By the second week of July 1995, Sony Columbia's projection team had completed the pre-production for Naughty Boys 2.
The total film budget soared to $25 million, a significant increase from the first film. After reviewing the plans, Ronald talked to Jared, excited but focused.
"Alright, Jared, this budget means we can really get the talent we want," Ronald said, clapping his friend on the shoulder. "Focus on finding actors with that raw comedic timing, the ones who aren't afraid to look ridiculous."
Jared grinned, "Consider it done, boss. I'll make sure we get the best bunch of 'naughty boys' Hollywood has to offer."
The shooting itself was completed in three and a half months. Ronald genuinely enjoyed directing the second part, finding it less grueling than his debut.
He'd grown more confident, often stepping in to guide the young actors. During one particularly raunchy scene, a young actor, MARK, struggled with a line.
"No, no, Mark," Ronald interjected, walking onto the set. "Don't just say it, feel the embarrassment! You're a deer in headlights, realizing you just insulted the girl of your dreams... and her grandmother. Give me that gut-wrenching, soul-crushing humiliation. Bigger!" Mark nailed the next take, and Ronald nodded in satisfaction.
He learned to trust his crew and delegate effectively, reserving his interventions for moments that truly shaped the performances.
He knew he could leave the rest of the production in Sony Columbia's capable hands.
Post-production wrapped up in early 1996, and Sony Columbia promptly held a special screening for industry insiders.
The movie, while following a similar storyline to its predecessor, was more chaotic and significantly more vulgar, a comedic escalation that, surprisingly, made it much better than the first part.
Naughty Boys 2 was released in the last week of February 1996. Sony invested heavily, spending $15 million on promotion. It opened in 1200 theaters, pulling in $18 million at the box office on its first weekend alone. Sony was absolutely delighted. After just one month, the total North American box office for Naughty Boys 2 had reached a staggering $56 million.
Following its domestic success, Sony released the movie worldwide, and Ronald and the cast became incredibly busy with the global film promotion.
After three months running in theaters, the film's total North American box office climbed to $92 million, with an additional $85 million from the worldwide release. It seemed poised to reach a combined total of $190 million.
To celebrate the resounding success, Sony hosted an extravagant film success party, inviting most Hollywood's A-list celebrities and many top studio executives.
Ronald found himself rubbing shoulders with stars like Tom Cruise, Denzel Washington, and Angelina Jolie, along with numerous other famous actors and "hot actresses."
He spotted Jared across the room, making his way through the crowd. "Can you believe this, Jared?" Ronald grinned, raising his glass as his friend approached.
Jared clinked his own glass. "Believe it? I'm living it! We actually pulled it off, Ron. Another hit!"
Ronald then caught the eye of Kevin Reynolds, one of his lead actors.
Kevin pushed through some admirers to reach them. "Ronald, man, thank you!" Kevin exclaimed, pulling Ronald into a quick, enthusiastic hug. "My phone hasn't stopped ringing! You made us all stars!"
Ronald just laughed, "You guys made the movie, Kevin. I just pointed the camera."
He also met executives from the "Big Six" studios, all eager for him to direct a movie for their respective companies.
His agent, Paul Jackson, was practically bursting with pride and excitement. He had secured a truly bankable director client, and his reputation within CAA had skyrocketed. Even Michael Ovitz, the legendary CAA boss, publicly praised Paul for his achievements.
Norio Ohga, the CEO of Sony Columbia, had his high expectations for Naughty Boys 2 not just met, but exceeded.
He now knew this film could indeed spawn a successful series. Amy Pascal, who had taken the project under her wing, proved instrumental. After discussions with her, Ronald wasted no time, immediately calling two scriptwriters for the next sequel. He provided them with the "hotline"—the core concept for the sequel—and they were expected to complete the script in just one month.