Sex and the City (SATC) Movie Sequel: Latest News (October 2009)

Greetings my fellow SATC fans! It’s been a little while since our last Sex and the City (SATC) Movie Sequel update and boy, do we have a lot of juicy details to catch up on! Since filming began in Manhattan on September 1, there’s been no shortage of behind-the-scenes buzz about the SATC sequel. So, without further delay, let’s kick off our over-the-knee Jimmy Choos (it is Fall after all!) and check out the latest scoop on our favorite fashionistas, Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Miranda Hobbes-Brady (Cynthia Nixon), Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall) and Charlotte York-Goldenblatt (Kristen Davis).

Sex and the City (SATC) Movie Sequel: Penelope Cruz Star Power Added

Hot off the press comes news that Oscar winner Penelope Cruz has joined the growing list of celebs who are adding their star power to the highly anticipated SATC movie sequel. The 35-year-old Hollywood A-lister was on set on October 12 at NYC’s Empire Hotel where she turned heads in a sexy long Black backless dress. According to People.com, Penélope Cruz Makes a Sex and the City Cameo, Cruz portrays a designer-shoe-wearing banker who catches the eye of Mr. Big (Chris Noth) at a red carpet after party.  No word yet on whether their scenes extend beyond flirtation, however, in its article Penelope Cruz To Star In "Sex And The City 2" All Headline News is reporting that Carrie Bradshaw is none too pleased when she catches the “promiscuity in action” at the event.

Sex and the City (SATC) Movie Sequel: Fashion Smackdown!

They may have raised more than a few perfectly plucked eyebrows at the time, but those Miley Cyrus casting rumors that we reported back in August have turned out to be true. The 17-year-old pop princess was spotted on the NYC set on October 16, filming a much buzzed-about cameo alongside Kim Cattrall. According to Us Magazine (see Miley Cyrus Shoots Scenes for Sex and the City 2!), Miley brings Samantha Jones’ worst fashion nightmare to life when she appears at a red carpet event wearing the same designer dress as the feisty PR maven. And what exactly is the catwalk creation that would surely be ripe for the “Who Wore It Best” feature of our fave guilty pleasure mags? Leaked paparazzi shots indicate that it’s a strapless, fitted Silver-and-Gold disco ball gown – definitely a scene-stealer! Adding insult to fashion injury, the duo reportedly pair the sparkly mini with the same pair of Tan knee-high boots. Ouch!

Speaking to Extra TV at the 2nd annual Concert for Hope in Los Angeles on October 25, Cyrus answered the burning question (for fashion lovers anyway!) of whether she got to keep the designer dress after the cameras stopped rolling. “I didn't get to keep the dress because they need it for Kim,” she explained. “But I got to keep the necklace. The necklace is cool. It's, like, these giant spikes, and I wanted to wear it while I was performing. My mom was like, ‘That could be dangerous. ... You can't wear that onstage.’” View the clip of Miley’s interview with Extra’s Terri Seymour here, Miley Cyrus Dishes about Run-in with SJP on 'SATC' Set. What do you think about Miley’s addition to the SATC movie sequel?

And what was the thinking behind Samantha’s choice of show-stopping attire? Sources such as MTV.com are reporting that Samantha selects the high-voltage frock in an effort to look “young and hot.” However, if a couture catfight ensues between the two fashionistas, it looks like it won’t involve a shouting match. Word from VHI.com is that Miley Cyrus doesn’t have any lines in the cameo, although the entertainment site notes that this has yet to be confirmed. As for the character that the Disney starlet is set to portray, it’s a safe bet that she’ll be playing either herself or her alter-ego. The giveaway comes from what is sure to be a classic reaction by Stanford’s love interest and Charlotte’s gay BFF Anthony Marantino (Mario Cantone). According to StarMagazine.com (see Details About Miley Cyrus' Sex and the City Role) upon witnessing Samantha’s red carpet “fashion don’t,” he cries, “Mother of God. She is wearing the same dress as Hannah Montana!”

Sex and the City (SATC) Movie Sequel: From “Absolute Hunk” to the Red Carpet: Smith is Back!

Okay, enough suspense already. If you’re wondering about these “red carpet” and “movie premiere after party” events that have made their way into the SATC movie sequel plot, wonder no more! After much “will he or won’t he” debate, it has been confirmed that Jason Lewis will reprise his role as our fave hunk with a heart of gold, Smith Jerrod. In its article, Jason Lewis Spotted On ‘Sex And The City 2’ Set, Access Hollywood reports that Lewis was spotted on set on October 12 looking “tanned and toned” with a new “short, sexy cropped cut.” According to multiple sources including ExtraTV.com, it is the red carpet premiere of Smith’s new movie, Heart of the Dessert, that brings out our fabulous foursome along with Noth, Cantone, Cruz and Cyrus. Filmed at NYC’s famed Ziegfeld Theater, the dress debacle scene alone is sure to be an instant SATC classic!

As to whether Samantha Jones reignites the flame with her former beau, your guess is as good as mine. However, he may be in for some tough competition. NYDailyNews.com is reporting that British actor Max Ryan has been tapped to play Rikard, the Danish architect that we spoilered back in August. At the time, I wondered if the character might be a new love interest for Carrie Bradshaw, but it turns out that Samantha Jones will be the object of this hottie’s affections. The 42-year-old Ryan has appeared in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and, most recently, in 2008’s Death Race. Of course, this won’t be the first time that our feisty PR diva has tangled with a sexy architect. Fans of the SATC HBO series will recall that Samantha Jones almost lost a contract from hotelier and future bedmate Richard Wright when he learned that she had slept with an architect who happened to be one of his close colleagues. Now there’s someone who I’d love to see in Samantha’s life again – Richard Wright! As much as his cockiness infuriated me, the sparks between those two were fantastic :)

Sex and the City (SATC) Movie Sequel: A Cameo That’s A Perfect Fit

Although it’s just a cameo, this next piece of casting buzz has me more excited than any of the others. In its article Sex and the City Makes It Work With Tim Gunn, E! Online has confirmed that Project Runway mentor and style guru Tim Gunn will be lighting up the big screen when he appears as himself in the SATC movie sequel. News out of NYC is that Gunn began filming his scenes in mid-October, but no word yet on which lucky fashionistas will be swapping lines with him. One thing is for sure though: The uber-fabulous Tim will “make it work!” (Sorry – couldn’t help myself! :)) Hmmm. Could a cameo by Project Runway producer and host, Heidi Klum, be far behind?

Sex and the City (SATC) Movie Sequel: Liza “Puts a Ring On it”

If you’re a fan of Saturday Night Live, you’ve probably seen Justin Timberlake’s hysterical performance as one of Beyonce’s leotard-clad “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” backup dancers. Well, it looks like one of Broadway’s living legends is set to give Timberlake a run for his money in the laughs department. For months, the Internet has been swirling with rumors that Liza Minnelli would be putting her own spin on the Beyonce hit in the SATC sequel. Now comes official word from the diva herself that the rumors are true. In an interview with Australia’s Sydney Morning Herald published on October 14, Minnelli confirmed that she plays a marriage celebrant who puts a memorable stamp on the nuptials when she starts to belt out the 2008 chart-topper. Adding to the campy fabulousness of the ceremony, Minnelli will be backed up by two dancers in wigs “just like me.” I can’t wait to see her rock those Beyonce dance moves! The 63-year-old Liza Minnelli was clearly up for the challenge. “The choreography for the number is something I should have done when I was 22; it was really difficult but fun,” she said. “I like rehearsals and I'm an old broad to be doing this stuff at my age.” Kudos to Liza!

And who exactly is the couple being joined in such stylish matrimony? You guessed it – it’s our fave gay twosome, Stanford and Anthony! In an interview with the Las Vegas Sun, Minnelli gives us the complete dish. “The setup is this,” she says. “The thing opens with the gay guys (Stanford and Anthony) getting married, and it’s wonderful and everybody in the world is there. And I marry them! Then somebody says, ‘Oh Liza,’ or ‘Miss Minnelli’ or whatever, ‘that was just lovely. It was so nice to see you; thanks for coming.’ And I say, “Oh — oh, I’m not leaving. And that’s the setup for me to do (Beyonce’s) ‘Single Ladies’!”

Sex and the City (SATC) Movie Sequel: Fierce Fashion

It sounds like the wedding scene will be an absolute riot! I’m dying to see what everyone will be wearing – especially SJP. And if a recent People.com interview with big screen newcomer Nicholas Rodriguez is any indication (see Stars Reveal Sex and the City Wedding Scene Details), fashion-loving fans won’t be disappointed. In the interview published October 22, the Broadway actor and star of ABC’s One Life to Live says that the scene’s grand entrance by Carrie Bradshaw and co. has a “wow factor.”

“When Carrie comes out in the first outfit, you just have to stare at her. She's hot!” he says. Spilling more deets on the elaborate wedding scene, which was filmed in Connecticut, Rodriguez adds, “We shot for two weeks. It's a ginormous scene with a huge budget, and everybody is pretty much in it ... all of the girls and their spouses, Willie and Mario (Cantone), and another big surprise cameo, Liza Minnelli.”

Nicholas Rodriguez is tight-lipped about the identity of his character, divulging only that he is “crucial” to the wedding scene. Sounds intriguing!

Sex and the City (SATC) Movie Sequel: Will Less Equal More For Fashionistas?

If you grew restless in your seat during the first SATC movie, you’ll probably be a-okay this time around. According to Aceshowbiz.com, Kristen Davis (Charlotte York-Goldenblatt) has shared new deets about the film’s running time in a recent interview with MTV reporter Josh Horowitz. Asked whether the upcoming SATC movie sequel will match the 2 hour 22 minute length of the 2008 box office smash, Kristen Davis replied, “Oh no. This one is not going to be that long. It's like condensed soup.” However, it doesn’t sound like audiences will be shortchanged. When Horowitz asked whether “every minute will be meaty,” she was quick to reply, “Yes! And different, and adventure and rich, and like, there’s music involved.”

A potential downside to a shorter film for the fashion fanatics among us? Fewer wardrobe changes. Speaking to MTV about the number of designer dresses, shoes and handbags that our style icons will be sporting on-screen, Kristen Davis said, “There were more costume changes in the first one than there are in the second one.” However, I’m not too worried about feeling jipped on the fashion front. Discussing the shooting schedule, the 44-year-old actress revealed, “We were shooting last week - and pretty much for the two weeks before that - nights. All night." She continued, “Now, we were not doing a night exterior, but that's how many hours we needed to get these certain things done that when it comes out, you're going to know what I'm talking about. I can't tell you right now, except to say that they are HUGE scenes with like hundreds of people in them!” I’m thinking that elaborate scenes equal even more elaborate fashion. Sounds good to this fashion junkie. What do you think?

Sex and the City Movie Sequel Breaking it Down: Fashion by the Numbers

As we reported in August, SATC stylist Patricia Field has been squelching rumors that our Fab Four would be receiving a recession-minded treatment in the wardrobe department. Speaking to British fashion magazine Grazia, the eclectic stylist now famously stated, “I don’t use the recession as a reference for my creativity.” Lest there be any lingering worry that Patricia Field might change her tune, the proof comes from a quick look at just one of Carrie Bradshaw’s ensembles. In its article, Sex and the City Girls Reunite!, according to US magazine, SJP ushered in the first day of shooting in a stunning 3/4 length sleeved, V-neck, White Halston Heritage designer dress, an exquisite Solange Azagury-Partridge necklace, Mykita & Bernhard Wilhelm shades, a stunning Gold and Metal Chanel clutch, and sparkling gold Christian Louboutin pigalle designer heels.

Now, let’s get out our calculators, shall we? Halston dress: $325 (okay, it’s vintage); Solange Azagury-Partridge necklace: $198,200; Mykita & Bernhard Wilhelm sunglasses: $299 (the “Franz” model, inspired by Olympic ski champion Franz Klammer); Chanel clutch: $1,500; sky-high Louboutin heels: $3,200. While the dress and sunnies are admittedly affordable, the total pricetag for this single outfit comes to $203,524!

But Carrie Bradshaw isn’t the only one who’ll be decked out in big-ticket bling come May. In the article, Sex and the City 2: dresses and prices, according to Luxuo.com, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte will be getting the style star treatment in such lustworthy pieces as a $1,300 VBH Python clutch (Samantha), $795 Yves Saint Laurent Triumph platforms (Miranda), and a $6,650 Lady Dior Pink Lizard handbag (Charlotte). I think it’s safe to say that Patricia Field won’t be scrimping when it comes to creating the standout looks that we crave!

Sex and the City (SATC) Movie Sequel: Barbra in the City: Not Just a Rumor Anymore!

Media sources including British Marie Claire have been quoting an In Touch report that producers have been in “secret talks” to secure a cameo for entertainment icon Barbra Streisand. The mag quotes an inside source as saying, “Producers are planning the ultimate gay wedding. They already signed Liza Minnelli and now they're in secret talks with Barbra Streisand about being a wedding guest!” Now comes news that the multi-Grammy and Oscar award-winning singer will indeed be part of the highly anticipated SATC sequel. And, once again, the dish comes directly from Liza Minnelli!

In the same interview with the Sydney Morning Herald in which she spilled the deets on her “Single Ladies” performance, the Cabaret star confirmed that her fellow diva would also appear in the film’s extravagant wedding scene!

This wedding celebration is shaping up to be a highlight! I’ll bet that it was SJP who came up with the fab idea to add Ms. Streisand to the mix. Sarah Jessica Parker is known to be a huge fan of Barbra’s, and, according to EW.com, was spotted most recently at the singer’s much buzzed-about performance at NYC’s historic Village Vanguard. Streisand performed the intimate concert for 100 lucky fans who had been selected from tens of thousands of contest entries from around the world. Were you one of the lucky ones?

Sex and the City (SATC) Movie Sequel: Mother Midler?

And last but definitely not least, here’s one casting rumor that we’ll be tracking with interest. While nothing has been confirmed, there’s been some speculation that Bette Midler will be adding her name to the list of high-profile cameos. The rumors started back in September when the divine Miss M was spotted on-set during filming of an '80s flashback scene. According to the UK’s Daily Mail, Midler’s appearance prompted speculation that she may step into the role of Carrie Bradshaw’s seldom-mentioned mother!

Sex and the City (SATC) Movie Sequel:  More Style Scoop!

As for the scoop behind those '80s flashbacks, SATC stylist Patricia Field gives the full skinny to People.com. “It was in the beginning of the movie,” the style guru explained. “Carrie was waiting to meet her girlfriends and she was thinking about when she first moved to New York in the '80s and how she met Samantha and Charlotte. They're all, in real time, meeting to go shopping. And in her flashback time, she is thinking of when she first met each one of them.”

Beyond the '80s throwbacks, what can fashion-loving fans look forward to? According to DigitalSpy.com, Patricia Field dropped a few hints in a recent interview with US Weekly. “White plays a big role in general because the movie takes place over seven weeks in the summer. But it won’t only be white dresses! I’m going for a new look, new elements on these familiar girls.”

And what better inspiration for “new elements” than exotic Morocco?! In her interview with People.com, the academy award-nominated stylist confirmed, “(We’re shooting) there for about six weeks.” She added, “You’ll probably see belly dancers and Bedouins!”

Sex and the City (SATC) Movie Sequel: All Aboard for Morocco!

Carrie Bradshaw and co. may be getting ready to try some belly-shaking moves even as we speak! In its article, Sex and the City 2 cast filming in Morocco, OnLocationVactions.com says that Sarah Jessica Parker, accompanied by her son James Wilke, was seen leaving for her flight to Morocco on the afternoon of October 19.

The exotic locale fits with one of the casting scoops that we mentioned in our August update. At the time, we reported that the SATC sequel producers were looking for a “50-year-old sheikh.” But we now have a bit more info thanks to New Faces Model and Talent. According to the casting agency’s website, two roles are up for grabs: The 50-ish Sheikh Khalid, a dignified, eminent flatterer who “loves to be surrounded by stars and glamour,” and his “right-hand man”, Mahmud, an “elegant, diplomatic man” in his 30s to early 40s.

Between the casting coups, the overseas shoots and the ferociously campy nuptials, I’m more excited about the SATC movie sequel than ever! What do you think so far? With just a little more than six months until opening day on May 28, 2010, the gossip mill is going to really start ramping up! I can’t wait to hear the next piece of buzz. Until then, my fellow SATC fans!