The Napoleon Dynamite duo of Jon Heder and Efren Ramirez were recently seen together in Las Vegas in a viral TikTok.
It looks like Jon Heder and Efren Ramirez are still hanging out after the 18 years since Napoleon Dynamite released in which they played Napoleon and Pedro respectively. The two were seen together in what looks to be a Las Vegas casino when a fan asked them to wish them a happy birthday while filming a TikTok.
“That time i met Jon Heder and Efren Ramirez on my birthday.”
@69_impala That time i met Jon Heder and Efren Ramirez on my birthday.
Seeing the two together brings memories of their iconic performances in Napoleon Dynamite and begs the question of whether a sequel is in the works or not. Both Heder and Ramirez have spoken on the topic, along with other stars of the movie, and it looks like many of the cast members are interested.
“Jon Heder says a ‘Napolean Dynamite’ sequel is being discussed and he wants it to be ‘dark’ ‘The future for Napoleon would be a lot more raw and edgy … [it] wouldn’t be your typical, ‘Let’s do a sequel where they all look the same and they all act the same””
Jon Heder says a 'Napolean Dynamite' sequel is being discussed and he wants it to be 'dark'
'The future for Napoleon would be a lot more raw and edgy … [it] wouldn't be your typical, 'Let's do a sequel where they all look the same and they all act the same'' pic.twitter.com/8DyAAg8okW
— ScreenTime (@screentime) September 8, 2020
During an interview with CantonRep back in May, Ramirez spoke extensively about a potential sequel along with his appearance in Pixar’s Lightyear.
“Throughout the years, there were talks about doing a prequel and doing a sequel … and I don’t think we’re in that stage of having to do a prequel anymore” he said. “It all depends, because if you do a sequel, it’s got (to) support the story, and it’s got to continue on like what would actually happen.”
“Um, uh, legally, all I can say is it is up in the air,” Ramirez said, laughing at the ambiguity of his answer.
“There’s no expletives, there’s no cussing … so this is a film that grandparents introduce their grandchildren to; families can sit together and watch and enjoy (it),” Ramirez said.
“And it’s interesting to see how families are dressed as the characters. You see kids who are in like grade school still and they’re dressed as Pedro. They’re dressed as Napoleon, some dress up as a llama … and people bring footballs, people bring cakes, piñatas … (and) they’ve got the iconic, ‘Vote for Pedro’ T-shirt.”
Heder also spoke on the topic back in 2020 with Screenrant, expressing interest in the possibility of a sequel but also giving food for thought on what he’d want that sequel to cover.
“I would come back if Jared decided, “Hey, let’s go ahead, and let’s see if we can pull off the magic.” We’ve thought about it. We’re always playing with the idea. I know I’ve talked a little bit with Jared, and it’s his baby, so I’m just like, “You pull the trigger on that.” I feel like the future for Napoleon would be a lot more raw and edgy. So whatever he comes up with would be fun to explore/ Because I think whatever Jared comes up with wouldn’t be your typical, “Let’s do a sequel where they all look the same and they all act the same.” I think it would be an interesting development in their lives.”
“It would have to be a bit different, but still in that whole genre of Napoleon Dynamite and his mind,” the actor said.
“There’s so much more depth to find through these characters, especially in their futures,” Ramirez said. “That would be pretty interesting.”
Jared Hess, who directed the movie had other thoughts:
“When sequels are an afterthought, they usually end up being bad, but when they were originally intended to have multiple films made up of the same story, I think it works,” Hess said. “But oftentimes when sequels are done just because the first one was successful and they do it for that, I don’t know.”
