When Was Grown Ups 2 Made?

The question of when Grown Ups 2 was made has a straightforward answer: the film was shot primarily during the summer of 2012. Principal photography commenced in May 2012 and wrapped up in July 2012. This intense period of filming allowed for a quick turnaround, leading to the film’s eventual release in July 2013.

Production Timeline: From Script to Screen

Understanding the film’s production requires delving a bit deeper than just the filming dates. The making of Grown Ups 2 involved several key stages: development, pre-production, production (filming), and post-production.

Development and Pre-Production

The seeds for Grown Ups 2 were sown shortly after the success of the original Grown Ups in 2010. Talks of a sequel quickly emerged, capitalizing on the established chemistry of the core cast – Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Rob Schneider. While Rob Schneider did not participate in Grown Ups 2, his absence was addressed within the film’s narrative.

Pre-production involved scripting, location scouting, casting of supporting roles, and set design. This period likely consumed the latter half of 2011 and the early months of 2012. Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions played a central role in overseeing all aspects of the film.

Filming and Location Details

As mentioned earlier, the actual filming took place during the summer of 2012. A significant portion of Grown Ups 2 was filmed in various locations throughout Massachusetts. Specifically, scenes were shot in the towns of Marblehead, Swampscott, and Andover. The use of real locations added a sense of authenticity to the film’s portrayal of suburban life.

The production also utilized the facilities of Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California for some interior shots and post-production work.

Post-Production and Release

Following the completion of filming in July 2012, the film entered the post-production phase. This encompassed editing, sound design, visual effects (though minimal for a comedy like this), and musical scoring. Post-production typically takes several months.

Grown Ups 2 premiered in New York City on July 10, 2013, and was released theatrically in the United States on July 12, 2013. Despite receiving largely negative reviews from critics, the film proved to be a box office success, further solidifying Adam Sandler’s appeal to audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the making of Grown Ups 2, providing further insights into the movie’s production:

1. Why wasn’t Rob Schneider in Grown Ups 2?

   Rob Schneider’s absence from Grown Ups 2 was attributed to scheduling conflicts. He was reportedly committed to other projects during the filming period. While his character, Rob Hilliard, was not physically present, he was mentioned in the film, maintaining continuity with the original.

2. Who directed Grown Ups 2?

   Dennis Dugan, who also directed the first Grown Ups film, returned to direct Grown Ups 2. Dugan is a frequent collaborator with Adam Sandler, having directed numerous other comedies starring Sandler, such as Happy Gilmore, Big Daddy, and You Don’t Mess with the Zohan.

3. What was the budget for Grown Ups 2?

   The production budget for Grown Ups 2 was approximately $80 million. While this is a significant amount, it’s not unusually high for a major studio comedy featuring a star-studded cast.

4. How much did Grown Ups 2 make at the box office?

   Despite its critical reception, Grown Ups 2 was a commercial success. It grossed over $246 million worldwide, significantly exceeding its production budget. This box office performance underscored the film’s popularity with audiences, even if critics were less enthusiastic.

5. Were there any major changes in the cast from the first Grown Ups movie?

   The core cast remained largely the same, with Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, and David Spade reprising their roles. As previously noted, the notable absence was Rob Schneider. Several supporting cast members also returned, contributing to the film’s sense of familiarity.

6. What is Grown Ups 2 about?

   Grown Ups 2 continues the story of Lenny Feder (Adam Sandler) and his childhood friends as they navigate the challenges of adulthood and raising families. The film revolves around Lenny moving back to his hometown, where he and his friends face off against a group of rowdy college frat boys. The film relies heavily on slapstick humor and familiar comedic tropes.

7. Where exactly in Massachusetts was Grown Ups 2 filmed?

   The production team primarily utilized locations in the North Shore region of Massachusetts. Specific towns where filming occurred include Marblehead, Swampscott, and Andover. These locations provided the picturesque backdrop of a quintessential New England town, enhancing the film’s visual appeal.

8. Did the cast improvise a lot during filming?

   Adam Sandler is known for encouraging improvisation on set, and Grown Ups 2 was no exception. The actors were given opportunities to add their own comedic touches to the scenes, contributing to the film’s often spontaneous and off-the-cuff humor.

9. What kind of camera equipment was used to film Grown Ups 2?

   While specific details about the exact camera models used are not widely publicized, a major studio production like Grown Ups 2 would have utilized high-end digital cinema cameras. These cameras are capable of capturing high-resolution images and offer a wide range of cinematic options.

10. How long did it take to film Grown Ups 2?

    The principal photography period for Grown Ups 2 lasted approximately two months, from May 2012 to July 2012. This relatively short filming schedule is common for comedies, as they often require less extensive post-production work compared to action or visual effects-heavy films.

11. What was the critical reception of Grown Ups 2?

    Grown Ups 2 received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics. Many critics cited the film’s reliance on juvenile humor, lack of a compelling plot, and overall lack of originality as major flaws. However, as noted, the film still resonated with audiences.

12. Are there any plans for a Grown Ups 3?

    As of the current date, there are no confirmed plans for a Grown Ups 3. While the previous two films were commercially successful, Adam Sandler and his team have not announced any intentions to revisit the franchise. However, in the entertainment industry, anything is possible, and a third installment could potentially materialize in the future, especially if fan interest remains strong.