Exclusive: The most popular home run of a film this year before Oscar season got into full swing? John Madden’s “Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” The film is certainly a contender for Best Picture in Oscar world, one that could easily be in the top ten. It made a fortune here and abroad with stars Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson, Dev Patel, and Bill Nighy leading an enchanting cast.
Now I’m told that a sequel is in the works. My sources say that both Helen Mirren and Colin Firth are likely additions to the cast. Also, they say that director John Madden and writer Ol Parker are looking for an American actress possibly to round out the cast. My vote is  for Jane Fonda, but no one asked me. The search is on!
What I do know is that the “Best Marigold” sequel will continue the adventures of Dench et al in India. There was discussion of taking the group somewhere else. But in the end it was decided they would stay in India afrer all. The magic of the movie, of course, was the characters more than the location. But don’t be surprised if, after the sequel, “Best Marigold” becomes a TV series. It’s a natural if done right by BBC for PBS. I’m just sayin’…
