Richard Kelly Hopes to Release a Third Cut of Donnie Darko
Speaking during a Reddit AMA, director Richard Kelly said a potential third version would lean closer to the 2001 theatrical release than the 2004 Director's Cut.
Director Richard Kelly said during a Reddit AMA that he hopes to eventually release a third cut of Donnie Darko, according to joblo.com. He described the proposed version as leaning closer to the theatrical release than the 2004 Director's Cut.
Kelly also said the third cut would use Echo & the Bunnymen's "The Killing Moon" at both the opening and the party sequence. The 2004 Director's Cut replaced that song with INXS' "Never Tear Us Apart" as the opening track.
Donnie Darko was released in theaters in October 2001. In 2004, Kelly released Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut, which added approximately 20 minutes of footage along with other changes.
The Philosophy of Time Travel
Separately from the proposed third cut, Kelly has spent years working on an approximately 800-page sequel novel titled The Philosophy of Time Travel, expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. He previously told Variety that he has kept in touch with the cast over the years while working on the continuation.
Quick answers
Is there a release date for the third cut of Donnie Darko?
Kelly said during a Reddit AMA that he hopes to eventually release a third cut, but no release date was given for that version. His sequel novel The Philosophy of Time Travel is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.
How would the third cut differ from the 2004 Director's Cut?
Kelly said it would lean closer to the theatrical version and would use Echo & the Bunnymen's "The Killing Moon" at both the opening and the party sequence, unlike the 2004 Director's Cut.
When was Donnie Darko released in theaters?
The film was released in theaters in October 2001, and Kelly's Director's Cut followed in 2004 with approximately 20 minutes of added footage.