One way to describe “It’s a Wonderful Life” is to say that it’s a dated but beloved movie.
Another more accurate way to describe it is to say that it’s dated enough to be out of copyright but apparently not quite beloved enough that someone isn’t willing to mess with it by banging out a sequel.
Producer Bob Farnsworth said to The Hollywood Reporter:
Look, no one can make another It’s a Wonderful Life. But our story is solid, and we are going in with our eyes open. There is no doubt about it, there will be a ruckus. But I have this motto: All it takes to be a leader is to have a cause you believe in. And the stronger you believe in the cause, the more adversaries you will have. And we strongly believe in this.
Right. Nobody can make another It’s a Wonderful Life. Well observed! Probably that would’ve been a good place to finish that train of thought.
The funny thing is that the 1946 original isn’t even that great but it’s such a cultural fixture that surely it deserves to be left alone. Modern filmmakers are endlessly trying to emulate its wholesome, feelgood vibe but, crucially, it’s the vibe they’re going for and not the original story and characters. Messing with the original is a terrible idea, no matter how much of a leader you think the strength of your convictions makes you.
To be completely fair, every film venture is at least a bit foolish until it works. It could be the next… um… Color of Money? Does that count?