There used to be a more modest time in cinema where sequels were a rarity. Now, directors are deemed unprepared if they head into their movie without putting sequel and franchise opportunities into consideration. Sequels and spinning films into long-lasting series have definitely become the norm. There’s a severe lack of original stories in Hollywood at the moment because the public has truly gone crazy over the prospect of further chapters to their favorite stories.
Sequels used to be viewed as classless cash grabs, and while that assumption is still true in some cases, the reputation regarding sequels has largely changed over the years. Sequels are no longer guaranteed to be inferior than their predecessors and, if anything, the filmmakers work even harder to top what came before them due to the added pressure of these feats.
This is not always the case, but with follow-up movies becoming increasingly common, it’s easier to embrace the idea than rebel against it. Fandoms have become king as of late and this has certainly caused a positive influence on the medium if it translates to sequels and more adventures for everyone’s favorite characters.
Since we now live in a franchise friendly world, it feels more inevitable than surprising when the latest sequel gets announced. As a result, it can be easy to lose track of all of the sequels projects that are coming out and which popular stories aren’t quite finished. Everyone knows that the latest superhero series have plenty installments on the horizon, but what else is out there?
With that said, here are the 20 Sequels Currently In Development (And 10 Possibilities)!
In Development: Sherlock Holmes 3
There was once a simpler time when Robert Downey Jr. wasn’t a major figurehead for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and his biggest claim to fame was bringing Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s beloved detective to life.
The first two Sherlock Holmes did quite well and Guy Ritchie’s aggressive style somehow meshed well with Holmes’ more contemplative nature.
In spite of the movies’ success, once Robert Downey Jr. became Iron Man, his priorities shifted and suddenly not as many people were eager for more Sherlock Holmes. Opinions have finally swung back around and both Downey Jr. and Jude Law are set to return for another mystery.
In Development: The Expendables 4 (And Beyond)
Sylvester Stallone’s ultra mash-up of testosterone powerhouses has done well enough to garner three increasingly Expendables movies. The series lost a little steam after the third film’s release and Stallone’s own interest even briefly wavered before he reconfirmed his commitment.
Stallone has been open about not only Expendables 4, but that an Expendables 5 is also very much on his mind. Stallone even cites individuals like Pierce Brosnan and Hulk Hogan as possible names that could join the series.
Admittedly, Expendables 4 has taken some time to get going and while it doesn’t have a set release date, production on the film is set to begin very soon.
Possibility: Brave 2
Brave snuck under the radar, but it provided a strong female protagonist that audiences haven’t forgotten. As sequels in the Pixar universe have become less taboo, the idea of a Brave sequel naturally came up in discussion.
However, there really hasn’t been too much confirmation that a sequel is officially on the table.
The closest news of a Brave 2 is that there’s been veiled talk about writing a sequel from Brave’s writer. The first film found enough of an audience that it wouldn’t be a surprise. It takes so long to make these animated films that Pixar may just be ramping up to an official announcement
In Development: World War Z 2
World War Z was a perfectly serviceable zombie film that turned up the mayhem and gave Brad Pitt a place to further show off his action chops. The apocalyptic film made an impression with audiences, but it hardly became the defining zombie film of the genre. That being said, its sequel very well might earn such an honor because it’s managed to snag David Fincher as its director, much to everyone’s surprise.
Pitt was able to entice his long-time collaborator David Fincher to provide a creative take for the zombie sequel. The film continues to face delays, but Fincher remains committed and confident that it’ll be his next project after he completes Mindhunter’s second season.
In Development: Death Note 2
Netflix deserves a lot of credit for the wide range of projects that it takes on for its film slate. The streaming service isn’t afraid to embrace riskier endeavors, like live-action anime adaptations, for instance.
Adam Wingard’s original Death Note Netflix film experienced a rocky reception with its audience. However, the mysterious metrics behind how the streaming service gages popularity has deemed a sequel necessary. It’s unclear if Death Note 2 will continue the same story or look at a new set of characters caught up in their own “Death Note” scenario, but it’s apparently happening and Wingard has several ideas for the follow-up. As long as Willem Dafoe returns…
Possibility: American Pie 5
American Reunion, the fourth film in the American Pie series (if you don’t count all of those direct-to-video spinoffs…), didn’t cause that much of an uproar and it came up back in 2012.
There may not be an extreme demand for a sequel, but in this age where nostalgia is golden there have certainly been stranger sequel announcements.
Tentative American Pie 5 plans could take the gang to Las Vegas with another sort of coming of age event acting as the cause. There really hasn’t been much of a discussion over this, but Tara Reid has implied that the idea is at least being entertained by some people.
In Development: Die Hard: Year One (Die Hard 6)
The first two sequels to Die Hard are far from perfect, but the original trilogy still holds up in the pantheon of action movies. The next two Die Hard films are seen with much less favorable receptions, but the idea for the latest entry could be the most reviled yet.
Die Hard: Year One will be John McClane’s unnecessary “origin story” and much of the film will actually be a flashback to McClane’s earlier days on the force. The film will utilize a dual narrative, which means Willis is only in half of the movie. This seems to miss the point of the series entirely, but maybe it’ll tap into something unique.
In Development: How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
The adventurous fantasy-based computer-animated movie series, How To Train Your Dragon has found such a following that it’s even spawned a popular Netflix series that carries on the lore. The How To Train Your Dragon pictures have carefully shown the series’ characters mature in a very thoughtful way.
It took some time to bring the final chapter in this story together, but it looks to be a hefty, respectful installment.
How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World will notably not only act as the conclusion to the film series, but the television series, too. This promises to be quite the epic event and its February 2019 release date can’t come soon enough.
Possibility: Jigsaw 2
Before the horror genre moved on and crowned a new king, there was a steady period of time where there would be a yearly Saw film to bring in Halloween. The series lied dormant for seven years, but Jigsaw brought the psychotic franchise back in a big way. The movie may not have been a critical darling, but it did well enough at the box office to prompt discussions about continuing this “reboot” of the series.
Apparently there are vague story ideas in place that will continue to complicate the series’ already dense mythology. More will surely materialize on this, but it doesn’t seem to be a priority at the moment.
In Development: Creep 3
Audience’s reception to the found footage genre of horror will always be in flux, but as long as it has a strong story to use as its foundation, the sub-genre has the potential for big rewards.
Patrick Brice and Mark Duplass’ humble movie, Creep, is the perfect model of the less is more approach. The film gets by on tension, minimalistic filmmaking, and the performances of the actors. Creep 2 surprisingly doesn’t drop the ball and presents a very satisfying follow-up to the original creepy, classic.
Brice and Duplass have discussed turning Creep into a trilogy, but now production has finally begun on Creep 3 and the writing stage is underway!
Possibility: Passion Of The Christ 2 (The Resurrection)
Of all the sequels that seem the most unnecessary and gratuitous, a follow-up to Mel Gibson’s controversial The Passion of the Christ definitely tops the list. Gibson has made an honest go as of late as a director and there’s no denying that his religious film brought in a lot of money.
A sequel to The Passion of the Christ that would focus on Jesus’ resurrection has been on Gibson’s mind for a few years, but now the project may actually happen.
Development on The Resurrection has gained slow, yet steady, traction over the past few years and Jim Caviezel, the film’s Jesus, has been vocal about his desire to return to the role.
In Development: Avatar 2
James Cameron is always a filmmaker that hasn’t been afraid to shoot for the moon The ambitious director’s most intense project is without a doubt his Avatar movies and the new standard he hopes to set with them. The original Avatar revolutionized 3D technology in movie, but the film came out almost a decade ago and Avatar fever has cooled off.
In spite of this, Cameron is still hard at work on Avatar 2 and its December 2020 release date. The first sequel will apparently explore the seas of Pandora, but Cameron has been vocal about his extensive plans for three more sequels if the first one is lucrative. Talk about a gamble.
In Development: Frozen 2
Sometimes instant classics that are loved by everyone like to play it safe and not even consider the idea of sequels. However, when you’re dealing with the most popular animated movie of all time, then it stands to reason that a follow-up picture is going to happen and that it’ll probably be sooner than later.
While Frozen 2 is a done deal, this is a delicate project that wasn’t rushed into theaters. Writer and co-director Jennifer Lee is returning and the script is apparently already finished. Lee and Chris Buck will direct, with Peter del Vecho producing once again. Why mess with success, right?
Possibility: MacGruber 2
Saturday Night Alive alum Will Forte’s MacGruber may have seemed like an unusual sketch to turn into a full-length film, but it’s gained a cult status over the years. Those that love MacGruber truly love this film and Forte and the Lonely Island crew who helped him write and direct the movie remain committed to another offering.
They really want to make this movie.
Forte drops a few hints on MacGruber 2 every so often, but nothing official. For what it’s worth, the script is apparently written and Forte now has more free time since his series, Last Man on Earth is over. What are they waiting for.
In Development: Terminator 6
The Terminator franchise has been persistent about reviving itself over the past decade and while the various sequels and reboots haven’t always worked, the public has already been hungry for more of these time-traveling robots.
The past two Terminator movies have struggled to recapture what made the original movies work so well, it seems like Terminator 6 could finally put the series back on track. For one, James Cameron is back in a big way to help shape the story and produce the movie, with Deadpool’s Tim Miller in the director’s chair. However, the big surprise is that Linda Hamilton is back as Sarah Connor and she has Arnie in tow, too!
Possibility: Now You See Me 3
The first two Now You See Me films find a wonderfully fun environment to play around with by mashing up magic traits with heist sensibilities and an A-list cast.
Production of Now You See Me 2 went into work very quickly after the original, but Now You See Me 3 is taking more time with its approach. The third movie in the series was announced not long after Now You See Me 2, but with the very busy schedules of everyone involved, it’s understandable that production has slowed down. The movie may not be a priority at the moment, but it’s still very much in motion.
In Development: Bill & Ted Face The Music
Not all franchises need to be big and flashy. Some just have personality and make an impression on audiences. The slacker duo, Bill and Ted, surely don’t need another movie, but the property has continually come up with revival talks through the years.
A third Bill & Ted has gotten close to production a number of times, but with Keanu Reeves arguably at the height of popularity, the project is happening.
Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon are back to write the script and Dean Parisot (Galaxy Quest) is set to direct the long-awaited sequel, which promises to maintain the same energy and earnestness as the original movies. Production is expected to begin in early 2019.
Possibility: The Nun 2
James Wan’s The Conjuring made a big mark in the realm of horror, but nobody expected these properties to be so popular that they would spring their own connected universe that’s collectively grossed over one billion dollars.
The Nun is the latest entry in the series and even though it wasn’t the most critically hailed films in the franchise, it saw the best opening for any of the Conjuring movies. Even before the release of The Nun there was talk over how there is already an idea for the sequel that would help bring the series “full circle.” It’s likely that will now get to happen.
In Development: The Jungle Book 2
Jon Favreau’s motion capture adaptation of The Jungle Book caught both audiences and critics by surprise Favreau had assembled an all-star cast and created a unique interpretation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale. Favreau’s addition to the Disney canon was merely the beginning of a story in many ways, so Favreau plans to continue that journey with a sequel, albeit in a creative way.
Screenwriter, Justin Marks, says that the script for The Jungle Book 2 will explore other Rudyard Kipling novels and even dig into rejected ideas from the original animated film for inspiration. A big deep dive into the history of this property could be exactly what a return to this world needs.
Possibility: Murder On The Orient Express 2 (Death On The Nile)
Kenneth Branagh hasn't officially signed on for a sequel to his popular Agatha Christie adaptation, Murder on the Orient Express, but he's expected to both star and direct once again. Michael Green will also return to write the script, but beyond that the specifics are unknown.
It will be hard to assemble a cast as talented and eclectic as the one that appeared in the first movie, but Branagh is surely up to the challenge.
Murder on the Orient Express did so well for Twentieth Century Fox that a sequel isn't a big surprise, especially when the source material is already written. This one is still in the earliest stages.