Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Deserves a Sequel!

Initially, when word got out about a live-action Dungeons & Dragons movie, many of us tabletop RPG enthusiasts, myself among them, harbored doubts. The enchantment of collaborating to build a world with your friends around a table is hard to replicate on screen, and there are countless ways it could go awry. However, the creators of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, much like Doctor Strange examining the multiverse, found the one approach that clicked.

Not every Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) enthusiast adores this film, but it’s undeniably popular with an impressive 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Those who appreciate it, including myself, are genuinely passionate about it. Considering the amount of our screen time devoted to reboots and repeats, it’s surprisingly rare not to hear any buzz about a sequel for a movie that manages to embody the enchantment of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPG) against all expectations.

When I found myself seated in the theater with companions whom I had persuaded to accompany me, I was uncertain about what lay ahead. Based on the trailers, it appeared promising… but could it deliver? Soon after departing, I made a purchase for a Funko Pop figure of the druid character Doric, considering myself an expert in this class, this choice speaks volumes. Regarding her Owlbear shape-shift, which seems to flout all regulations, I’m inclined towards prioritizing fun over rules in that instance… and for the film as a whole.

Remarkably, against all expectations, the film titled “Honor Among Thieves” skillfully conveyed the sensation of playing D&D, without requiring a single die roll. The humor and nods to the experience were spot-on, keeping viewers immersed in the narrative while maintaining the authenticity of a campaign played with friends. Achieving this balance is no easy task, but when you add that the movie is also simply entertaining, it becomes a film that I would gladly watch multiple times – and that’s saying something, given some of the recent movies I’ve seen in theaters.

Why Another D&D Movie is a Good Idea, Really

Although I’m excited to delve back into the escapades depicted in “Honor Among Thieves,” it’s high time we embarked on a new journey. Just as every group of adventurers can’t help but contemplate their next quest as the climactic battle of the current campaign looms, I too yearn for another D&D movie to satisfy my cravings. Frankly, not many films have lured me to the cinema lately, and I need to fulfill my popcorn obligation somehow. However, my eagerness extends beyond merely satisfying my desire for a sequel; I firmly believe that a follow-up has the potential to achieve the level of commercial success that the original movie, unfortunately, failed to attain for some inexplicable reason.

Actor Chris Pine has suggested there might be another Dungeons & Dragons film, but beyond his comments, no definite plans for a sequel have been announced. Even though the movie reportedly didn’t earn as much at the box office as anticipated, I believe it significantly boosted the popularity of Dungeons & Dragons overall, considering how many people who haven’t played the game still appreciate the film.

In today’s era dominated by streaming services, Honor Among Thieves has seen a significant surge in its fanbase post-theatrical release, as the convenience of watching from home has made it more accessible to a wider audience. Even though my Doric Funko Pop photos might not clearly convey that she’s a Tiefling druid to everyone, people still recognize the character. Previously, those Instagram posts would have garnered more silence, but now, that’s not insignificant.

Another significant point to consider is the release of Baldur’s Gate 3, which didn’t hit the shelves until several months following the March 2023 premiere of Honor Among Thieves. Astarion attracted a multitude of new Dungeons & Dragons enthusiasts for the first time. Would fans who dub Baldur’s Gate 3 as a “vampire dating sim with combat” be interested in seeing Regé-Jean Page, famously known from Bridgerton Season 1, reprise a role in the next D&D film? Absolutely!

Combined, it strongly suggests that it’s high time for another installment of “Honor Among Thieves”, if I may be so bold. And for added excitement, wouldn’t it be delightful if the original cast graced our screens once more, but this time portraying completely new characters, just like a seasoned Dungeons & Dragons group embarking on a fresh quest together.

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2025-01-19 04:39