Whoa, ‘Bill & Ted 3’ Is Definitely Happening, Says Alex Winter — Keanu Reeves Is Returning And Production Is Starting

One of the most memorable and iconic cult movies is actually getting another sequel, and it’s about to go into production. Bill & Ted 3 (working title) is about to begin work on actually becoming a reality, and there is something that is so much better than that. Not only is Alex Winter returning as Bill S. Preston, Esquire, but Keanu Reeves is on board to once again take on the role of Ted “Theodore” Logan.

This is actually happening.

Winter recently spoke with Forbes about a number of things, but it was mostly to discuss his Frank Zappa documentary which has gotten the approval of the Zappa family. His Kickstarter campaign was a success that ended up going over its goal of $1 million and will end up being made.

Of course, the conversation turned to some of the ’80s classics that Winter has been in such as The Lost Boys which is having its 30th anniversary next year. He said his kids love the movie and he enjoyed doing it, but likely won’t do anything special for it.

Winter said he would do something if it was easy, but that he’s just so busy. Also, by next year, Winter said he would “be knee deep in Bill & Ted 3 around that time.” He’s put that at the “pole position” and said things on the threequel are coming along nicely.

“It’s looking good. This is Hollywood so I don’t believe it’s happening until it’s coming out on VOD but we’re all working on the film everyday at the moment in terms of the pre-prep type work so it’s an active project. Hopefully we’ll be shooting it shortly.”

He believes that things are going to truly begin going early next year, but that they are indeed moving ahead with the making of the film.

Hearing that news is music to the ears of anyone that has ever loved Bill and Ted. It’s just great to know that after all this time, there could finally be a third film. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure was released in 1989 with Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey hitting theaters in 1991.

It’s now been 25 years since the Winter played Bill and Keanu Reeves played Ted. The thing is, if Winter is going to make Bill & Ted 3, is Reeves going to return for it? Winter’s answer to that is even more amazing than time travel.

“How the **** would we make it if he wasn’t on board? People always ask if Keanu’s doing it and I’m like, ‘No, I’m making a Bill movie.’ Of course he’s in it. I can’t make a Bill & Ted movie without Keanu.”

A final script is already in place since its been worked on for six years, and it was written by Ed Solomon and Chris Matheson, the writers of the first two films. A director, not yet named, is also in place, but they just need to find a start date.

The 2008 death of George Carlin means that one of the key characters won’t be returning, so Rufus will obviously not be in it. Winter touched on that and said he does have a wish list for co-stars with some already in place.

“The short answer is yes. I can’t really go further than that other than to say some people are going to be returning from the original by the fact that they’re in it. There will be new people because obviously, sadly, Rufus (George Carlin) isn’t around anymore and they will be interesting actors too.”

It may be needless to say, but this looks like it will be excellent.

Bill & Ted 3 may not have a lot known about it at this time, but knowing that Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves are going to be back for it is really all that’s needed. It’s been rumored to be happening for years, but it just kept getting pushed back. Knowing that Winter says it’s definitely going to be made now and production is starting soon is something to be excited about. It’s just a shame that Rufus (George Carlin) won’t be able to be in it.

[Image via Orion Pictures]