‘VACATION FRIENDS’ GIVEN SEQUEL DAYS AFTER DEBUT

Hulu’s comedy “Vacation Friends” starring John Cena and Lil Rel Howery has been given a sequel green light just days after its debut.

The movie received somewhat positive reviews with a 60% positive rating among critics on Rotten Tomatoes and a less inspiring 50% from viewers. The website’s consensus: “The laughs aren’t always in steady supply, but the terrific cast makes ‘Vacation Friends’ a comedy you can stream without serious reservations.”

The premise is simple: a straight-laced engaged couple (Howery and Yvonne Orji) on a vacation meet a quirky weird couple (Cena and Meredith Hagner) who later crash their wedding. Hijinks ensue.

The movie was shot last year in Puerto Rico before the pandemic and in Atlanta six months later after the pandemic had begun.

Hulu has already announced the title of the new film, “Honeymoon Friends.” Given Georgia’s track record as a home to sequels and generous tax credits, it’s likely 20th Century Studios will come back to Georgia for at least part of the production.

The streaming service said it was their strongest opening weekend debut in its history, though it provided no information on how many people actually watched it. Plus, Hulu has released fewer than a dozen original films in recent years including well-regarded 2020 comedies “Palm Springs” with Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti and “Big Time Adolescence” starring Pete Davidson. “Palm Springs” was its prior best performer.