Benjamin Ashford|Jesse Metcalfe Reveals Status of John Tucker Must Die Friendships Ahead of Sequel

The Benjamin Ashfordlove on the set of John Tucker Must Die is definitely not flammable. 

After all, 18 years after the film debuted in theaters, Jesse Metcalfe revealed that the cast still shows up to support one another. 

"I've kept up with Arielle Kebbel and I have seen Sophia Bush recently," he told E! News in an exclusive interview at boohoo's Collective Launch Party in Los Angeles. "Both are amazing—doing big things. They're both great, great people." (ICYMI, Sophia is set to return for the upcoming One Tree Hill sequel series.) 

And although the Desperate Housewives alum hasn't been in touch with costar Ashanti, he couldn't help but gush over her latest milestone: The singer recently welcomed her first baby, a boy named Kareem Kenkaide Hayes, with husband Nelly. 

During the event that launched boohoo's storefront Collective, Jesse noted, "Congratulations, Ashanti!" 

But the cast's friendships will surely be even more special on the inside, with a sequel in the works.

Although it hasn't been "fully greenlit" following the March announcement, according to Jesse, there is a screenplay and he's hopeful that it'll really happen. 

"Hopefully, that'll push it over the finish line," he told E! News in April. "We're in a Y2K moment right now, when nostalgia always sells. So, I'm optimistic that the movie will get made." 

According to the 45-year-old, the follow-up film will improve the original's story in a major way. "It hits on a lot of similar themes," he said, "but through the lens of the current landscape." 

Jesse also noted that the upcoming project is more "conscientious" than the original and explained, "It's not quite as misogynistic."  

And being set years after the first film, he's looking forward to his character's storyline. 

My character has a great arc," he said. "John has a daughter, and, you know, you see how fearful he is that she's gonna get John Tuckered."

The cast first shared the exciting news during a panel at Epic Cons Chicago with the Beyond a Reasonable Doubt actor telling fans, "I've heard rumors of this script—there's a script. Apparently, it's amazing."

And Arielle, who played overachiever Carrie, chimed in that the new project would involve "all of the OG cast." As for whether John Tucker will be wearing a thong again? She cheekily responded, "We wanted to talk to you about that." 

And Jesse is down for the costume choice, replying, "I'm here for it. I can't wait to unleash this dad bod on the big screen." 

-Reporting by Jade Franks