In 1994, “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” hit theaters. It grossed $30 million at the box office on a $2 million budget and over the past 30 years has developed a cult following. Now, the film’s director Stephan Elliott says that he is developing a sequel.
Elliott also confirmed the movie’s original stars Terence Stamp (“Superman“), Guy Pearce, and Hugo Weaving (“The Matrix“) are coming back! “The original cast is on board, I’ve got a script that everybody likes, we’re still working out deals…it’s happening,” he said. “I’m not repeating myself, we’ll start the new film in Australia, but by God, we’re going on one helluva journey.”
But the most exciting part is Elliot will bring back the undisputed star of the film, the modified Japanese-made tour bus. This rented bus disappeared for a while after shooting, but it was found a few years later, damaged by a brush fire. Recently, The History Trust of South Australia took possession of it and is working to restore it.
Developing The Sequel
The director penned the “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” sequel during the pandemic, following the passing of his parents. While he is keeping details secret, he did reveal the pilot will involve Tick (Weaving)’s son as a grown-up. He also wants to add some contemporary music to the soundtrack, since the first film was backed almost exclusively with disco.
The first film follows two drag queens, Adam Whitely (Pearce) and Anthony “Tick” Belrose, and transgender woman Bernadette Bassenger (Stamp), as they travel from Sydney to Alice Springs. The trek is spurred by Tick being offered a job performing drag at a resort. The group travels across the barren Australian Outback in a tour bus deemed “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.” They encounter a host of locals that react to their appearance with either acceptance or hostility. It is also revealed that Tick plans to reunite with his estranged wife and young son in Alice Springs.
“Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” took home an Oscar for Best Costume Design and garnered Stamp a Golden Globe nomination. It is now considered a staple of LGBT cinema.
While the “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” sequel is NOT officially greenlit, Elliot hopes to start shooting this year. We’ll keep you posted on updates about this project as they become available.
