From what we’ve heard about Nicholas Stoller’s Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, the film will feature some big elemental changes that make it different from the first movie. Most notable is that, as the title implies, there will be a sorority causing chaos this time around instead of a fraternity. But while the sequel will be different in key ways, there are also many elements that will remain the same – including many of the stars that made the original so great.
The Wrap has published the news that yet another one of the great comedic actors from 2014’s Neighbors will be reprising his role in the sequel – so we figured now would be as good a time as any to do a quick rundown of the returning cast. So who’s coming back? Let’s start with the latest addition first…
Fans of Nicholas Stoller’s Neighbors will certainly remember Dave Franco’s role as Pete – the only fratboy with a modicum of intelligence – and the good news is that he’ll be back to support his brothers in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising. The actor just recently closed his deal to return for the sequel, but sadly we don’t know exactly how he will fit into the plot of the movie. When we last saw him, he was getting ready to graduate from college and start his life as an adult… but we can presume that the plot of the new movie will have him return to his childish ways.
It would definitely be weird if Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising didn’t bring back Seth Rogen, but the good news is that the actor will not only be reprising his role as Mac, but also producing the movie and co-writing the script with Nicholas Stoller, Andrew Jay Cohen, Brendan O’Brien, and Evan Goldberg. At the end of the first movie, Mac’s troubles were all seemingly solved, and he is shown as being ready to commit his life to being a father to his daughter, Stella – but obviously the sequel will find his life thrown back into conflict when a sorority moves in next door
Playing Kelly, Mac’s wife in the first Neighbors, Rose Byrne was definitely a highlight - and while no official details have been revealed about her role just yet, one can hope that she will get to play an even more significant plot in the story. Given that the plot is going from fraternity to sorority in the sequel, it would be great if Kelly became the lead of the movie playing off of the sorority president character set to be played by Chloe Moretz. For now, everything is being kept hush hush, however.
Reprising his role as former fraternity president Teddy, Zac Efron will also be back in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising - though the nature of the part will be changing significantly. In the first movie he is the central antagonist, committed to making Mac and Kelly’s life a living hell, but in the sequel he will be coming back as a force for good – aiding the same young parents in a battle with the girls who have moved into the old Delta Psi Beta house.
Carla Gallo has been a part of the Judd Apatow family dating back to the canceled-too-soon series Undeclared, and after playing bit parts in movies like Superbad and Forgetting Sarah Marshall she upgraded to a supporting role in 2014’s Neighbors. In the sequel, she will be back reprising her role as Paula Faldt. In the first movie we saw her reunite with her ex-husband (more on him in a bit), and in the sequel she will presumably be back to help Mac and Kelly in their quest to shut down obnoxious college kids.
It’s possible that the next few weeks will reveal more actors from the first Neighbors coming back for the sequel, but for now our list comes to an end with Ike Barinholtz. Playing Jimmy Blevins, the actor spent most of the first movie being jealous of his ex-wife (Gallo), but wound up winning her back in the end with promises of a baby and a fun trip to Burning Man. Something tells us that their relationship won’t be the most stable thing in the world, so expect to see them fighting a lot in the upcoming movie.
Chloe Moretz, and actresses Kiersey Clemons and Beanie Feldstein will be just a few of the brand new faces that we will be seeing showing up in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, and while we have high hopes for their contributions, it will be great to see all of the aforementioned characters return as well. The movie is currently gearing up for production, and is currently on track to be in theaters on May 20, 2016.
