Hot Tub Time Machine 3 Updates: Why It Won't Happen
The first movie was a hilarious dark comedy while the sequel was a mean-spirited mess, so here's why Hot Tub Time Machine 3 probably won't happen. The original Hot Tub Time Machine starred John Cusack, Rob Corddry, and Craig Robinson (This Is The End) as a group of friends who find themselves transported back to the 1980s after a heavy night of drinking in a hot tub. The movie packed plenty of laughs and had a lot of fun with its goofy premise, and also featured cameos from Crispin Glover (Back To The Future) and comedy legend Chevy Chase.
While the first film was a success, the budget for Hot Tub Time Machine 2 was essentially halved. To save money, original star and producer John Cusack wasn't asked back and was replaced with a new character played by Adam Scott (The Good Place) instead. Despite the lower budget and bringing back most of the original cast, the sequel was a flop, grossing only $13 million. Hot Tub Time Machine 2 also received roundly negative reviews, focusing on the crass, unfunny humor and weirdly mean-spirited tone.
Given the reception to the sequel, here's why Hot Tub Time Machine 3 is unlikely.
Hot Tub Time Machine 3 Was The Original Title Of Part 2
The working title for Hot Tub Time Machine 2 actually was Hot Tub Time Machine 3, with the gag being that the movie's timeline is so messed up they skipped over the sequel. While this alone probably would have been the best gag of the follow-up, Paramount rejected it, feeling audiences would be confused and wondering why they hadn't heard of the second movie.
John Cusack Has Ruled Out Hot Tub Time Machine 3
One of the big disappointments of the second movie was the absence of John Cusack's Adam, with Adam Scott playing his character's son in the sequel. Cusack actually made a tiny cameo in Hot Tub Time Machine 2 that was cut from the theatrical release but made it into the unrated version, which would have set up a potential third movie. The actor later revealed he was never asked to return for the second entry and that if Hot Tub Time Machine 3 does come together, he won't be involved.
There Has Been No Movement On Hot Tub Time Machine 3
With the underperformance and negative reception of the sequel, a Hot Tub Time Machine 3 was always unlikely. This is why there has been no visible sign of movement on another movie, and with the cast and crew having moved on to new projects, the most likely course of action for the franchise is some kind of reboot.