What To Expect From The One and Only Ivan 2

The One and Only Ivan has mostly received positive reviews, so will Disney greenlight The One and Only Ivan 2? The fantasy film is based on a real-life gorilla, and the story was adapted by screenwriter Mike White from K.A. Applegate’s 2012 book. The One and Only Ivan works as a standalone film, but there’s a strong possibility that a sequel will be produced for Disney+.

In The One and Only Ivan, a mall owner named Mack (Bryan Cranston) pays the bills by showcasing his animal kingdom friends. The main attraction has long been the silverback gorilla Ivan (Sam Rockwell), but Father Time has naturally affected the animal’s demeanor. Still, Ivan tries his best to entertain curious patrons, and converses with various pals behind the scenes, including an elephant named Stella (Angelina Jolie), a poodle named Snickers (Helen Mirren), and a wise-talkin’ stray dog known as Bob (Danny DeVito). When one of Ivan’s friends passes away and a new mall attraction arrives, the collective group of animals plan their escape. Ramón Rodríguez provides a supporting performance as an employee named George, whose daughter Julia forms a connection with the Big Top Mall animals. The One and Only Ivan was released in August 2020.

The final act of the Disney+ film centers heavily on Ivan’s past and what he wants from the future. The gorilla seems content with his mall life, yet, he remembers a time when he could roam free and play with his twin sister Tag. For Ivan, personal freedom and true friendship are key to his happiness. Here’s everything we expect for The One and Only Ivan 2.

Will Disney Make The One And Only Ivan 2?

Based on positive critics reviews, Disney might choose to move forward with The One and Only Ivan 2. The story could shift to other characters, but Ivan could definitely be part of future franchise installments, as the character is alive and well when the original film ends. Moreover, the original book has a sequel called The One and Only Bob, which focuses on Ivan’s canine best friend, so Disney could choose to adapt that novel as a follow-up.

The One And Only Ivan 2 Release Date

Since Disney movies are such huge productions, The One and Only Ivan 2 probably won’t release for two to three years if green lit. With the film industry still waiting to get back on its feet in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic the earliest a possible sequel could release would be 2023.

The One And Only Ivan 2 Story Details

The One and Only Ivan’s conclusion aligns with what happened in real life. The gorilla learns how to paint, mall patrons demand his release, and Ivan then gets transferred to an American zoo where he roams free with other members of the animal kingdom. The real Ivan apparently had troubling bonding with other gorillas after his mall transfer, but then acclimated to Zoo Atlanta over 18 years before passing away in 2012 at age 50.

A post-movie moment in the Disney+ film reveals that Bob was adopted by George and Julia, whom bring the dog along for a trip to see Ivan. The One and Only Ivan doesn’t blatantly set up a sequel, but the inclusion of Bob is telling given that he’s the focus of Applegate’s 2020 book The One and Only Bob. It’s certainly possible that Disney could make both The Only and Only Ivan 2 and a movie adaptation of The One and Only Bob, but it seems that the gorilla’s life story sets up a new canine-themed adventure.

About The Author

Q.V. Hough
(1892 Articles Published)

Q.V. Hough is a senior writer at Screen Rant. He’s also the founding editor at Vague Visages, and has contributed to RogerEbert.com and Fandor.

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