Chevy Chase, Christie Brinkley Reunite: 'Vacation' Sequel Brewing?
In a nostalgic throwback more magical than a road trip in a rusty station wagon, Christie Brinkley and Chevy Chase recently reunited 41 years after 'National Lampoon's Vacation'—and they still look ready for adventure!
The iconic duo, who first brought the laughs as 'The Girl in the Ferrari' and the hapless dad, shared a series of car selfies on Instagram, where Brinkley reminded fans that, like their classic road trip, their time together is always 'too soon' to end. As they smile together at ages 70 and 80, respectively, fans are already buzzing for a potential reunion sequel that could drive the nostalgia home, proving that even after four decades, some adventures should never really die.
The famous film, directed by Harold Ramis and penned by the eminently witty John Hughes, follows the hilarious misadventures of the Griswold family as they embark on a delightfully chaotic road trip from Illinois to California. But the real star of the show was the enigmatic girl in the iconic Ferrari, played by Brinkley, who, let’s be honest, added a whole new meaning to road trips—make that 'road tripping with style.'
Brinkley's Instagram post was a delightful reminder of the film's legacy, coming complete with smiling snapshots of the pair, enjoying what appears to be a modern-day iteration of the wild and whimsical holiday adventure. In one of the photos, the duo looks a touch more refined than they did in the 1983 classic, but the sparkle in their eyes suggests they've learned a few tricks of the trade when it comes to having fun, even if it’s just on a leisurely drive.
In her caption, Brinkley cleverly quipped, 'Vacation is always over too soon! @chevychase.' One must admire the bravery it takes to jest about vacations at their age, particularly given that most of us are simply happy if we make it through a trip without losing our bags—let alone having shenanigans immortalized on celluloid.
The reunion isn't the first time the pair have graced social media together in recent years; their first hug of nostalgia came via a TikTok video earlier in 2023, giving fans a taste of the magic and playful banter that continues to pepper their interactions. In the increasingly digitized world of social media, there is something heartening about seeing the duo come together regardless of the influx of hot takes and TikTok dances. Perhaps the couple should be considered for an award for their contributions to the wholesome aspects of internet discourse.
Leading fans to blissful reminiscence, enthusiasm in the comments section erupted as many followers began suggesting a sequel. One can almost picture the script unfolding: a retiree-friendly road trip where mishaps are minor, but humor is in full bloom. There’s something quietly amusing about the prospect of the characters facing modern dilemmas, like navigating GPS instructions or trying to find a suitable restroom at an age when one might consider restrooms the true highway rest stop.
Despite being decades removed from their original roles, Brinkley and Chase's chemistry appears to transcend age, returning the audience to the beautiful naiveté of their youth. Or at least it makes one wonder if the casting directors might feel the temptation to give these two a whole new slate of road trip misadventures.
Yet, not all memories are coated in the rosy hue of nostalgia. The shadows of time creep in, and questions linger: how many pit stops can a pair of octogenarians endure? Will there be a scene about misleading Yelp reviews? Or perhaps a subplot featuring great-grandchildren arguing over which playlists to stream in the backseat? Regardless of challenges, one can safely assert that the enduring spirit of silliness remains intact.
As fans clamor for another comedic turn of events, it’s time to dust off those vacation playlists and dig out the old catsuit and plaid shorts. With two veterans of comedy coming together once more, the stage is set for an incredibly relatable sequel. Perhaps it’s time individuals in the entertainment industry revisited this comedic gem, suggesting that if not a sequel, an insightful documentary on the dynamic duo's foray into aging gracefully could also be worthy of our attention.
So while the idea of writing yet another vacation-themed escapade may seem like an uphill climb, one can't help but feel that Brinkley and Chase can still sell it—with a bit of age-appropriate humor. After all, if the Griswold family could endure a vacation steeped in mishaps, surely Brinkley and Chase can endure another round of—albeit slightly slower—travel. One can only hope they remember that vacations may be fleeting, but legendary reunions are timeless.