“So what've you been up to for 20 years?”
For every person who's hyped about a Trainspotting sequel, there's at least two who are appalled by the idea. Understandably so - we can all name great movies ruined by terrible follow-ups, and you can only get burned so many times before you finally put your foot down.
We were wary when we heard T2: Trainspotting was on the way, even if it had the original cast and Danny Boyle at helm. Cinematic history did not seem to be on its side. But now the first official trailer has arrived and, well… we might be converts.
The trailer revisits the iconic “Choose life” monologue from the original film, with an avalanche of modern references thrown in to make sure you know it's the 21st century. Facebook and slut shaming get mentions, as do reality TV and revenge porn. Underworld's 1995 club anthem 'Born Slippy' plays in the background for a dash of retro nostalgia.
T2: Trainspotting is loosely based on Irvine Welsh's book Porno, set 10 years after the events of Trainspotting, though T2 takes place 20 years after the first movie. In an interview with Vice, Welsh said T2 is “very much telling a story about Edinburgh as it currently is. The main element to the story is basically Renton, Begbie, Sick Boy and Spud getting back together again, and it tells the story of them getting involved in the vice industry in a very innovative way.”
Ewan McGregor returns as Renton, along with Robert Carlyle as Begbie, Jonny Lee Miller as Sick Boy, and Ewen Bremner as Spud. The only original star missing is Kevin McKidd, whose character, Tommy, died in the original film.
T2: Trainspotting is scheduled for release on 27 January in the UK, 2 February in Australia, and 3 February in the US.