Don't count on getting a sequel to 8 Mile. Written by Scott Silver and directed by Curtis Hanson, 8 Mile was a semi-autobiographical film inspired by the rise of Marshall "Eminem" Mathers in the world of hip hop. In the movie, Eminem plays Jimmy Smith Jr., aka B-Rabbit, a white rapper looking to launch a career in the genre. The film was a big hit, scoring big at the box office and even earning the film an Oscar for Best Original Song for "Lose Yourself."
Given the success of the original film, and the ongoing popularity of Eminem, it seems possible that an 8 Mile sequel could happen, perhaps now with B-Rabbit at the top of the genre as he deals with new challenges that come with having that spot. But one of his co-stars, Mekhi Phifer, says there's no chance that a sequel will be happening. In a new interview with TMZ, the actor makes the argument that some classics need to just be left alone, and 8 Mile is one of those movies. Here's what he said when asked by there's never been a sequel.
"Sometimes it's best to just leave it at one. Sometimes it's just best to leave it alone. Once you make a classic, no reason to fool around with it."
Confirming that there's never been so much as a single conversation about 8 Mile 2 with Eminem and studio executives, Phifer went on to say this about the prospects of the sequel happening someday.
"Nope. Probably not. Never. I think, you know, leave the classics alone and it'll be all good. Let's just live with the 8 Mile."
Eminem Probably Wouldn't Be Interested According to Mekhi Phifer
It was pointed out to Phifer that an 8 Mile sequel could theoretically put a fresh spin on the story by showing what is happening in B-Rabbit's life two decades after rising to the top of the hip hop industry. For his part, Phifer does agree that it could be "interesting" to explore that, but with that said, he knows he wouldn't be involved with such a project. He also doubts Eminem would be interested in returning to acting anytime soon, as he's been so busy with other endeavors.
"The story that we told is the story. You know, I mean, it could be interesting, but I wouldn't be in it, and I'm sure Eminem wouldn't be in it either."
As Phifer noted, there will always be the original film, which celebrated its 20th anniversary just last month.