Once production on the dramedytelevision seriesPsych wrapped, series creator Steve Franks immediately had the idea to bring the Psych universe back in film form later on. On May 8, 2017, USA Network confirmed that a film continuation would be produced for the network,[4] directed by Franks and co-written with series star James Roday, with all the series' main cast returning.[5] All subsequent films would be ordered by and released to the streaming servicePeacock.[6]
On May 8, 2017, USA Network announced Psych: The Movie, a two-hour film continuation of Psych to air December 7, 2017.[4] All the original main cast would return for the film, which was directed by series creator Steve Franks and written by Franks and series star, James Roday Rodriguez. Zachary Levi was later announced for the film as the main villain, "Thin White Duke",[7] while Jazmyn Simon – Dulé Hill's real-life fiancée – played Selene, a romantic interest for Gus.[8] On July 5, 2017, Charlotte Flair announced that she would be in Psych: The Movie as Heather Rockrear.[9]
On June 28, 2017, former guest star Ralph Macchio joined the cast reprising his role as Nick Conforth,[10] the police academy officer who trained Shawn and Gus in season 5. Principal photography took place from May 25 to June 18[11][12] in Vancouver, British Columbia. It was later announced that Timothy Omundson would have a reduced role due to a stroke, but would still appear.[13] In addition, Kurt Fuller, John Cena and Jimmi Simpson were confirmed to be reprising their respective roles of Woody Strode, Ewan O'Hara and Mary Lightly.
On February 14, 2019, it was announced Psych: The Movie 2 was greenlit and all the main cast would return, set to premiere in 2019.[14] On April 18, 2019, it was announced Joel McHale would be joining the film, as well as Jimmi Simpson, reprising his recurring role as Mary Lightly.[15] On September 17, 2019, it was announced that the sequel had been renamed Psych 2: Lassie Come Home and would instead be airing on NBCUniversal's new streaming service, Peacock. Consequently, the film will only debut after the streaming service is launched.[16][17] In a November 2019 interview with Larry King, Timothy Omundson revealed that the film would revolve around the characters rallying together in support of Lassie's recovery following a stroke, mirroring Omundson's real-life stroke which led to his reduced presence in Psych: The Movie.[18]
On May 13, 2021, Peacock announced a third film, Psych 3: This Is Gus, with production set to begin in the summer.[19] On October 9, 2021 at New York Comic Con, it was announced the film will premiere on November 18, 2021.[20] Along with the returning main cast, Kurt Fuller would reprise his role as Woody Strode and Curt Smith would return as himself.
Future
Three further Psych films are in development, with John Cena intended to reprise his role.[21]
Launched in November 2021, Maggie Lawson and Timothy Omundson have hosted a weekly rewatch podcast of the Psych television and film series, entitled The Psychologists Are In: A Psych Rewatch.[27] Episodes include plot recaps and behind-the-scenes memories from the two hosts. The series also features interviews with cast members, guest stars, and crew members, including writers, directors, and franchise creator Steve Franks.
