Being a former poker player myself Rounders was a favorite of mine so when I came across this article on 365Voice I had to repost it
For years now, there has been talk and rumors that a sequel to the cult poker hit Rounders may be in the works. The film seemed to be a slam dunk at the end of 2010 when Miramax and The Weinstein Company began collaboration on the sequel. Since that time, there has been little progress made and many wonder if the sequel will happen.
The demand for the follow-up to the original is out there. Since 2003, professional poker has reached new heights following the ìpoker boomî following amateur Chris Moneymakerís win of the 2003 World Series of Poker Championship. Both live and online casinos have exploded as many have tried to duplicate Moneymakerís run. The movie has become essentially the mantra for poker players around the world both professional amateur alike.
The problem behind the sequel may not be whether or not poker players want to see the film, but whether it can actually turn a profit. The original film was produced on a budget of $12 Million but made only $22 Million worldwide in the box office. DVD sales of the film are what helped the film to really excel, thanks in part to the poker boom. However, the DVD market is not what it used to and there have to be concerns as to whether the film could turn a profit.
Also, where does one go with this story? Will the story turn out to have a positive ending where Mike has achieved all that he had hoped or will the story turn out the way that it has for so many pro players in the past, one that ends in financial ruin and sometimes being found dead in a cheap hotel room. Will he become the next Doyle Brunson or will he be found trying to teach video poker strategy as some back lot ìcasino collegeî while trying to scrape up enough money to live off of?
Chances are that regardless of the angle that the writers choose, the story will deliver. The question now remains as to whether the movie will deliver at the box office. Poker movies have not done well at the box office in recent years. Part of that is the inferior quality of the films compared to what is perceived as real life. The other is that the main supporters are a small niche market compared to other films. Will Miramax take another gamble or Rounders or will they choose to fold while they are ahead?
