Will There Ever Be a Sequel to Close Encounters of the Third Kind?

As of my last update in August 2023, there has been no official announcement regarding a sequel to Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Director Steven Spielberg has expressed mixed feelings about the idea of a sequel, emphasizing that he considers the original film a complete work.

No Official Announcement

Director Steven Spielberg, while having expressed interest in the idea in the past, has not yet given any concrete plans for a sequel. In an interview with IMDb, Spielberg stated that he does not feel the need for a sequel since the original film stands well on its own as a standalone masterpiece.

Standalone Success

Given its remarkable success and critical acclaim, it's doubtful that a sequel is necessary. It's been proven time and again that some movies don't need sequels to remain beloved and memorable. For instance, nearly all sequels of successful franchises either fall flat or lose the original magic, as seen in the case of Highlander II.

Sequels and Planning

For those rare cases where sequels are successful, there are typically two reasons behind their success. The first is that the original idea explicitly included sequels as part of the planning process, like in the cases of The Empire Strikes Back and the Harry Potter series. The second reason is that sufficient time is taken to craft a new narrative that maintains the spirit of the original film but offers a fresh perspective, as seen with The Incredibles 2.

The problem with most sequels is that they often rush to capitalize on the success of the original movie, leading to rushed and uninspired outcomes. Hence, the risk of a sequel to Close Encounters of the Third Kind is high, given the need to maintain the integrity and magic of the original.

Steven Spielberg's Stance

Steven Spielberg has made it clear that a sequel to Close Encounters is only something he would consider if his involvement is integral. He highlighted his dislike for how the Jaws sequel turned out, which was made without his input. Therefore, the likelihood of a fully integrated and well-planned sequel with Spielberg's involvement is slim.

2017 Teasers and Promotions

In 2017, there were intriguing teasers suggesting that either a remake or sequel of Close Encounters of the Third Kind might be in the works. Sony Pictures Entertainment released a trailer with a young boy standing in a doorway, where lights float in the background, evoking memories of the original film. Additionally, the teaser included the five musical tones from the film and encouraged people to sign up to receive email updates about UFO sightings, mirroring the central theme of the movie, "This Means Something."

Fans speculated that these teasers might lead to a new release, but it was later revealed that the teaser was a way to promote the release of the Close Encounters of the Third Kind 40th anniversary re-release. The website URL provided, which read , led fans to believe that something might still be in the works, but ultimately, no sequel or remake was produced.

Personal Reflections

While some fans, including the author, might be curious about what happens next in Roy Neary's story, personally, the author believes that some movies are best left as standalone classics. Continuing the story of Close Encounters of the Third Kind could potentially overshadow the original film and dilute its impact.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the idea of a sequel to Close Encounters of the Third Kind is intriguing, the lack of official announcements and the director's clear stance against a rushed sequel make it highly unlikely. Fans of the original may need to remain patient and appreciate the film for its stand-alone excellence.