I started writing CLERKS III on December 28th and just finished the 101 page first draft last night! But the writing doesn’t begin when you start tapping the keys: I’ve been stirring this stew in my brain pan for awhile now. So when I sat down to put years of daydreaming into actual words, the typing part of the writing process was pretty brisk. Fake New Jersey (or what I’ve long called the View Askewniverse) has been so much more preferable to visit than the real world lately - but I’ve told the tale I wanted to tell, so it’s time to step back, hand the script off to a trusted few, and then tinker further based on the feedback. For those keeping score anymore, this is actually Clerks III v.2. I had written a different version of Clerks III about 6 years back - one which I’m now very happy we never made (although I used the opening scene for @jayandsilentbob Reboot). This is a much more personal story than the previous incarnation, drawing directly on the heart attack that nearly killed me (3 years ago next month). It was oddly triggering writing those scenes, as it was the first time in awhile I contemplated how close I came to shuffling lose this mortal coil. But far more than make me mindful of my own mortality, this script to Clerks III makes me laugh out loud. Dante, Randal, Elias, Becky, Jay and Silent Bob are all back, and the premise of the flick allows anyone who was in Clerks or Clerks II to return in some capacity. After a bummer of a 2020, this is how I want to spend some of 2021: at @quickstopgroceries in New Jersey where it all began, with friends and family. And when we finally roll cameras on Clerks III, I will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that I *am* supposed to be there that day! #KevinSmith #clerks3 #clerks #clerks2

EXCLUSIVE: Lionsgate has acquired worldwide rights to Kevin Smith’s Clerks III, which is currently in pre-production in New Jersey and will begin production next month.

Smith has written the screenplay and will direct, with all major cast members set to reprise their roles: Jeff Anderson as Randal, Brian O’Halloran as Dante, Jay Mewes as Jay, Smith as Silent Bob, and Rosario Dawson as Becky. The film will be produced by Liz Destro and Jordan Monsanto.

In Clerks III, following a massive heart attack, Randal enlists fellow clerks Dante, Elias, Jay, and Silent Bob to make a movie immortalizing his life at the convenience store that started it all.

Smith said, “There’s a saying from the Tao that goes something like ‘To be great is to go on. To go on is to go far. To go far is to return.’ Thanks to Lionsgate, we get to return to where it all started with almost the whole cast that started it all! And for the first time since the first time we ever made a movie in 1993, we’re shooting the entire flick on location in New Jersey, as an ode to both the enduring allure of cinema and the resourcefulness and lunacy of its storytellers. Years ago, Dante and Randal made me a filmmaker – so now it’s time I return the favor.”

Eda Kowan, EVP, Acquisitions and Co-Productions for Lionsgate, added, “The Clerks movies are audience favorites and many of Kevin’s films, like Dogma, Red State, and the Jay and Silent Bob Reboot are a beloved part of our library that continues to delight Kevin’s devoted fans. We’re thrilled to be presenting the next chapter in the Clerks saga to moviegoers worldwide.”

CLERKS III SHOOTS NEXT MONTH!!!
There is a line in the Tao that goes...
“To be great is to go on.
To go on is to go far.
To go far is to return.”
My birthday is August 2. And @lionsgate just gave me the best gift I could ever ask for: the money to make another sequel to my debut film! Dante! Randal! Jay! Silent Bob! Becky! Elias! Veronica! Emma! The characters from both Clerks and Clerks II return with me to the scene of the crime at the little store that started it all: Leonardo’s legendary @quickstopgroceries! @briancohalloran, #jeffanderson, @jaymewes, @rosariodawson, @marilynghigliotti, @jenschwalbach, and #trevorfehrman are ready to remind folks that just because they serve you, doesn’t mean they like you. In the story this time, I give Randal the heart attack that almost killed me. But rather than succumb to the reality of middle age, Randal rages against the dying light by telling the story of his life in an indie film he shoots with his fellow clerks at Quick Stop! 27 years ago, I made a movie about Dante and Randal that made my dreams come true and changed my life - so now I get to return the favor! Big thanks to producers @jordanmonsanto and @destrofilms for putting it all together, and to #lionsgate for believing in the flick! Wanna wear your excitement for Clerks III on your chest? We’re selling t-shirts to commemorate the big occasion at @jayandsilentbobstash! Join us over at #thatkevinsmithclub to see exclusive behind-the-scenes, making-of videos all summer long! It took awhile to get here and oftentimes it felt like we’d never enjoy this moment. Passion is key to any creative endeavor, but patience and persistence are just as essential. And now, for the first time since the first time I ever made a movie in 1993, I’ll be shooting an entire feature film in the cradle of civilization - the great state of #newjersey! This is dream-come-true country, Kids! In 2019, we revisited the #viewaskewniverse with @jayandsilentbob Reboot; but in 2022, I assure you, the #askewniverse is reopened for business! #KevinSmith #clerks3 #lionsgatefilms

CLERKS III SHOOTS NEXT MONTH!!!

There is a line in the Tao that goes...

“To be great is to go on.

To go on is to go far.

To go far is to return.”

My birthday is August 2. And @lionsgate just gave me the best gift I could ever ask for: the money to make another sequel to my debut film! Dante! Randal! Jay! Silent Bob! Becky! Elias! Veronica! Emma! The characters from both Clerks and Clerks II return with me to the scene of the crime at the little store that started it all: Leonardo’s legendary @quickstopgroceries! @briancohalloran, #jeffanderson, @jaymewes, @rosariodawson, @marilynghigliotti, @jenschwalbach, and #trevorfehrman are ready to remind folks that just because they serve you, doesn’t mean they like you. In the story this time, I give Randal the heart attack that almost killed me. But rather than succumb to the reality of middle age, Randal rages against the dying light by telling the story of his life in an indie film he shoots with his fellow clerks at Quick Stop! 27 years ago, I made a movie about Dante and Randal that made my dreams come true and changed my life - so now I get to return the favor! Big thanks to producers @jordanmonsanto and @destrofilms for putting it all together, and to #lionsgate for believing in the flick! Wanna wear your excitement for Clerks III on your chest? We’re selling t-shirts to commemorate the big occasion at @jayandsilentbobstash! Join us over at #thatkevinsmithclub to see exclusive behind-the-scenes, making-of videos all summer long! It took awhile to get here and oftentimes it felt like we’d never enjoy this moment. Passion is key to any creative endeavor, but patience and persistence are just as essential. And now, for the first time since the first time I ever made a movie in 1993, I’ll be shooting an entire feature film in the cradle of civilization - the great state of #newjersey! This is dream-come-true country, Kids! In 2019, we revisited the #viewaskewniverse with @jayandsilentbob Reboot; but in 2022, I assure you, the #askewniverse is reopened for business! #KevinSmith #clerks3 #lionsgatefilms