Mekhi Phifer Says 8-Mile Sequel, “Not Happening.”

In a recent interview with TMZ Mekhi, Phifer addressed an inquiry regarding whether an 8-Mile Sequel is in the cards. However, the actor tried to keep it short and to the point! Nope!

Eminem’s Rise

In 1999 hip-hop fans were bobbing their heads to the release of the LP Real Slim Shady from a new kid on the scene. Marshall Mathers III, alias Eminem, became an instant hit. But Eminem was not new to the rap game. Before the world knew his name, his verbal assault skills earned him second place in the 1997 Rap Olympics. He was an assassin on the mic; there was no denying the caliber of his talent. According to Showbiz Cheat Sheet, a thoroughly impressed Dr. Dre told Jimmy Iovine, “Find him now,” after being played his demo tape. Eminem and Dre became unparalleled in their collaboration. Their freshman project won two Grammys and an MTV Music Award. Everyone in the game was eager to know the story behind Marshall Mathers, the kid with a smoking gun as a mouthpiece.

8-Mile

In 2002 8- Mile made its debut. It was a one-hour and 50-minute partial-autobiographical drama based on the life of Eminem. It chronicled how a kid from the wrong side of the tracks rose from obscurity. And phenomenally, Eminem played himself as an unstoppable lyrical force. Kim Basinger, Mekhi Phifer, and Brittany Murphy helped tell the tale. Viewers fell in love with the flick. A 2002 article in the Michigan Daily bears a record of the film’s breaking success. According to the publication, the film earned 51.2 million dollars in the first three days of its premiere and was on track to surpass $100 million. Compare that to 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Trying, which brought in $ 12 million on its opening weekend, according to The Numbers.

 Phifer Squashes Rumors of an 8-Mile Sequel

The movie’s success left many wondering if there would be a sequel. The question was again raised a day ago. This is not without expectation, especially given the recent 20th anniversary of the film. However, despite rumors about the possibility, Mekhi cleared the air. Phifer, who portrayed Eminem’s friend Future in the movie, says it’s not in the cards. According to Phifer, neither he nor Eminem has any interest in doing a sequel. And Phifer wasn’t shy about why fans should drop the idea altogether. He said, “Sometimes it’s best to leave it alone,” which is an inarguably relevant point. As he points out, classics don’t need a sequel. They stand alone.

So, unfortunately, fans will not be getting an 8-Mile sequel. But they can still enjoy the original, and if looking for some other content to savor from the artist, check out Em’s Curtain Call 2. The compilation was released on August 5th of, 2022.

Written by: Renae Richardson