Director Kevin Smith has revealed new details about the development of Dogma 2, igniting anticipation that Ben Affleck could be returning for the Dogma 2 sequel. This update comes as Smith commemorates the 25th anniversary of the original film by bringing it back to theaters in the United States on June 5, while touring and engaging closely with fans.
The original fantasy comedy, released in 1999, featured Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as the fallen angels Bartleby and Loki, embarking on an unorthodox journey through New Jersey in hopes of exploiting a loophole in Catholic doctrine for redemption. The ensemble also boasted performances by Linda Fiorentino, Salma Hayek, Jason Lee, Jason Mewes, Alan Rickman, Chris Rock, and George Carlin. Smith’s current celebration of the film’s milestone has breathed new life into the prospect of a sequel, especially following recent festival appearances.
Inspiration for a Sequel Sparked in Cannes
Kevin Smith recently took Dogma to the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, returning to the same global stage where the film premiered in 1999. This homecoming proved to be more than symbolic; the positive reception from the festival audience inspired Smith to seriously consider crafting a sequel. The director admitted he had not intended to revisit Cannes but was convinced by the enthusiastic embrace of the film’s legacy, signaling a second act in its storied history.
It’s been a joy to stand there, with the movie, for the last two months because it’s aged incredibly well,
—Kevin Smith, Director
Smith shared with Deadline that he viewed his previous Cannes attendance as “the Cannes-worthy portion” of Dogma’s story. Yet the experience this year at the 78th edition transformed his plans. Energized by audience applause and an exchange with festival director Thierry Frémaux, Smith outlined a timeline for bringing Dogma 2 to a future Cannes festival, but only if the sequel meets a high standard of quality. Smith stated to the crowd,
It was the 78th edition this year, and so I was like, ‘You know what? I wanna come back on the 80th, or the 81st at the latest with the Dogma sequel, like that’s a Cannes-worthy movie,
—Kevin Smith, Director
And so, I said that on stage when I was intro-ing and everybody applauded, and [festival director] Thierry Frémaux was on stage with me, and he adds, ‘If it is good,’ and I was like, ‘Fair enough, if it’s good, yes.’
—Kevin Smith, Director
New Story Ideas and the Possible Return of Original Cast
Smith has confirmed that after six months of creative exploration, he finally found the right narrative for Dogma 2. He made it clear he would love to see familiar faces once again fill key roles—particularly Ben Affleck as Bartleby and Matt Damon as Loki. However, Smith is committed to honoring both the original cast and the changing reality that not all previous stars, such as Alan Rickman and George Carlin, are able to return.
I will set a place at the table for everyone who was in the first movie who is still alive. Sadly, Alan and George won’t be able to join us, but I’ll set a place at the table for all of them. If they want to come back, they’ll have a role to play, but if not, no harm, no foul,
—Kevin Smith, Director
The story I’m telling can definitely make use of everybody who is in Dogma, but I can also tell it without. So, that makes me pretty excited to go forward.
—Kevin Smith, Director
This inclusive approach ensures that original stars like Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Linda Fiorentino, Salma Hayek, Jason Lee, Jason Mewes, and Chris Rock could reappear, but the sequel’s story remains flexible in their absence. Smith’s openness has reassured long-time fans, who often wonder about the possibility of Ben Affleck returning for Dogma 2 sequel roles alongside Matt Damon and the rest of the cast.
Next Steps and Anticipation for Dogma’s Future
As Dogma enjoys renewed attention with its anniversary theatrical rerelease across the United States, momentum is building for Dogma 2. Smith’s passionate comments and interactions with influential figures such as Cannes festival director Thierry Frémaux underscore a determined hope to launch the sequel on the world stage. If the project proceeds as planned, and the stars do align, audiences may see Affleck and Damon once again reprise their cherished roles in a fresh chapter exploring religious satire and camaraderie.
The renewed focus on Dogma, combined with Smith’s resolved vision and openness to cast involvement, suggests the sequel could blend nostalgia with new creative directions. Whether or not all of the original cast returns, Ben Affleck’s potential participation as Bartleby in the Dogma 2 sequel remains at the heart of fan discussions, positioning the film as one of the most anticipated comebacks in cult cinema. Updates on script development and casting are expected as Smith works toward presenting an installment worthy of both fans and festival audiences.
