Here Edward Burns is, skipping lightly over a 30 year gap, writing, directing and co-starring in “The Family McMullen,” Friday’s sequel to what still stands as one of the most astonishing debuts in Hollywood history.

Burns, now 57, was a lowly production assistant on “Entertainment Tonight” when Robert Redford came to promote his movie “Quiz Show.”

Burns broke protocol to ask this legendary supporter of independent American cinema if he would read this script he’d written.

He did. Burns then was able to finance, produce, direct and co-star in “The Brothers McMullen.” Made with financial help from his dad, a cop, and a cast who worked for free, “The Brothers McMullen” filmed in his Valley Stream, Long Island, home and revolved around his own Irish Catholic upbringing.

Redford invited “Brothers” to his Sundance Film Festival where it not only won the Grand Prize but a distribution deal that saw the no-budget film gross $19.3 million worldwide.

A sequel, Burns said in a Zoom interview, wasn’t initially possible.

“I started to work on a script but, quite honestly, I couldn’t crack it. I didn’t know what to do with those characters.”

Flash forward to years later, “I read an article about how many 20somethings were moving back in with their parents because of the shortage of affordable housing and living rent free so they could buy their first homes.

“I thought, maybe that’s something I can work with as the ‘McMullen’ sequel. I wanted Connie Britton back. So, I made her a widow, to give her a bigger part.

“Fortunately for me, when the script was done, I took it to Warner Brothers HBO Max and they said, ‘Yes.’ ”

The two “McMullen” films are bookended with two Thanksgivings. “I like the idea of this disjointed family coming back together.”

Another idea was a nod to what 30 additional years means to your life.

“When I wrote ‘Brothers McMullen’ I was 23 years old, a kid. That film ends with a very idealistic look at relationships and love. Connie’s Molly forgives Jack for his infidelities — and it ends on a kiss.”

As do the other two brothers’ couples. “It was all very romantic. I knew when I cracked this story open again, I didn’t want any of those relationships to have survived.

“These characters all end up in a place where, with fractured families and all so much older, they’re alone.

“Then I like the idea for it to be a feel good movie that celebrates the importance of family, togetherness and forgiveness. The first ended on an idealistic high note.

“I wanted this to be a family that figured things out. Everything’s all right.”

“The Family McMullen” airs on HBO Max Dec. 5

A scene from “The Family McMullen.” (Photo HBO Max)