Twenty-five years after its controversial release, Kevin Smith's religious satire Dogma remains one of cinema's most talked-about cult classics - and according to the director himself, a sequel will likely never happen.
The Weinstein Factor
In an exclusive interview, Smith revealed how Harvey Weinstein's personal connection to the project has created an insurmountable barrier to any future instalments. "Weinstein loved that movie," Smith explained, noting the disgraced producer considered it his favourite among Smith's films.
The complicated rights situation means Dogma has essentially disappeared from legal distribution channels. "You can't stream it, you can't buy it on DVD - it's become this mythical creature," Smith lamented.
Controversy and Cancellation
When Dogma first premiered in 1999, it sparked immediate controversy for its unconventional take on religious themes. The film faced protests and cancellation threats, particularly from Catholic organisations offended by its portrayal of heaven and angels.
Smith recalls the intense pressure campaign: "They were trying to get the film shut down before anyone even saw it. The irony is all that controversy probably helped its cult status."
Why No Sequel Stands a Chance
Despite fan demand and Smith's own affection for the characters, several factors make a Dogma sequel impossible:
- The tangled web of rights involving multiple production companies
- Weinstein's personal attachment to the original project
- The challenge of reassembling the star-studded cast including Ben Affleck and Matt Damon
- Smith's own evolved perspective on filmmaking and religion
"It's not just a legal nightmare," Smith admitted. "The world has changed so much since 1999. Making that film today would be a completely different experience."
Legacy of a Cult Classic
Despite its absence from official channels, Dogma continues to find new audiences through unofficial means. Smith sees this as bittersweet: "Part of me wishes people could easily watch it, but there's something poetic about it being this underground thing passed between fans."
The film's unavailability has only heightened its mythical status among cinephiles, ensuring that while Dogma may never get a proper sequel, its legacy will continue to grow through word-of-mouth and fan devotion.
