“Waiting to Exhale 2” (2025): A Long-Awaited Return of Courage, Connection, and Sisterhood

Nearly three decades after the timeless Waiting to Exhale (1995) captured hearts worldwide, talk of a sequel continues to ignite hope—and spark reflection. Fans yearn for a follow-up that revisits the lives of Savannah, Gloria, Robin, and Bernadine in ways both transformative and authentic. While whispers about a 2025 reprise swirl, let’s explore the origins, emotional stakes, and what’s actually possible now.

From Page to Screen and Back Again

The journey began with Terry McMillan’s groundbreaking novel Waiting to Exhale (1992). Its 1995 film adaptation—directed by Forest Whitaker and starring Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon—became a touchstone for Black women, weaving stories of heartbreak, resilience, and friendship.

Years later, McMillan revisited these characters in her 2010 sequel novel, Getting to Happy, set 15 years after the original. The book explores life in Phoenix as the four women confront divorce, grief, addiction, and single parenting—all while rediscovering joy through sisterhood and self-love. Themes of self-growth and the power of friendship remain at its heart.

A Film That Almost Was

In the early 2010s, Hollywood buzzed with potential. Plans were underway for a screen adaptation of Getting to Happy, with McMillan co-writing the script and Forest Whitaker in talks to return as director. Angela Bassett confirmed that the original principal cast members—even Whitney Houston—were on board.

McMillan herself took to Twitter in 2010 to say, “We are working on the script for HAPPY… probably on screens in 2012”. But tragedy struck: Whitney Houston’s death in early 2012 effectively halted the project. Without Savannah, the story felt incomplete, and plans were put on indefinite pause.

A Cultural Weight Beyond the Screen

What remains unforgettable is how deeply Exhale resonated. Online, fans still reminisce:

“They had everything planned… but because Whitney Houston passed away… the movie was cancelled.”
“A sequel with Whitney would’ve definitely worked.”
“Read Getting to Happy—at least we can follow their lives in the book.”

These reflections underscore the emotional legacy of the film: the feeling that these characters weren’t just fictional—they were friends through the screen, navigating real pain and triumph.

What’s Next? TV Twist & Unlikely Revival

While the film sequel remains dormant, revival dreams live on in another form. In late 2020, it was announced that ABC is developing a Waiting to Exhale TV series—executive-produced by Lee Daniels and backed by 20th Television. This isn’t a direct continuation but rather a reinvention, potentially shifting focus to a new generation while honoring the original spirit.

The Real Score: No Waiting to Exhale 2 (2025) Yet

Although many fans have long awaited a return to the world of Waiting to Exhale, the reality is more nuanced. Terry McMillan’s sequel novel, Getting to Happy, was published in 2010, offering readers a heartfelt continuation of the characters’ journeys in print. Between 2010 and 2012, plans for a film sequel were indeed in motion, but the project was ultimately canceled following the untimely passing of Whitney Houston, one of the original film’s stars. More recently, a TV series reboot has been in development with Lee Daniels and ABC, keeping the story’s legacy alive for a new audience. However, as of now, there has been no official confirmation or release plans for a film titled Waiting to Exhale 2 (2025).

The idea of Waiting to Exhale 2 is more than an entertainment concept—it’s a shared dream of healing, growth, and continuity. The sequel fit the emotional age of its characters and a hunger among viewers to witness mature, nuanced stories of Black women living, loving, and emerging stronger.

But while that film hasn’t materialized, its influence endures. Through McMillan’s novel, social chatter, and now the potential TV reboot, the legacy continues to breathe. If you’re looking to reconnect with these characters, Getting to Happy offers a powerful glimpse into what could have been—and what still might be, in form or spirit.