Well, this is pretty major: The ink has dried on a deal ensuringRick Moraniswill return for a sequel feature film to 1989’sHoney, I Shrunk the Kids. Moranis has kept an extremely low profile over the last decade or so, with no major film or television appearances on the books since 2006’sBrother Bear 2but it’s really been over 20 years since he’s had a hefty role to speak of.
Word of Moranis' return was first reported theThe DisInsideron February 4. On February 12, Deadline reported Moranis would return for the upcomingHoney, I Shrunk the Kidssequel. The feature film will reportedly (and quite aptly) be namedShrunk. We also learnedJosh Gadwill star inShrunkas the grown-up son of Moranis' character, Wayne Szalinski. In the originalHoney, I Shrunk the Kidsfilm, the role of Wayne’s son, Nick, was played by child actorRobert Oliveri. Although no official character details have been released and unless it’s otherwise announced, it’s safe to assume Gad will likely be stepping into the Nick role. Deadline reportsShrunkwill center around Gad’s character, a man “aspiring to be a great scientist like his father, but accidentally shrinks the kids.” In addition to Moranis, directorJoe Johnstonwill also be back to directShrunk. Neither Moranis nor Disney have commented on the comedic actor’s exit from unofficial retirement forShrunk.
Older Millennials will no doubt remember just how huge theHoney, I Shrunk the Kidsfilm and its sequels — the theatrical releaseHoney, I Blew Up the Kidand direct-to-video picHoney, We Shrunk Ourselves— used to be.Honey, I Blew Up theKid, released in 1992, delivered plenty of hijinks as Wayne Szalinski accidentally turned his toddler into a giant. As for 1997’sHoney, We Shrunk Ourselves,viewerssaw a reversal of the first film’s plot wherein the parents got hit with Wayne’s shrink-ray. The first two films made over $280 million at the box office (not adjusted for inflation). With Moranis' return and the popularity ofFrozen’s Gad joining in on the fun, Disney might have another hit on their hands with the next entry in theHoney, I Shrunk the Kidsfranchise.
For more, check out our current calendar ofmovies coming to Disney+ in 2020.
