Is it two weddings and funeral for Sione?

Oscar Kightley, Shimpal Lelisi, Robbie Magasiva and Jerome Leota filming Sione's Wedding 2. Photo / Doug Sherring

The original had marriage as its central focus, but death could play a key part in the sequel to the hit Kiwi film Sione's Wedding, which was being shot on the streets of Auckland this week.

Sione's Wedding 2 - which reunites actors Oscar Kightley, Shimpal Lelisi, Robbie Magasiva and Iaheto Ah Hi - is due for release next January.

The cast, also featuring Dave Fane and Madeleine Sami, were in action on the streets of Ponsonby this week and members of the public got a sneak preview when Magasiva, who plays stud Michael, yelled at one stage that his brother had died.

Despite filming mid-afternoon, there were not large crowds watching, though shop assistants nearby were curious.

One scene involved three men walking past fast food joint Murder Burger - which had its name changed to Chur Burger for the filming - then chasing a man down Mackelvie St on a scooter.

Traffic in nearby Ponsonby Rd was not held up during filming.

Five years older, are the four friends who caused mayhem with their party-boy attitudes in the first film any wiser?

Location assistant Damion Nathan said fans would not be disappointed. "The boys are back. It's such a fun gig to work on."

The sequel was written by James Griffin and Kightley, who wrote Sione's Wedding. It is the first feature film for director Simon Bennett, whose television credits include Outrageous Fortune.

The film's makers have been looking for Pacific Island extras through the website starnow.co.nz.

Filming will continue until May.