We first learned that a sequel to 2013's supernatural sci-fi adventure R.I.P.D. was on the way back in August, and Universal Pictures has now debuted the first trailer and poster for Rise of the Damned.
Original stars Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds did not reprise their roles (obviously), with newcomers Richard Fleeshman, Jake Choi, Kerry Knuppe, and Stephanie Levi-John stepping in to play the leads. The teaser reveals that this will actually be a prequel story, focusing on Sherriff Roy Pulsipher, the newest officer for the Rest In Peace Department, on a mission to stop a dangerous demon from opening a portal to the underworld.
To be fair, the brief teaser doesn't actually look that bad, but this is still a rather baffling move on the studio's part. Using an established property to launch a new installment years later can yield a lot of success, of course, but the first R.I.P.D. was a critical and commercial disaster, taking in just $78 million on a $130 million plus budget.
At any rate, the movie is coming our way on Digital and Blu-ray on November 15 if you fancy giving it a bash. For now, check out the trailer and poster below.