Star-Studded Controversial Comedy Lost For Decades Coming Back In A Big Way
Kevin Smith’s comedic take on religion, Dogma, wasn’t a blockbuster by any means when it was released in 1999. But through the decades, it remained a fan-favorite for fans of the director, even if it was nearly impossible to find. Because of rights to the film, it hasn’t been produced for physical media or available to stream. But now, the director has confirmed that Dogma’s ownership has switched hands, and the film will be re-released in 2025.
Dogma’s New Owners Want To Re-release The Film
Recently appearing on The Hashtag Show, Kevin Smith delivered the exciting news that the rights to Dogma have been sold to an unnamed company. The new owners reached out to the Silent Bob actor with an interest in re-releasing the film. “I said 100 percent, are you kidding me?” Smith replied.
Dogma will celebrate its 25th Anniversary this coming November, but unfortunately, plans to redistribute the film won’t be able to be pulled off until 2025. As of now, it sounds like the star-studded film will be re-released on physical media and celebrate a theatrical tour. No word yet on streaming, but we all hope it will make its way onto one of the popular platforms sometime soon.
Spinoffs, Series, And Sequels Now Possible
Additionally, Kevin Smith is exploring ideas to bring back his popular characters from Dogma. He discussed a few different ideas, including spinoffs, television series, or sequels. And it sounds like Smith is hopeful to call on some of his big wig Hollywood pals to return for more divine fun. “And all those people who worked in it are still viable,” Smith said.
Harvey Weinstein Owned Dogma
Many have forgotten the religious comedy thanks to a bizarre story surrounding its ownership. Dogma was distributed by Miramax International, which was founded by Bob and Harvey Weinstein. When Disney acquired Miramax, Harvey Weinstein found a loophole that allowed him to personally obtain the rights to the film.
Harvey Weinstein, who has been in jail for more than four years on rape convictions, has shown no interest in distributing Dogma. Kevin Smith has noted numerous times that he has made attempts to buy the film back to no avail. For now, it remains a mystery as to who bought the film from Weinstein, and how exactly they pulled the deal off.
Dogma Is Kevin Smith’s Greatest Film
Dogma stars Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as two fallen Angels stuck on Earth in a ruthless attempt to get back in heaven. The group attempting to stop the pair from doing so, and in turn, ending existence as we know it, consists of an all-star cast that includes Linda Fiorentino, Chris Rock, Salma Hayek, George Carlin, Alan Rickman, and of course, Jay and Silent Bob.
Why It Was So Controversial
At the time it was released, many – including the Catholic Church – condemned Dogma for poking fun at religion. Kevin Smith even anticipated this happening, inserting a disclaimer at the beginning of the film that tells viewers not to take it seriously.
Re-releasing the film next year will not only excite longtime fans of Dogma but it will also have the chance to win over a new generation with its lighthearted, hilarious take on some serious religious topics.
Source: The Hashtag Show
