The third installment in the highly anticipated comedy film series, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, has finally been given a release date of later this year.
Nia Vardalos, who starred in the previous installments is also at the helm of the latest film in the series as writer and director. The latest movie will again follow the adventures of the Portokalos family.
The film is set to release later this year on September 8. The first My Big Fat Greek Wedding film remains the highest-grossing romantic comedy of all time.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3
The release date announcement was made on the film’s official Facebook page yesterday. Many members of the original cast from the first and second movies will reprise their roles including Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Louis Mandylor, Elena Kampouris, Maria Vacratsis, Andrea Martin, Gia Carides, and Joey Fatone.
Some new faces will also be joining the cast of the comedy franchise, including Elias Kacavas and Melina Kotselou.
Tom Hanks, Wilson, and Gary Goetzman are the producers of the third film. The executive producers are Paul Brooks, Scott Niemeyer, and Steven Shareshian.
“The sweet friendship which bloomed from the producers’ first taking a chance on me then grew into a beautiful relationship as they entrusted me to direct this installment of our franchise,” said Vardalos, the creator of the franchise. “We filmed our family reunion entirely in Greece, which was thrilling for us all. Plus, we ate for free.”
Producer Rita Wilson also said, “It’s thrilling to have Nia Vardalos, Academy Award-nominated writer, not only in front of the camera as our star but also behind the camera as our director, guiding our beloved cast for this third film shot on location in Greece. My Big Fat Greek Wedding has brought audiences joy for 21 years. I’m so happy that more joy is on the way.”
The Franchise
The first installment in the My Big Fat Greek Wedding series back in 2002 was a surprise hit. It grossed $241.4 million in North America alone and over $368.7 million worldwide. It became the highest-grossing romantic comedy of all time, domestically.
the success of the first film led to the creation of the sitcom, My Big Fat Greek Life, and then a sequel movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, released in 2016. The second film was also a success and grossed $90.6 million worldwide against an $18 million budget.
In August 2021, Michael Constantine, who played a leading role as Kostas “Gus” Portokalos, passed away at the age of 94.
Paying tribute to the late actor in 2021, Vardalos said, “(Constantine) told me he wouldn’t be able to join us for the third film and his wish was that we go on. I wrote the screenplay to reflect Michael’s decision and will always treasure his last messages to me, hoping we were filming soon.”
“We miss you Michael, thank you for bringing my words to life with such passion and accuracy, you will always be with us,” Vardalos continued.
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