Camila Mendes, Leslie Bibb Shooting ‘Upgraded 2’ in Venice, Where Biennale Art Show Is Part of Rom-Com’s Storyline

Shooting is underway in Venice on “Upgraded 2,” the sequel to Amazon MGM Studios’ buzzy 2024 rom-com “Upgraded” that, as announced, is set to star Leslie Bibb alongside Camila Mendes.

Mendes is returning to the franchise as Ana Santos, an intern at a New York City auction house who feigns a higher job status after she is upgraded to first class on her flight to London. During the flight, she impresses a wealthy young Englishman named William who is connected to the high-society art world, played by Archie Renaux.

In the sequel to the modern-day “Cinderella” tale, on which cameras started rolling in Venice on Oct. 21, Ana is now seemingly seeking to make her mark at the Venice Biennale art exhibition, the world’s oldest contemporary art fair. Becca Gleason, who is helming the sequel — taking over from “Upgraded” director Carlson Young — has been shooting on the terrace of Ca’ Giustinian, the Biennale headquarters that overlook the lagoon’s Grand Canal; in the neo-Gothic Palazzo Franchetti near the Accademia bridge, which serves as a Biennale exhibition space; and at the luxurious Moro Venice restaurant. So far, there are no indications on what Bibb’s role is.

Luke Roberts and Justin Matthews, who penned the first film, also wrote the screenplay for the sequel.

Besides Venice and the Biennale, “Upgraded 2″ will have a decidedly Italian flavor. Following 12 days of shooting on the lagoon, principal photography will move to Rome where 33 more days of shooting are planned, according to Italy for Movies, the country’s national portal for film and TV production locations and incentives. The production designer is Italy’s Luca Tranchino (“Prison Break,” “Domina”). The Italian company serving as executive producer on the sequel is Colorado Film.

Producers on “Upgraded 2″ include Mike Karz and Bill Bindley for Gulfstream Pictures, Mendes and Rachel Matthews for Honor Role, Lena Roklin for Luber Roklin Entertainment and Piers Tempest for Tempo Production.