Movie sequels are all the rage in Hollywood

PARIS: Sequels to cult movies continue to captivate audiences and score success at the box office.

The ‘Gladiator’ sequel has been a big hit in theatres since its US release on Nov 22.

The exceptional US box-office grosses over Thanksgiving weekend for “Moana 2” and “Gladiator II” bear witness to the moviegoers’ enthusiasm for these sequels to successful films.

Reviving the hit movie franchises of the 2000s

Several sequels to cult movies have already been announced and are planned for the coming years.

Among them, sequels to the films of the 2000s are particularly noteworthy, including “Scream 7,” which sees the return of Neve Campbell. The saga’s cult actress has decided to return to the project, despite salary-related issues, following Jenna Ortega’s exit.

Meanwhile, “Freakier Friday,” starring Lindsay Lohan, is a sequel to the popular 2003 comedy “Freaky Friday,” and is eagerly awaited by fans. The cult actress of the 2000s will once again share the screen with Jamie Lee Curtis and Chad Michael Murray when the movie hits US theatres on August 9, 2025.

Renée Zellweger will reprise her role as Bridget Jones, alongside “One Day” star Leo Woodall and Hugh Grant. The comedy is the fourth instalment in the “Bridget Jones” franchise, and is scheduled for release in February 2025.

Movies that won’t be getting sequels

For fans and creators of hit movies, sequels are always a double-edged sword, laced with the fear of failing to live up to expectations. As a result, not all sequels see the light of day.

A case in point is the planned sequel to “Notting Hill,” starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, which has now been scrapped. According to The Hollywood Reporter, screenwriter Richard Curtis said the idea had been shelved due to creative differences after proposing a divorce between the characters played by Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.

Despite his sequel to “Beetlejuice,” Tim Burton said at the Marrakech International Film Festival that he would not be doing the same for “Edward Scissorhands.”

“I didn’t want to make a sequel to that because it felt like a one-off thing. I didn’t want to have a sequel for ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ because it also felt like a one-off thing. Certain things are best left on their own, and that, for me, is one of them.”

Conclusion

The trend of movie sequels shows no signs of slowing down, with many fans eagerly anticipating the next instalment in their favourite franchises. While not all sequels are successful, the ones that are can bring in big box-office numbers and delight audiences.

FAQs

Q: What are some of the upcoming movie sequels?
A: Some of the upcoming movie sequels include “Scream 7,” “Freakier Friday,” and the fourth instalment in the “Bridget Jones” franchise.

Q: Why are movie sequels so popular?
A: Movie sequels are popular because they allow fans to return to their favourite universes and continue a cinematic experience that initially enthralled them.

Q: Are all movie sequels successful?
A: No, not all movie sequels are successful. Some may fail to live up to expectations, while others may be well-received by audiences.