Ritesh Sharma
The Big Apple and the Garden State will be home to this comedy classic’s sequel! Edward Burns is currently gearing up for the production of the follow-up to his hit comedy movie, ‘The Brothers McMullen.’ Titled ‘The Family McMullen,’ it will begin filming in New York and New Jersey in April 2025. Aaron Lubin will serve as the producer.
‘The Brothers McMullen’ is a landmark indie film that resonated with audiences through its authentic portrayal of the Irish-American family dynamics. Shot on a shoestring budget of $25,000, the film became a surprise box-office success, grossing over $19 million worldwide. Its sharp dialogues, heartfelt themes of love, marriage, and Catholic guilt, and the natural chemistry between its leads helped it win the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, cementing Burns’ reputation as a storyteller of intimate, character-driven dramas.
In ‘The Family McMullen,’ the focus will likely shift to the tighter-knit bonds within the family, exploring how relationships evolve in the face of personal and emotional upheavals. As life throws unexpected challenges their way, the remaining brothers and their sister-in-law must confront difficult truths about themselves and each other. Old wounds may resurface, new conflicts will likely emerge, and their loyalty to one another will possibly tested, forcing them to redefine what family truly means. The sequel may lean into themes of resilience, grief, and the unspoken bonds that keep people tethered despite life’s unpredictability, offering a deeper, more mature look at the McMullen legacy.
Discussing the film, Burns revealed how the sequel alters the family’s structure. He stated in an interview, “It’s called ‘The Family McMullen,’ the sequel, and it’s really like the two brothers, the brother and sister-in-law McMullen. I killed off the oldest brother to give Connie a bigger part and more to do. Well, a little bit of a spoiler, but she’s one of the primary characters in it.”
While official casting details are yet to be confirmed, Burns is expected to reprise his role as Barry McMullen, given his deep connection to the franchise as its creator and lead actor. Mike McGlone, who played Patrick McMullen in the original film, may also return, continuing his character’s journey. With the eldest McMullen brother being written out of the sequel, Jack Mulcahy’s return as Jack McMullen remains unconfirmed. However, with Burns confirming the expansion of Molly’s arc, Connie Britton will reprise her role. Burns has a history of working with familiar faces across his projects, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see other returning cast members or even new additions that complement the evolving narrative.
Unlike its predecessor, ‘The Brothers McMullen,’ which was filmed entirely in New York—primarily in Valley Stream, Long Island, using Burns’ family home as a key location—the sequel, ‘The Family McMullen,’ will be shot across New York and New Jersey. This expanded setting suggests a broader visual scope while still preserving the intimate, personal storytelling that defined the original.
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