-aged best friends set out on a new adventure, when a visitor from the future warns them that only their song can save life as we know it and bring harmony to the universe. Along the way, they will be helped by their families, old friends and a few music legends.
Dean Parisot(Galaxy Quest) is directing from a script by returning franchise writersChris MathesonandEd Solomon. Production is slated to start next month in New Orleans. I can’t wait to see how they deal with the phone booth issue, since there aren’t many left these days given the rise of cell phones. Then again, I doubt much of this film is set in present day, given its time-traveling premise.
Scott Kroopfis producing alongsideAlex LeboviciandSteve Ponceof Hammerstone Studios.Steven Soderberghwill be executive producing along withJohn Ryan Jr.,R. Scott Reid,Scott FischerandJohn Santilli.David HaringandPatrick W. Duganare financing the film, which Orion Pictures will release via its United Artists label on Jul 14, 2025.
Prior to Barry, Carrigan appeared on shows such asParenthoodandThe Flash, and he also had a recurring role onGotham. He’s represented by ICM Partners and Schlegel Entertainment.
