Jim Mickle addresses the possibility of aSweet Toothsequel, stating he is open to it. The Netflix series, based on Jeff Lemire’s comic, follows a half-human, half-deer boy named Gus (Christian Convery) in a post-apocalyptic world as he searches for a new beginning with his surly protector, Tommy Jepperd (Nonso Anozie). Itholds a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with theSweet Toothseries finalearriving in June 2024.
Mickle, speaking withScreenRantat the Directors' Guild of America Awards, statedhe considersSweet Tooth’s ending to be final, particularly as Convery has agedbeyond his character’s early years. However, he acknowledgedSweet Tooth: The Return, Lemire’s follow-up comic, as a potential path forward should Netflix choose to explore it. Check out his comments below:
To me, I feel like that was kind of a perfect ending for the story. Especially because Christian is now 14 or 15. He’s a man, so I feel like that was the perfect ending for him. I love what Jeff [Lemire] did with Sweet Tooth: The Return, and there’s so much stuff [there]. So,I would love to see somebody take that story because we sort of handed it off to himbriefly. Somebody could take it from there, but I don’t know. It’s for Netflix to decide.
Specifically responding to the question of whether he would step back from anySweet Toothcontinuation, he said:
At this point, yes. I think, right afterward, it was a little bit of a hard come-down after being immersed for five years in that story and those characters. But I think now,I’ve had enough distance to leave it in the past. So, yeah.
What This Means For Sweet Tooth
Creator Jim Mickle Will Not Be Involved Going Forward
Mickle’s confirmation that he is finished withSweet Toothmakes itunlikely that a potential sequel will continue under his direction, despite earlier comments stating his interest. His departure follows five years of development and production, with the series concluding as planned. Additionally, Convery has aged beyond Gus’ early years, meaning any direct continuation would require a time jump or recasting. However, recasting or placing it in the future does not align with Lemire’s sequel,Sweet Tooth: The Return, as it takes place shortly after the events of the original comic.
Sweet Tooth: 12 Huge Differences Between The Show & The Comics
Netflix’s Sweet Tooth has made many changes from the comic book source and some of them were done for the better.
Currently, Netflix retains full control over the franchise. Mickle’s mention ofSweet Tooth: The Returnpresents an existing framework for expansion. If Netflix chooses to revisit the property, they couldadapt Lemire’s follow-up story or take an original approach with new characters in the same world.Also,Sweet Tooth’s positive receptioncould influence Netflix’s decision to expand the series with a spinoff or soft reboot.
Our Take On The Future Of Sweet Tooth
The Series Could Go In Many Directions, If Netflix Chooses To Reboot
Mickle’s departure fromSweet Toothis understandable given his five-year commitment. Despite that, the possibility of another creative team taking over keeps the door open for new creative endeavors. Previously, Netflix has invested in expanding popular IPs, andSweet Tooth’s strong critical reception makes it a viable candidate for further development. If a continuation happens, whether throughSweet Tooth: The Returnor another approach,Sweet Tooth’s further success would depend on how well a new team handles the transition.
