The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel gets 2015 release date

The star-studded cast of the 2011 original will be returning in February

Judi Dench in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

The sequel to 2011’s The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has been given its release date and will hit UK cinemas on 27 February 2015.

The original feature film followed the attempts by retirees to enlighten themselves in India at an allegedly ‘luxurious’ hotel (for the Elderly and Beautiful). Its success matched the top ranks of its cast, earning $136.8 million at the box office.

Now, The Second Best Marigold Hotel will revisit the lives of old favourites played by Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Judi Dench, Ronald Pickup, Celia Imrie, Penelope Wilton and Diana Hardcastle.

Familiar faces from both on and off camera will return to the film. Ol Parker has penned the screenplay once again, and Shakespeare in Love’s John Madden will return to direct.

Dev Patel will reprise his role as the comparatively youthful Sonny, the hotel’s endearing host with a dream. New guests at the hotel include the Bourne trilogy’s David Strathairn and Richard Gere.

The sequel is set within the panic and madness that has beset Sonny as he attempts to plans his wedding to the love of his life, Sunaina (Tina Desai) whilst eyeing a property for his second hotel venture.

It follows the work and relationship endeavours of the Hotel’s long-term occupants eight months on, whilst navigating the problem faced when the Hotel has only one room left – and two new guests, Gere’s Guy and Tamsin Greig’s Lavina.