In this imagined sequel, Paul Vitti (De Niro) has been out of prison for years and has ostensibly “gone straight,” running a legitimate business—and attending therapy sessions with psychiatrist Ben Sobel (Crystal), who is now a successful TV personality and public speaker. But old habits die hard: Vitti finds himself pulled back into the underworld when a younger mafia faction hijacks his empire and uses his legacy name to carry out a string of high‑profile crimes. Ben must decide whether to help his old friend once again—or call the authorities.

The tension in the story comes from the evolving relationship between Vitti and Ben. In the earlier films, Ben was the reluctantly dragged‑into‑mobology therapist. Now, he is a man who has built a reputation separate from Vitti’s chaos, yet his loyalty to Vitti pulls him back into the thicket. The comedic beats remain—the odd therapy sessions, the fish‑out‑of‑water moments, the clash of the mundane and the criminal—but underlying it all is a more serious question: can someone truly escape their past, and what happens when your past refuses to let you go?

The sequel would also update the world around them: law‑enforcement techniques, media attention, social media, and digital footprints all create new complications. Vitti’s attempts to stay legitimate are undermined by his once‑trusted right‑hand men now exploiting his brand online; Ben’s TV show becomes a target for scandal. The film could use these modern elements as fresh comedic fodder and as commentary on how crime and therapy have changed in the 21st century.

Thematically, this new story would revisit the core ideas of identity and transformation. Vitti’s struggle isn’t just avoiding jail—it’s about redefining himself in a world that expects the gangster boss to be one thing forever. Ben’s challenge is similarly internal: moving from therapy room to spotlight, and questioning whether he has compromised his integrity in the bargain. Their reunion forces both to question who they really are, and whether the roles they played can change.

In tone, the film would aim for smart comedy with a touch of heart, preserving the duo’s chemistry and the light‐hearted mob absurdity. It would lean into nostalgia for the original duo’s dynamic, yet attempt to give them growth and stakes. If done well, it could serve both as a throwback and as a fresh entry for new viewers.

Ultimately, if “Analyze That 2 (2025)” were to be made, it could become a story about legacy—of Vitti’s legacy in the criminal underworld, and Ben’s legacy in the public domain—and about the uneasy peace between past and future. It may not be about big shoot‑outs or high drama, but about therapy sessions, reputation management, and one last chance for two old friends to figure out whether they’re better off together—or better apart.