‘Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 2′ Set for March 6 Release

Fox Searchlight has dated “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 2” for a March 6 platform release in the U.S.

The original “Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” was a surprise hit and grossed $135 million worldwide in 2012. The new project is the first sequel ever released by Fox Searchlight.

John Madden has returned to direct the sequel from a script by Ol Parker. Returning cast includes Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel, Celia Imrie, Ronald Pickup, Penelope Wilton, Diana Hardcastle, Tena Desae and Lillete Dubey.

Blueprint Pictures’ Graham Broadbent and Peter Czernin are producing and Participant’s Jeff Skoll is executive producer. Fox Searchlight Pictures has worldwide rights and will co-finance in association with Participant Media and Image Nation Abu Dhabi.

The sequel is set with Patel and Smith’s characters co-managing The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for the Elderly and Beautiful. Richard Gere, David Strathairn and Tamsin Greig have joined the cast.

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