Dogma 2 with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon

Good news for all "Dogma" fans: a sequel has now been officially announced to mark the film's 25th anniversary. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are apparently also back on board.

Director Kevin Smith revealed in an interview with Deadline that he had already found a suitable story for the sequel. The filmmaker also emphasized that the return of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon is crucial for the project. "Dogma 2" will be released in cinemas like its predecessor, but a number of series could also help to expand the story.

"Dogma" was the fourth film in Smith's so-called "View Askewniverse", a loosely connected film series that began with "Clerks" (1994) and achieved cult status via works such as "Mallrats" (1995) and "Chasing Amy" (1997). The plot of "Dogma" revolved around two angels who were banished from heaven and find a loophole in Catholic doctrine in order to return. In addition to Affleck and Damon, the cast also included Salma Hayek, Chris Rock, Alan Rickman and Alanis Morissette. Despite controversy and calls for a boycott, the movie found a loyal fan base.

Kevin Smith: The Cult Director's Best-Known Films

Kevin Smith, a master of independent films, has established himself as an influential voice in the film world since the 1990s. With his unique sense of humor, a penchant for dialogue filled with pop culture references and the ability to treat serious subjects with levity, he has built a loyal fan base. From his debut "Clerks" to later projects like "Clerks III", Smith has created a cinematic universe that continues to delight fans. Here are some of his most famous movies and why they hold a special place in pop culture.

Clerks (1994) : The Beginning of the View Askewniverse

Smith's debut film "Clerks" was a milestone in independent cinema. With a budget of a mere 27,000 US dollars, which he partly financed by selling his comic book collection, Smith filmed a story about a day in the life of two clerks: Dante Hicks (Brian O'Halloran), who works in a small grocery store, and Randal Graves (Jeff Anderson), who works in the video store next door.

The movie captivates with its minimalist style – shot in black and white – and its brilliant dialog, which addresses everyday topics such as relationships, work and pop culture. "Clerks" was a surprise success and marked the beginning of Smith's View Askewniverse, a cinematic universe that uses recurring characters and locations. The film received numerous awards and laid the foundation for Smith's career.

Mallrats (1995) : Pop Culture in the Shopping Mall

After the success of "Clerks", Smith returned with "Mallrats", a witty look at the lives of two lazy friends who spend their days in a shopping mall. Starring Jason Lee in his first major film role and Ben Affleck as the unsympathetic antagonist, the movie combined slapstick humor with nerdy references to comics and movies.

Although "Mallrats" flopped at the box office on its release, it later developed into a cult classic. The film is celebrated for its charming humor and iconic scenes, such as the debate about the anatomy of superheroes or the appearance of Stan Lee, who gives one of the protagonists life lessons.

Chasing Amy (1997) : A Romantic Tragicomedy

With "Chasing Amy", Smith proved that he is not only good for comedies, but can also deal with deeper emotional themes. The movie tells the story of Holden (Ben Affleck), a comic book artist who falls in love with the openly lesbian Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams). The film explores the complexities of modern relationships, sexual identity and the difficulties of reconciling love and friendship.

"Chasing Amy" was praised by critics and won several awards, including two Independent Spirit Awards. It remains one of Smith's strongest and most emotional works and showed a new facet of his talent as a filmmaker.

Dogma (1999) : A Heavenly Satire

With "Dogma", Smith dared to tackle a controversial subject: religion. The plot revolves around two fallen angels, Bartleby (Ben Affleck) and Loki (Matt Damon), who want to use a loophole in Catholic doctrine to return to heaven - a plan that would have catastrophic consequences. The plot is supported by an illustrious cast, including Alan Rickman as the archangel Metatron, Chris Rock as the 13th apostle Rufus and Alanis Morissette as God.

Despite heavy criticism from religious groups, "Dogma" was a financial success and is considered one of Smith's most ambitious works. The movie combines profound questions about faith and "dogma" with the director's trademark humor and remains a milestone in his career.

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001) : The Duo in the Spotlight

Jay and Silent Bob, who appeared as supporting characters in Smith's earlier films, were given their own movie with "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back". The two chaotic friends, played by Jason Mewes and Smith himself, embark on an absurd journey to Hollywood to prevent the filming of a comic book based on them.

The movie is a declaration of love to Smith's fans and is bursting with guest appearances, including Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher. Although the film is less profound than Smith's other works, it has been celebrated by fans for its humorous and self-referential style.

Clerks II (2006) : Back to the Roots

More than a decade after his debut, Smith returned to Dante and Randal in "Clerks II". This time, the two friends work in a fast food restaurant and have to deal with the challenges of adulthood.

The movie kept the spirit of the original, but added a new emotional depth. Themes such as friendship, regret and the search for one's place in life take center stage. "Clerks II" was a success at the box office and proved that Smith's characters had lost none of their charm even after many years.

Tusk (2014) : A Horror Experiment

With "Tusk", Smith turned to the horror genre. The film tells the bizarre story of a podcaster (Justin Long) who is held captive by a mad man (Michael Parks) and turned into a walrus. The film divided audiences, but was praised by some for its courage in tackling such an unusual concept. "Tusk" marked a turning point in Smith's career as he began to take on more experimental projects.

Clerks III (2022) : A Nostalgic Finale

In 2022, Smith released "Clerks III", the conclusion of the trilogy. The movie is both a tribute to his beginnings and a reflection on ageing and the influence of art. Inspired by Smith's own heart attack in 2018, the film explores themes such as mortality and the power of friendship and creativity.