Now, before we get into this we have to acknowledge a few things: First, I realize I’m breaking the key rule by even talking about this. Duly noted. Second, it’s to note that the sequel to FIGHT CLUB, both the novel and the 1999 film from director David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt and Edward Norton, is actually going to be in graphic novel form, although written by the same author, Chuck Palahniuk. Could there be a film version to follow? Sure. But, as of now, we’re talking about a graphic novel follow-up to the film, which is no less exciting. In an interview with Hustler earlier this year, Palahniuk revealed details on the story for the sequel, including the basic plot and themes he’ll be exploring. Here’s the details:
On why he would write a sequel:
“So much of FIGHT CLUB was a rant against fathers. At the time every man I knew was complaining about how little he’d learned from his father. Even my own father felt bitter and let down by his father. Rather than continue in that vein, I wanted to revist the protagonist once he himself had become a father. Not coincidentally, my parents are both dead now, and I think that will force my story and I accept more responsibility.”
On whether or not he’s nervous about a expectations for a sequel:
No, the sequel has been percolating in my mind for years. My only worry is about presenting it in the form of a graphic novel. The medium shapes the messages, and I’ll be relearning how to tell stories. My tendency is to hold the entire plot in my mind until I’m afrad of forgetting it. once I start writing, I can’t stop. That feverish, ill-fed, exhausting stint of writing is the only part of the process I fear.”
On how the story will be different from the first book:
“The sequel will be told from the– at first– submerged perspective of Tyler Durden as he observes the day-to-day tedium of the narrator’s life. Because 20th Century-Fox created the convention of calling the protagonist Jack, I’m calling him Cornelius. He’s living a compromised life with a failing marriage, unsure about his passion for his wife. The typical midlife bullshit. Likewise, Marla is unsatisfied and dreams of accessing the wild man she’d once fallen in love with. She tampers with the small pharmacy of drugs that her husband needs to suppress Tyler, and– go figure– Tyler reemerges to terrorize their lives.”
As someone profoundly influenced by Palahniuk’s book and Fincher’s film, I’m beyond excited for this. Although there’s no word on where Palahniuk is at in the process of completing the graphic novel, my anticipation is already at peak levels. It’s hard to say if it will merit a film sequel, but if the graphic novel is anywhere near as mind-numbingly awesome as the first book, then I have no doubt it will be ripe for exploration on the big screen. Until then, I’ll keep my trap shut and abide by the rules.
More as this develops.