Darryl Stephen & Jensen Atwood on Tying the Knot (On Film, That Is)

Like their "Sex and the City" counterparts, the men of Noah's Arc have graduated to the big screen with an adventure that rewards fans with all the high drama of reunited friends, revealed secrets and a wedding that might or might not happen. Could this be the end of Noah's story arc - or is it the beginning of a new chapter in an ongoing saga that still has legs? Time, and the box office success of Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom, will tell.

Either way, it's a good thing forward-thinking director and co-writer Patrik-Ian Polk set the wedding of Noah and Wade in picturesque Martha's Vineyard - far away from the complications of Proposition 8 and the series' usual Los Angeles setting. Perhaps that will shield their nuptials from the threat of eventual invalidation at the hands of a hostile electorate.

Meanwhile, though, series stars Darryl Stephens and Jensen Atwood hope positive reviews from fans will lead to more films or a return to its roots on LOGO (where the show distinguished itself as the all-gay network's first scripted series). EDGE recently spoke with Stephens and Atwood about getting back together with the guys.

Darryl Stephens, (series protagonist Noah) describes screening the film, with an audience at its Los Angeles premiere: "It was really exciting to watch the reactions of people seeing it for the first time. They really loved it." Granted, most of those who expressed their enthusiasm "were diehard fans; but even some who were new to it loved the film."

Stephens gives the film some love of his own, praising Ian-Polk's ability to "take all the things that did work about the series and highlight them." The end result, he says, makes for a feature film that's "more nuanced and better (than the series). The drama works better." He also has high praise for Rodney Chester (Alex), whose work he describes as "on point. . .he brings to it a whole new level of brilliant comedy timing."

For Jensen Atwood (Noah's impending hubby Wade), the film was a welcome chance "to get back with the cast. I've known these guys since before we shot any of Noah's Arc." Atwood is pleased with how time has treated the characters - always at the core of Noah's appeal (along with the frequent lack of shirts).

Revisiting their dynamic and thrusting the group into the uncharted territory of gay marriage resulted in the chance to show fans "some in-depth information as to who they are and why they do some of the things they do." The feature film-level increase in the usual dose of sex, drama and dilemmas "keeps you excited and makes sure there are no dull moments."

In a further effort to keep you excited, it's worth noting that Atwood has been traveling to promote his 16-month 2009 calendar (which you can find out about through his MySpace page). From MySpace feedback and elsewhere, Atwood says he still receives comments from fans of the TV series, who "feel validated within themselves. Before 'Noah's Arc,' they didn't see characters that portrayed their lifestyle."

But will Stephens, Atwood and the rest of the cast get the chance to continue those portrayals? According to Stephens, "There's been no talk of a third season. That rumor has been based on the hopes of the fans." And although the suits from LOGO have yet to bring up the topic, he remains optimistic based on box office numbers from the movie and fan reaction. Still, "When you see it, the film is very much like the final chapter. But if there's a 'Sex and the City' sequel, there could be one for 'Noah's Arc.'"

Atwood says he's "definitely up for more films" and notes, like Stephens, that making movies is "a business where numbers speak louder than words. If people come out in droves, I don't see why they wouldn't invest more in the 'Noah's Arc' brand." Atwood also holds out hope for a possible return to the small screen as bisexual warlock Griff on the here! network series Dante's Cove. "I did receive a call that asked if I wanted to be a part of it, and my answer was yes." But Atwood says a fourth season depends on the status of SAG contract negotiations. Ah, Hollywood. It's amazing anything ever gets done in that town!

Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom is currently playing in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Detroit, Houston, Palm Springs and Ocean City, New Jersey. For more information about playdates and the DVD release visit Jumping the Broom" webpage on the Logo website.