'The Lost City' Interviews: The Nee Brothers and Oscar Nuñez Talk Rom-Coms and Possible Sequel
In a world where most romantic comedies are relegated to streaming services, The Lost City hit theaters back it March, making it clear there is not only an audience still hungry for this genre, but that this is a story worth telling on the big screen.
With The Lost City hitting VOD and Paramount+ this week, FilmSpeak had the chance to sit down with directors Adam and Aaron Nee and star Oscar Nuñez to discuss the film. Both the Nees and Nuñez opened up about the immersive filming process on location and the possibility of a sequel due to the film’s strong box office numbers in the states and abroad.
Coming from a background in smaller, more independent films, the Nees made a tremendous leap into studio fare with this film, which would be daunting for any set of directors. However, both Adam and Aaron didn’t seem to let anything hinder them from crafting the film they wanted to make. Adam explained, “I don’t know if we have some sort of problem or something where we didn’t ever recognize how terrified we should’ve been.” Aaron added, “In some ways the scale of the movie gave us confidence because we were able to surround ourselves with incredible talent.”
The film was also shot on location in the Dominican Republic, which worked wonders for the film in terms of its overall look and the performances of the talented cast, including the likes of Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe and Nuñez. When discussing the importance of shooting on location, Aaron explained, “It was very important to us that we not make this a stage show and that we go to the jungle and we put everybody in there.” Adam added, “You can take something that might be a significantly broader moment, but when you’re in the jungle and you make it feel like you’re really there and it’s real, it adds these stakes that I think do elevate it and make those things all come together.” When asked about the possibility of a sequel, at least Adam seemed open to the idea, expressing, “I think you can definitely put those two and those supporting people on many, many other adventures.”
While audiences certainly fixed their gazes on the two romantic leads of the film, it was a delight to see Nuñez pop up as a quirky, but lovable supporting character that aids Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s Beth in rescuing Bullock’s Loretta Sage/Angela. When discussing the art of playing a supporting character in a romantic comedy, Nuñez expressed, “Funny and zany is great, it’s all good, as long as it’s grounded. You have to feel that he’s grounded no matter how crazy he is.” In regards to what hopes he has for his character, should he return in a possible sequel, he stated, “I don’t want his life to change. I think he should still be scruffy pilot or whatever, but maybe he’s more involved in rescuing someone.”
After talking with the Nees and Nuñez, it was abundantly clear that everyone involved in the making of the film had an amazing experience, their enjoyment of the process shining through each answer they gave. It’s rare to see a romantic comedy on the silver screen these days, let alone one as breezy and enjoyable as The Lost City. This talented cast and crew didn’t squander the opportunity to make a rom-com for theatrical audiences and now that it’s is available at home, it should be exciting to see the film reach an even wider audience and possibly spawn a sequel for this colorful set of characters.