People, get ready, because Five Feet Apart is getting a sequel! In a way, yes.
The first film, starring Cole Sprouse and Haley Lu Richardson, was released in March 2019 to positive reviews. It was based on a book by Mikki Daughtry and Rachael Lippincott, and it has been rumoured that the authors are currently working on a sequel, All This Time, which will also be made into a film. But there’s a catch: the next storey won’t be about Stella and Will; instead, it’ll feature a completely different cast of characters.
According to Deadline, the next film would follow “former high school quarterback Kyle, who is left heartbroken following the sad loss of his sweetheart Kimberly in a car accident.” He soon develops a careful romance with Marley, an intriguing and imaginative girl who comes into his circle. Kyle realises that his life with Marley might not be all that it seems as odd events happen around him.”
Wow, doesn’t that sound epic?! The film rights to All This Time have been acquired by Lionsgate, and authors Mikki and Rachael will adapt the screenplay and executive produce the future feature.
The book will be released on October 6, 2020, but there is currently no release date for the film.
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Five Feet Apart Sequel Release Date
The book ends on a completely different note than the movie. In the movie, Nurse Barbara tells Will that the treatment isn’t working for him. In the book, however, the doctor goes a bit further than that. He tells Will that not only is he not responding to the treatment, but he is so worse off that he has just one year left in his lifetime. Stella receives the transplant. With her life expectancy increased considerably, Will doesn’t want her to feel sad about his situation. He breaks off their relationship and leaves.
Stella continues to make her videos and talks about the importance of human touch. The scene cuts to Will watching her video. He is at an airport with his friend, waiting for the flight to Rio. A short distance from him, Stella is waiting for her flight to Rome. Their eyes meet and they walk up to each other, maintaining a distance of six feet. Stella closes it to five.
Much like the film, the book leaves an open ending for the readers. With both protagonists on their way to different destinations, there is hope for their reunion. Both of them have decided to walk out of the confines of the hospital and check things off their to-do list. The filmmakers might have intentionally left out this part if they were planning for a sequel.
The story could begin with them meeting each other in a random place and reigniting their relationship. Another fact that the film leaves out is the one-year expiration date placed on Will. Perhaps, they want him to get better, and consequently, give a happy ending to Stella and Will. Considering everything, we cannot completely rule out the possibility of a sequel even though it is unlikely. And if it does get greenlit, we expect Five Feet Apart 2 to release sometime in 2023.
Also Read: Five Feet Apart Ending Explained