A sequel to the 1986 music film Crossroads is being planned four decades after its release, with guitarist Steve Vai set to take part again, according to a report by ultimateclassicrock.com.
Screenwriter John Fusco reportedly said he has stayed in contact with actor Ralph Macchio, who played lead character Eugene “Lightning Boy” Martone. The pair have often discussed a follow-up, and the idea is now beginning to take shape.
Fusco said Macchio suggested marking the 40th anniversary. “I said, ‘We should do the freaking sequel,'” Fusco recalled. “We’ve got a plan.” He declined to give details but said the film would be “exciting to music fans” and “to blues purists.”
Macchio said the story would be set “years and years later” and would focus less on Martone and more on “someone relevant today”. He added that he had not given up on the project.
Vai played Jack Butler in the original, facing Martone in the climactic guitar duel. The contest was over the soul of Martone’s mentor, Willie Brown, who had sold it to the Devil in his youth. Butler fought on the Devil’s side, and Martone’s own soul would have been forfeited had he lost. Vai’s character was defeated.
Vai said he was ready for a rematch. “I know Ralph wants to kick my ass,” he said. “Jack Butler needs his revenge!”
The film was loosely based on the life of blues musician Robert Johnson, a member of the “27 Club” who is said by some to have sold his soul to the Devil in exchange for musical talent. Crossroads performed poorly on release but later gained a cult following on home video.
•Featured image courtesy Columbia