Sideways sequel might be on the cards

Rex Pickett recently revealed in an interview with thedrinksbusiness.com that he is pushing director of the Sideways film Alexander Payne for a sequel based on his second novel, Vertical.

“Tens of millions are on the table and no sequel. Why? The book’s been written, the screenplay’s been written. No one in Hollywood understands why Payne is not in pre-production on Vertical. I’m sick of answering that question,” Pickett stated.

“Fox Searchlight Pictures owns the film rights to Miles and Jack. If Payne woke up tomorrow morning and said he wanted to do a sequel then it would be made.

“Payne has the power to make whatever movie he wants, within budgetary reason, for the rest of his life. I like to feel I played a small part in that,” Pickett added.

Originally rejected by 15 publishers, Sideways has sold over 150,000 copies in the English-language, and has been translated into 12 different languages.

The film, released the same year as the book in 2004, has won over 350 awards including two Golden Globes for best comedy picture and best screenplay.