No, a direct theatrical sequel to the 1995 live-action film Casper, specifically titled Casper 2, was planned but ultimately never released.
Following the success of the original Casper movie, a sequel was put into development. Simon Wells, who was involved in the franchise, co-wrote a screenplay for Casper 2 and was slated to direct the film. The intention was to continue the story from the 1995 theatrical release.
However, in July 2000, Universal Pictures made the decision to cancel the planned sequel. Several key factors contributed to this cancellation:
- Disappointing Direct-to-Video Sales: The performance of other Casper films released directly to video did not meet studio expectations. These direct-to-video titles, while expanding the Casper universe, negatively impacted the perceived viability of a high-budget theatrical follow-up.
- Christina Ricci's Hesitation: Actress Christina Ricci, who played Kat Harvey in the original film, expressed hesitation about returning for a sequel. Her potential absence would have been a significant challenge for the production, given her prominent role in the first movie.
While Casper 2 never materialized, the character of Casper the Friendly Ghost continued to appear in other productions. These included various direct-to-video films and animated series, but none were the intended theatrical sequel to the 1995 movie.
