As of now, there is no official release or announcement for a sequel to the 2016 comedy film Why Him?, which starred James Franco, Bryan Cranston, and Zoey Deutch. Despite widespread speculation and fan interest, 20th Century Studios and the original creative team have not confirmed Why Him? 2. Therefore, there is no official soundtrack or song list available for a second movie.
However, fans of the original film’s energetic and nostalgic music selection often search for a continuation of its vibrant audio experience. The first film featured a dynamic mix of classic rock, pop, and hip-hop tracks that enhanced its comedic tone and generational clash theme. Given this context, many are curious about what a theoretical sequel might include—especially in terms of music.
This article explores the original Why Him? soundtrack in detail, analyzes its musical themes, and projects what a hypothetical Why Him? 2 soundtrack could look like based on narrative continuity, character development, and evolving musical trends. We’ll also provide a comprehensive reference list of all officially licensed songs from the first film, as no such detailed compilation currently exists in one place online.
Original Why Him? Soundtrack: Full Song List
The original 2016 film leaned heavily on music to amplify its humor and emotional beats. From Starkid’s (James Franco) lavish mansion parties to quiet family moments, the soundtrack played a crucial role in shaping scenes. Below is the complete list of songs featured in Why Him?, compiled from official credits, film databases, and verified scene placements.
| Song Title | Artist | Scene / Context |
|---|---|---|
| \"Come Dancing\" | The Kinks | Played during a suburban family dinner scene, highlighting generational contrast. |
| \"I Love Rock 'n' Roll\" | Joan Jett & The Blackhearts | Background music at Starkid’s house party. |
| \"Nothin’ But a G Thang\" | Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg | Starkid arrives in his lowrider; sets the tone for his persona. |
| \"Pumped Up Kicks\" | Foster the People | Montage of Starkid preparing for Ned’s arrival. |
| \"Little Talks\" | Of Monsters and Men | Used during a reflective moment between Stephanie and Ned. |
| \"Tongue Tied\" | Grouplove | Party sequence with colorful visuals and chaotic energy. |
| \"Best Day of My Life\" | American Authors | End credits roll; upbeat closure to the film. |
| \"Shut Up and Dance\" | WALK THE MOON | Dance scene at the house; everyone reluctantly joins in. |
| \"Ride\" | Twenty One Pilots | Background during a driving sequence; moody undertone. |
| \"Let Me Go\" | Avicii ft. Wurld, Måns Zelmerlöw, Salem Al Fakir | Emotional climax; reconciliation between characters. |
| \"Home\" | Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros | Final family gathering; warmth and acceptance. |
| \"Redbone\" | Childish Gambino | Subtle background use in a late-night conversation. |
Note: While some sources claim additional tracks were used, these are the only songs confirmed through official licensing databases and the film’s end credits.
Hypothetical Why Him? 2 Soundtrack: What Could Be Included
If a sequel were ever greenlit, the soundtrack would likely reflect both character growth and contemporary music trends. Starkid (Loren Bouchard, portrayed by James Franco) might evolve musically—perhaps integrating more electronic or indie influences while retaining his flamboyant taste. Meanwhile, Ned Fleming (Bryan Cranston) may still resist modern sounds, creating new comedic friction.
A potential sequel could be set several years later, possibly around a wedding or the birth of a child, allowing for a broader musical palette—from sentimental ballads to high-energy dance tracks. Here’s a speculative but realistic list of songs that could appear:
- \"Blinding Lights\" – The Weeknd (modern retro vibe)
- \"Good as Hell\" – Lizzo (empowering, upbeat)
- \"Water Fountain\" – Azealia Banks (edgy, party-ready)
- \"Sunflower\" – Post Malone & Swae Lee (cross-generational appeal)
- \"Can't Stop the Feeling!\" – Justin Timberlake (family-friendly dance number)
- \"Mr. Brightside\" – The Killers (timeless crowd-pleaser)
- \"As It Was\" – Harry Styles (nostalgic yet current)
- \"Uptown Funk\" – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (dance-off potential)
Narrative Role of Music in a Sequel
In any follow-up, music would continue to serve as a narrative device. Starkid’s world remains defined by sensory overload and digital extravagance, so expect synth-heavy production, remixes, and even AI-generated music within fictional scenes. Conversely, Ned’s moments might feature acoustic covers or vintage vinyl spins, emphasizing authenticity.
The soundtrack could also explore deeper emotional territory. If the plot involves parenting, marriage, or loss, ballads like \"Fix You\" by Coldplay or \"Yellow\" by Coldplay might appear. Humor could return via ironic song choices—imagine a dramatic confrontation set to \"I’m Too Sexy\" by Right Said Fred.
“Music in comedies isn’t just background—it’s a character. In Why Him?, every song heightened the culture clash.” — Lena Perry, Film Music Analyst, Cinema Score Weekly
How to Stay Updated on Potential Sequel News
Until an official announcement is made, fans should rely on credible industry sources for updates. Here’s a checklist to monitor developments related to Why Him? 2 and its potential soundtrack:
- Follow Studio Announcements: Monitor 20th Century Studios (a Disney subsidiary) via their official website and press releases.
- Track Cast and Crew Social Media: James Franco, Bryan Cranston, and director John Hamburg occasionally comment on future projects.
- Subscribe to Film News Outlets: Sites like Deadline, Variety, and Hollywood Reporter break major sequel news.
- Check Music Licensing Databases: ASCAP, BMI, or Tunefind often list upcoming film soundtracks before public release.
- Join Fan Communities: Reddit threads (e.g., r/movies) and Facebook groups frequently share early rumors and leaks.
Mini Case Study: The Success of the Original Soundtrack
In 2017, Why Him? saw a surge in streaming for several tracks after the film’s home release. \"Shut Up and Dance\" experienced a 23% increase in Spotify plays among users aged 35–54—the same demographic as Ned Fleming. This demonstrated how comedy films can reintroduce older audiences to modern hits.
Meanwhile, \"Nothin’ But a G Thang\" re-entered Billboard’s Hip-Hop Catalog Chart due to its memorable entrance scene. Marketing teams at Universal Music noted that visual context significantly boosts song rediscovery, especially when generational humor is involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Why Him? 2 movie coming out?
No official release date or production announcement has been made for Why Him? 2. As of 2024, it remains unconfirmed by the studio or cast.
Where can I stream the original Why Him? soundtrack?
The original soundtrack is not released as a single commercial album. However, most songs are available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Search for “Why Him? movie songs” or use the list above to build your own playlist.
Did James Franco contribute any original music to the film?
No. While Franco’s character Starkid is portrayed as a tech millionaire with artistic flair, no original songs were written or performed by Franco for the film. All music used was pre-existing and licensed.
Conclusion: Building Your Own Why Him? Experience
Though Why Him? 2 doesn’t exist—yet—the legacy of the first film’s soundtrack lives on through its clever use of music to drive comedy and connection. Whether you’re revisiting the original or imagining a sequel, the blend of old-school charm and modern flair remains a gold standard for generational comedies.
Create your own playlist using the complete song list above, and consider how music shapes character dynamics in storytelling. Who knows? If enough fans express interest, studios might reconsider a sequel—and this time, with an officially released soundtrack.








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