Mallrats 2 screenwriter and director Kevin Smith revealed on a recent podcast that the film will introduce six new characters.

"Right now there are 18 returning characters from Mallrats," Smith said. "Of the 18 characters, 15 [actors] are confirmed to return."

The challenge for Smith is trying to balance all of the storylines for those 18 returning characters, "plus, 6 new characters who have their own storylines."

To get his creative juices flowing, Smith watched a lot of Mad Men. The highly-acclaimed AMC television series is light years different from Mallrats, but Smith is inspired by the show's quality of excellence.

Smith also felt the need to find out where the current bar is set on comedies and watched Phil Lord and Chris Miller's 21 Jump Street film for the first time. He was shocked that that a mainstream comedy would have a seen involving a man picking up his own severed equipment with his mouth.

Listen to Smith's comment starting at the 14-minute mark in the audio clip below.

Mallrats 2 begins filming later this year.