Sex and the City Star Suggests Franchise Could Return Despite Recent Setbacks
Evan Handler, the American actor renowned for his role as Harry Goldenblatt in the iconic Sex and the City series and its subsequent spin-offs, has intriguingly suggested that the beloved franchise might not be finished just yet. During his attendance at the Australian Open in Melbourne this week, Handler made revealing comments that have sparked speculation among fans and media alike.
Behind the Scenes of the Reboot's Cancellation
The Sex and the City revival, titled And Just Like That..., faced an abrupt cancellation last year, leaving many viewers disappointed. However, Handler has now indicated there remains a possibility to revisit the show's memorable characters in some form. The 65-year-old actor explained that the reboot 'couldn't go on any longer because someone key to that happening didn't want it to', subtly hinting that this pivotal figure could be either creator Michael Patrick King or lead actress Sarah Jessica Parker.
Handler emphasised that the door remains perpetually open for another reboot or even a film adaptation. 'I never thought there'd be a third film and then it became this instead and if there's some other incarnation or some other one time thing I wouldn't be surprised, just because they have continued to come back to it,' he told the Herald Sun newspaper during his Melbourne visit.
Cast Dynamics and Age Considerations
Despite his optimism about the franchise's potential future, Handler candidly acknowledged that the cast members are growing 'too old' to continue portraying their roles indefinitely. This practical concern adds a layer of realism to any discussions about further productions.
Perhaps more surprisingly, Handler revealed that many of the cast members do not maintain close friendships outside of their professional commitments. 'Is it sad we're not all able to be together? I don't know how to answer that because I don't have relationships with most of those people outside the show,' he confessed.
He elaborated on this point by noting that his co-star Kristin Davis, who plays his on-screen wife Charlotte York, 'never really socialised outside of that except for one dinner together.' Regarding Sarah Jessica Parker, Handler mentioned having known her for decades through a New York theatre company but clarified that they never engaged in casual social interactions like lunches or chats.
Executive Producer Teases Potential Return
These revelations follow last year's news that Sarah Jessica Parker might once again reprise her legendary role as Carrie Bradshaw following the conclusion of And Just Like That.... The show, which saw Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis return to their original SATC roles for three seasons, concluded with a two-part finale that received mixed reviews, featuring Carrie embracing independence.
After Parker gave ambiguous comments about the show's future, executive producer Elisa Zuritsky has teased that new episodes 'could happen', despite some fans expressing confusion and requesting that the series be laid to rest. Zuritsky told TV Line when questioned about a potential Carrie return: 'She's alive so it could happen.'
She further explained: 'Sarah Jessica Parker is Michael Patrick King's muse and the reason he says 'I've said goodbye before and I've come back' is because it's true. We serve at his pleasure. I am the eternal optimist. So I don't like to be too final about things, and life is long. I mean, we've all seen lots of things happen.'
Zuritsky added that she maintains notes on potential future storylines for Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte, suggesting: 'And maybe one day we'll get to see that list come to life on our TV screens again.'
Franchise Legacy and Historical Context
The original Sex and the City series enjoyed a successful run from 1998 to 2004, followed by two feature films released in 2008 and 2010. And Just Like That... was first announced in January 2021, marking a return to the franchise eleven years after the critically panned Sex and the City 2 movie. Handler's recent comments therefore tap into a rich history of revivals and adaptations, keeping alive the possibility that fans might yet witness another chapter in this enduring cultural phenomenon.
