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Production has begun in Venice on Upgraded 2, the sequel to Amazon MGM Studios’ popular 2024 romantic comedy Upgraded. Cameras started rolling on October 21, with the Venice Biennale serving as a central backdrop for the story.
Camila Mendes Returns Alongside Leslie Bibb
Camila Mendes reprises her role as Ana Santos, an intern at a New York City auction house. In the original film, Ana pretended to hold a senior position after receiving a first-class flight upgrade to London. During that flight, she caught the attention of William, a wealthy young Englishman connected to the high-society art world, played by Archie Renaux. Leslie Bibb also joins the cast for the sequel, though details about her character have not yet been revealed.
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In this follow-up to the modern-day Cinderella story, Ana appears to be pursuing her ambitions at the Venice Biennale, the world’s oldest contemporary art fair. The film’s tone and setting carry the same glamorous, aspirational spirit as the first movie.
Filming Across Iconic Venice Locations
Director Becca Gleason leads the sequel, taking over from Carlson Young, who helmed the original. Gleason has been shooting at several striking Venice locations. These include the terrace of Ca’ Giustinian, the Biennale’s headquarters overlooking the Grand Canal, and the neo-Gothic Palazzo Franchetti near the Accademia bridge, which functions as a Biennale exhibition space. The team has also filmed at the upscale Moro Venice restaurant.
Luke Roberts and Justin Matthews, who wrote the screenplay for the first film, return to write the sequel. Italy’s Luca Tranchino, known for his work on Prison Break and Domina, serves as production designer.
Production Moves to Rome After Venice
After 12 days of shooting in Venice, the production will relocate to Rome for an additional 33 days of principal photography. According to Italy for Movies, the country’s national portal for film and television production locations and incentives, the sequel carries a distinctly Italian character throughout. The Italian production company Colorado Film serves as executive producer on the project.
Producers on Upgraded 2 include Mike Karz and Bill Bindley for Gulfstream Pictures, Mendes and Rachel Matthews for Honor Role, Lena Roklin for Luber Roklin Entertainment, and Piers Tempest for Tempo Production. Amazon MGM Studios has not yet announced a release date for the film.
