We’re the Millers had a long moment in the sun when it released, but We’re the Millers 2 never materialized despite fans calling for it.

Will Poulter recently discussed why a sequel probably wouldn’t happen, but he inadvertently stumbled upon what the second movie could be about. At this point, We’re the Millers is something of an underrated comedy. That may come as a surprise, considering its $270 million at the box office (via BoxOfficeMojo) and how it seemed to dominate the pop culture conversation at the time. “NO RAGRETS” still has meme legs.

Coming out in 2013, We’re the Millers premiered at the tail end of big studio comedies. While there were a few more comedy surprises in the 2010s, there was a dramatic shift in style and medium around 2013. Looking back, We’re the Millers feels like a much more classic style road comedy, with zany characters and situations. It’s pleasantly simple, and a kind of comedy that’s only readily found on TV these days. For a time, it seemed like a sequel was inevitable, then hope faded, and while the likelihood seems low, a sequel has a clear direction to go.

At one point, soon after the first film was released, We’re the Millers 2 was planned, with writers even attached. Adam Sztykiel of Due Date and Black Adam was tabbed to write. Then things went quiet, and there was no more talk about a sequel. During her press tour for Murder Mystery 2, another comedy sequel, Jennifer Aniston talked about the likelihood of We’re the Millers 2 (via Yahoo),

“There was talk about that. But that one didn’t happen.”

Aniston does not seem to be phased by the no-sequel-news to the hit comedy, and there doesn’t seem to be much more to say about it. There’s an entire history of scrapped movie sequels, so it’s not a complete surprise that the film didn’t end up coming to fruition. What is a bit surprising is hearing how easily and quickly plans were seemingly dropped. It’s probably because the four main stars of We’re the Millers quickly went on to significant projects, so it’s not as if they’re hurting for work.

While We’re the Millers wasn’t particularly well-received by critics, the Jason Sudeikis/Jennifer Aniston comedy has plenty of hilarious lines.

They’re probably a bit too busy to wonder about a sequel to a film they made over a decade ago. Jason Sudeikis’ career has exploded since 2013, most notably starring in Ted Lasso but also having major roles in the Horrible Bosses franchise, among other movies. Aniston’s career was put back on track after 2013, and she’s gone on to star in the Murder Mystery movies and The Morning Show. Poulter’s star has risen in TV and movies with parts in Midsommar, Warfare, and The Bear. Emma Roberts has continued her run in the American Horror Story universe.

This is all to say that the main cast of We’re the Millers are getting along fine in their careers and seem to be particularly busy at the moment. It’s no wonder that there hasn’t been much talk about We’re the Millers 2. The four key people have other things to think about currently.

In 2025, the specter of We’re the Millers 2 again arose, this time with Will Poulter giving his thoughts on what could be the future of the comedy. While promoting the upcoming Death of a Unicorn at SXSW, Poulter said when asked if a sequel was ever in development (via People),

“Like We’re Still the Millers? There was, I think. I don’t think it’s gonna happen. I mean, no one else is [but] I’m too old now. But, yeah, it was a fun time. People are really nice about the movie. I’m always shocked at just how many people have seen the film. It’s really nice that people watch it and seem to enjoy it. I was certainly very lucky to be in it.”

Again, another actor in the film speaks like they’re somewhat surprised that the movie is still in the public consciousness. Poulter, like Aniston, seems to have enjoyed his time on the film, but hasn’t thought much about it since, though he does suggest a clever title for the theoretical sequel, “We’re Still the Millers“. He makes a good point about his age. His character, Kenny Rossmore, is supposed to be David (Sudeikis) and Rose’s (Aniston) son, but now that Poulter is over 30, it would stretch even comic movie logic for characters to believe Kenny’s still their kid.

That does present an interesting new direction for the sequel to go, however. The sequel could see Kenny and Casey (Roberts) years after their time in witness protection, which is where the first movie ends. Kenny could be following in his “father’s” footsteps and living a criminal life as well, possibly as a con man of sorts. Instead of being dragged along on a job like they were in the first, Kenny and Casey could drag along Rose and David. They could even adopt new kids, either posing as parents or as an aunt and uncle of some sort.

Happy Gilmore 2, Anchorman 2, and Zoolander 2 all came out years after the original film; there’s no reason writers can’t find a good reason to bring back We’re the Millers.

There would still be the need for the fake family to call themselves the Millers, and it could simply expand. If Poulter’s only worry is that he’s too old for the part, he shouldn’t stress too much. Happy Gilmore 2, Anchorman 2, and Zoolander 2 all came out years after the original film; there’s no reason writers can’t find a good reason to bring back We’re the Millers.

There’s another good reason why now would be a good time for We’re the Millers 2: Jason Sudeikis is just about to reenter the pop culture conversation with Ted Lasso season 4, which is set to begin filming in July 2025. It’s still not known when Ted Lasso season 4 will premiere, but it probably won’t be until at least 2026, considering the filming schedule. However, that would mean that if We’re the Millers 2 began production soon, Sudeikis could pull double duty doing press for both the show and the movie.

The crafty, conniving David contrasted against the honest, loyal Ted would be a fun juxtaposition. At the end of the day, both characters want to do what’s right, so it wouldn’t be like the movie and TV show have dueling tones or sensibilities. There are just enough differences that Sudeikis’ appearance in one would not negatively shade the character he plays in another. Movies need star power more than ever, and Ted Lasso is a massively popular show. Hitching We’re the Millers 2 to it via Sudeikis would be an excellent way to raise the profile of both productions.