AceShowbiz - Nearly a decade after the release of the hit comedy Girls Trip, producer Will Packer has shared a significant update about the highly anticipated sequel. In a detailed interview with Deadline, Packer revealed that the creative team is closer than ever to moving forward with Girls Trip 2, especially now that the script is completed and has been shared with the cast.

Packer emphasized that the development process has taken considerable time because of the need for "time, care and energy" to get the story right. He expressed a firm stance that he would rather not produce a sequel than deliver one that fails to meet expectations. While he did not provide a release date, Packer reassured fans that he is "hard at work" on the project, which remains the subject he is most frequently asked about.

“I certainly hope so. We are closer than we’ve ever been,” Packer said. “I’ve always said, I’d rather not do it than do it incorrectly. So a lot of time, care and energy have gone into the story. We now have a script that we feel pretty good about. We’ve shared it with the ladies. We’re all in this extremely hilarious group chat that Tiffany Haddish runs. She is definitely the loudest and proudest in that group chat. She keeps us all entertained. But we’re getting close. I can’t give a specific date or release or anything like that, but I am hard at work on it because it’s the thing that I get asked about the most.”

Since the original film’s release, Packer has continued producing various projects including the TV series Being Mary Jane, and movies such as Night School, What Men Want, Little, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, and the upcoming romantic comedy You, Me & Tuscany, which is set to premiere on April 10. He also produced the 94th Academy Awards ceremony, which featured Regina Hall from Girls Trip as a co-host alongside Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes.

The original Girls Trip brought together a powerhouse ensemble cast, including Hall, Queen Latifah, Haddish, and Jada Pinkett Smith. The story revolves around a close-knit group of friends who have drifted apart over the years, with Hall's character, Ryan Pierce, orchestrating a reunion during the Essence Music Festival. The film’s soundtrack featured acclaimed artists like Maxwell, Ne-Yo, New Edition, Missy Elliott, and Aretha Franklin.

Released in July 2017, Girls Trip was a major box office success, grossing $140 million worldwide against a $19 million budget. Domestically, it earned $115 million, marking it as the first film led by Black talent and created by Black writers, producers, and directors to surpass the $100 million mark. The screenplay was crafted by Kenya Barris, creator of Black-ish, and Tracy Oliver, known for First Wives Club. The film also received widespread critical acclaim, holding a 91% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Girls Trip garnered multiple accolades, including Outstanding Motion Picture and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for Haddish at the NAACP Image Awards. The comedian further received awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress and Outstanding Breakthrough Performance (Female) at the Black Reel Awards.

Following the film’s success, there has been persistent interest in a sequel. Several cast members have expressed enthusiasm about returning for the project. Back in 2024, Packer confirmed that director Malcolm D. Lee would be back at the helm for the sequel. A year later, he announced that the main cast members—Hall, Haddish, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Queen Latifah—had all signed on to reprise their roles.

The anticipation for Girls Trip 2 remains high as fans eagerly await more news.