Dan Aykroyd Unveils the “Logical Third Act” for ‘The Blues Brothers’ (Exclusive)

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Dan Aykroyd is fired up for a new story about his beloved Blues Brothers.

Coming this fall from Z2 Comics is “The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake,” a graphic novel chronicling further escapades of the legendary characters, “Joliet” Jake Blues and his brother Elwood. Originally portrayed by the late John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd in the 1980 Universal film, “The Blues Brothers,” these brothers continue their adventures in this new story. The creative team behind the graphic novel includes Stella Aykroyd, Luke Pisano, James Werner, and artist Felipe Sobriero. Judy Belushi Pisano, wife of John Belushi and a collaborator on the book’s initial concept, unfortunately passed away during its production.

Twenty years following the events depicted in “The Escape of Joliet Jake”, the narrative centers around Elwood joining forces with a promising detective, after Jake manages to escape prison. In an exclusive preface penned for The Hollywood Reporter, Aykroyd (who played a key role in the project’s development) sheds light on why this story represents the “perfectly logical third act” for Elwood. Following this introduction, you will find four sample pages from the graphic novel.

Occasionally, I ponder the total number of public offenses and criminal charges that accumulated during Jake and Elwood’s quest to settle the illegal tax debt owed by Saint Helen of the Blessed Shroud Orphanage to the Treasurer of Cook County. While I don’t list each infraction individually, it’s safe to say we were likely involved in about fifty instances.

I’m captivated by the idea that they are considered ‘trophy prisoners.’ Figures like Dillinger, Capone, even The Blues Brothers – they’ve become legendary. Currently, they’re kept as specimens, and the authorities don’t want them released. This makes for an intriguing setting to explore their lives after growing up behind bars, following Jake and Elwood’s stories.

Elwood’s latest career, which includes a small, white square Roman Catholic clergy collar, makes perfect sense as a natural progression in his life’s journey.

When Jake suddenly disappears from the Joliet Penitentiary, triggering a chance for past debts to be repaid, the journey commences.

In this extraordinary medium for artistic storytelling, we carry on the tale of Jake and Elwood, sharing it in a manner that traditional films can’t.

This comic book maintains the essence of the Blues Brothers: it’s filled with characters who are mischievous repeat offenders, yet musical rebels, deeply passionate about the Blues. The pursuit of a Briefcase containing long-lost lyrics and music from legendary artists is a noble quest, reminiscent of the Grail.

Joliet Jake’s Escape represents the continuation of our ancestral tale, preserving the genuine essence of our initial narrative – ensuring that the unforgettable aspects are carried forward.

Beyond potential enemies, we also encounter allies who hold the Blues as a cherished cultural tradition, one that should be revered and safeguarded by everyone who admires this passionate and captivating manifestation of African-American spirit.

Please enjoy the book.

Dan Aykroyd aka “Elwood Blues”

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2025-06-12 21:55