Tenacious D’s “The Pick of Destiny” gets a sequel in October 2018.
According to A-list actor and “D” frontman Jack Black, a sequel to Tenacious D’s 2006 musical comedy, “The Pick of Destiny,” is heading to the box office. Here is why it’s a bad idea.
Amidst the Tenacious D’s performance at Shaky Knees Music Festival this past Sunday, Jack Black adulated hardcore fans with news that a sequel movie will be released this coming October.
“I don’t know where you’ll be able to see it, but we have decided that it’s happening and it’s coming out.” – Jack Black (Source: MyAJC.com)
The original film was released in November 2006 to meager critical response and box office earnings, grossing just over $8 million in the US.
While the film achieved cult status amongst steadfast “D” fans, in today’s superhero and oddball film saturated market, there is more of a chance of failure than success for the “tough” musical duo.
Sounds good, right? Here is why it’s a bad idea…
5. Tenacious Who?
Tenacious D Is Relatively Unknown In 2018. While the hardcore fans will always argue the bands relevance, the “D” has not had a substantial hit album since their 2001 self-titled debut album, which propelled the band into the American mainstream with hits like “Tribute” and “F*ck Her Gently.” While the band’s 2012 “Rize of the Fenix” was nominated for a Grammy for Best Comedy Album of 2013, none of the tracks had the same lasting appeal as those from their most well-received self-titled album, “Tenacious D.”
4. What’s So Funny?
Tenacious D gained momentum not only because of their indisputably immense musical talent, but also because they added a comedic slant to their body of work. In 2018 the state of music is very different from what it was 12 years ago, let alone from when the “D” first hit the scene with their HBO series in 1997. In the 20-teens, is there a place for a band who plays specifically “joke” music?
“Professional Rapper” Lil Dicky was all the internet could talk about during his first album, and now with his second album on it’s way the buzz has dramatically decreased. A quick gander at the Billboard comedy charts will reveal the space is much more occupied by Stand-Up sets and Radio/Talkshow bit compilations. Are the “D” treading in murky waters?
3. Metal Is Dead
Let me see your horns? If you’re childhood touched the late 70s or 80s, then you know metal music. From hair bands to hardcore to the nu-metal of today, the minor-noted and shred heavy genre has taken a giant sidestep from the mainstream. In it’s 1980s “hay day,” Metal was front and center with Ballads and Anthems that spoke to American society.
Today, metal has fractured into a multitude of conflicting genres most of which have fallen into the indie scene. Where does that leave legends like Dio, Scorpions, Megadeath and Judas Priest? In today’s classic Metal deprived market, will movie audiences be knowledgeable enough in the history of metal to be able to appreciate the “D” and their self-proclaimed satanic stylings?
2. Hollywood Doesn’t Care
Let’s be honest… sans a few passionate directors and producers fighting to bring original content to the masses, Hollywood (for the most part) is dead. That’s right, we live in the era of templated movies, canned jokes and overt VFX. Story and heart are often left by the wayside (see “Rampage”). If it can be filled with pretty faces, explosions, gun fire, monsters and super powers, then that is all it will be.
Go to the next page for the #1 reason why Tenacious D’s “Pick Of Destiny” Sequel Is A Bad Idea.
1. Time Kills Deals
Simply put, it has been 12 years since the last film. Most successful sequels tend to pop up within a few years or at-least within the same decade as the original. Almost a decade and half since the 1st “The Pick Of Destiny,” fans and film goers will be far too disconnected with the lore and namesake to really fall head over heals for the film. It’s a different time and a very different America from when the “D” first hit the scene, and all signs point to apathy.
Not to mention, this film will contend with the highly anticipated Tom Hardy led and Sony-held marvel anti-hero flick, “Venom,” “Halloween,” and Jungle Book adaptation “Mowgli” starring A-listers like Benedict Cumberbatch (“Doctor Strange”) and Christian Bale (“Batman Begins”).
Can Jack Black’s dimming star power bring bodies to the seats? I mean, with all the buzz around a more relevant “D” was not enough to make it a hit back in 2006, which spells doom for 2018.
I know you are probably saying, “Yeah right, look at Facebook and Google news. It’s plastered with excitement about the film. I’m gonna go see it! You’re wrong.”
My response would be to wait and see what “Sunday’s news” looks like come October… Forgotten. Not to mention, I am sure hardcore fans will be in attendance but, unless the “D” taps the mainstream, the “D” are dead in the water. Hardcore fans alone do not a blockbuster break.
On the other hand, Netflix or another streaming media sites may provide the perfect scenario to serve old fans and the newer “[insert streaming service] and Chill” enthusiasts this musical “Tribute.”
At the end of the day, I can postulate that the “The Pick of Destiny” will be a major flop… but YOU, the movie goers, are the ones who make or break the film. Your fandom can sway the “Destiny” of Tenacious D’s upcoming film.
CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO VOTE.