Film franchises that never were

Matthew Anderson Thu, Jun 25, 2009 at 12:41 PM EST

Gotta agree and disagree with the first comment fro Sequelitis.

Right: Some franchises do too many rehashes
Wrong: Not due to running out of ideas, but because they are there to make money on the back of the original movie. Bad movie or not, they know they will rake it in.

Matthew Anderson
Head of franchises dept

Sequelitis Fri, Jun 29, 2007 at 10:54 PM EST

Some franchises hung around a bit too long (Austin Powers in Goldmember comes to mind), but this is usually due to either running out of good ideas (like Spiderman 3), or, in the case of Goldmember, they took the jokes cut out from the pt 1 & 2 scripts and slapped them together to try and make a semi-coherent storyline.

chris Fri, May 18, 2007 at 04:07 PM EST

ive had this discussion with my friends in the past
heres a small list of films that my friends and i swear were never made ( even though a visit to blockbuster or netflix claims otherwise)

caddyshack 2
ghostbusters 2
robocop 3
home alone 3
matrix 3
( are you seeing a trend here with 3 being in the title of the last few on my list)
trilogies usually only hold up if there is still untold storylines to wrap up from the previous installments. and the same goes for sequels. the rehashin of the same plot lines but with new characters just doesnt do it
I mean caddyshack 2
that was just a perfectly good waste of film. Jackie mason is in no way as close to funny as rodney and once you throw randy quaid in there, forget about it.
let the classics stand the test of time and leave the sequelization alone already

ThePulp.Net Thu, May 17, 2007 at 10:44 AM EST

Speaking of Sam Raimi, he's purchased the film rights to The Shadow, Doc Savage and other pulp heroes. So there may be a series in there yet. Darkman was apparently Raimi's version of The Shadow when he was unable to get the rights originally.

ThePulp.Net Thu, May 17, 2007 at 10:42 AM EST

Speaking of Sam Raimi, he's purchased the film rights to The Shadow, Doc Savage and other pulp heroes. So there may be a series in there yet. Darkman was apparently Raimi's version of The Shadow when he was unable to get the rights originally.

Whatthe? Thu, May 17, 2007 at 09:05 AM EST

How is Panic Room a remake of Home Alone?

maple jenny Wed, May 16, 2007 at 09:43 PM EST

Sorry, principle.

Maple Jenny Wed, May 16, 2007 at 09:42 PM EST

Man, I have to disagree with Jurassic Park 2 being good--just on principal. In the first book, the mathematician (Jeff Goldblum) dies. Buried. Obviously sensing a lost opportunity (pun intended), Crichton miraculously and with no explanation resurrects him for a second book that became Jurassic Park 2, the movie. I can't like that. Nobody should.

Juliana Wed, May 16, 2007 at 07:14 PM EST

Worst sequels:
The Sting 2
Staying Alive
Highlander 2
Matrix 2
Godfather 3
all the new Star Wars movies
Robocop 2
Panic Room (remake of Home Alone)

Alex Wed, May 16, 2007 at 07:08 PM EST

Thanks for the She Creatures info, AD. Sounds awesome. Love Rufus Sewell. While we're at it, why not have Carla G play Catwoman for Tamara's sequel?
A good idea, no? Carla Gugino in a catsuit. Smart AND sexy.

Movie Buff Wed, May 16, 2007 at 06:57 PM EST

I loved The Last Boyscout with Bruce Willis and Damon Wayans when I was a kid. There was a good set up at the end of the movie for a sequel.

CineRam Wed, May 16, 2007 at 06:15 PM EST

I always kinda wanted to see a sequel to "Freejack", a dumb movie with some interesting story possibilities. Now that Emilio Estevez and Renee Russo are back together, how will their relationship work, since he's missed the last fifteen-or-so years? What kind of problems will Emilio have, now that he has to pretend to be Anthony Hopkins in public for the rest of his life? (He screws up, of course...and the chase is on again!) Will he be getting help from Mick Jagger, who helped him fake everyone out at the end of part one? Perhaps something happens to Renee, forcing Emilio to find his own "freejack" from the past--which would make him the de facto villain in part two. (As the sequel is also called "Freejack", it stands to reason that the young lady whose body Emilio tries to requisition gets loose...and the chase is on! Again.) I think there's something here, don't you?

hotboudain Wed, May 16, 2007 at 05:55 PM EST

Devil in a Blue Dress with Denzel was intended to become a series based on the books by Walter Mosely that followed the Easy Rawlins character into old age. However the box office was not good enough and it got derailed. It would have been great to see those rich, complex characters and intriguing stories continue in a couple of more movies. Denzel & Don Cheadle made an awesome team on screen.

Zod Wed, May 16, 2007 at 04:16 PM EST

Well said Lisa, and nice work with the Star Wars analogy.

I always thought Time Bandits could work as a sequel.

AD Wed, May 16, 2007 at 04:03 PM EST

The Carla Cugino Mermaid horror movie was called She Creatures. Alas Carla does not play the mermaid, but someone who abducts a mermaid who then seeks revenge. It's a fun silly horror movie. Also has Rufus Sewell, who's always good.

Chaddogg Wed, May 16, 2007 at 03:36 PM EST

I gotta go with Last Starfighter....seriously, you make a movie (according to the VHS copy I own) about "a boy from a trailer park in the sticks who finds happiness as an intergalactic warrior," permit Zul to escape the destruction of the Kodan armada at the end, and NEVER make a sequel to show what happened to Alex and Mags in space?

I'd shill out $20 to see a good Last Starfighter sequel....hell, a remake now in our video game/internet/digitally obsessed world would probably work.

Tamara Wed, May 16, 2007 at 03:19 PM EST

Catwoman 2 would be great. Ignore the first one, recast and do it down & dirty low budget. That would be cool.
If they can ignore the Hulk, they can certainly ignore Halle's atrocious star turn.

Alex Wed, May 16, 2007 at 03:08 PM EST

A mermaid horror movie with Carla Gugino? Whats the name? Izit good?

Charles Wed, May 16, 2007 at 03:06 PM EST

True Lies is the worst movie ever to begin with. Please don't encourage Jim Cameron on this one.

Lisa Wed, May 16, 2007 at 03:04 PM EST

In order for a sequel to be good, it has to move the story along. Take Empire Strikes Back. One of the best sequels ever because it advances the Star Wars story. Leia and Han fall in love, Luke trains to be a Jedi. Empire gave our favorite Star Wars characters movie arcs.

Stella B Wed, May 16, 2007 at 03:04 PM EST

There was a mermaid horror movie on cable with Carla Gugino that would be an awesome sequel with bigger budget, like Road Warrior was to Mad Max!

Suntrap Wed, May 16, 2007 at 02:55 PM EST

While I don't disagree about the poor quality of the Disney cartoon sequels, I'm not sure they count here as they were staight to DVD movies made for kids not real movies made for theatrical release. If you want to rag on a Disney sequel, go with 102 Dalmations (the live action version).

Ep Sato Wed, May 16, 2007 at 01:55 PM EST

Frances, great call on the animated sequels. Most I could accept, but the preposterous Beauty N the Beast II (as well as the sequel cartoon series) were really insulting and should never have been made. The story was over yet they want BACK INTO IT. My now 8 year old sister made me watch the cartoons, and they were sooo bad!

Thad Wed, May 16, 2007 at 01:37 PM EST

Well, I would love to have see a Beetlejuice 2 or 3.Most people hate, but i would like another dose of Legend without Cruise and Labyrnth with Bowie.

Joe Wed, May 16, 2007 at 01:37 PM EST

I was always disappointed that the Goonies never had a sequel cause there could've been awesome possiblites. But that could also be a good thing that they never did make a sequal.

Daddy93 Wed, May 16, 2007 at 01:24 PM EST

I always thought Silverado left off at a good place for a sequel. Heck, at the end they even said "we'll be back".

Wed, May 16, 2007 at 01:15 PM EST

I am so glad I'm not alone in wanting to see more of Billy Zane in tight purple spandex!

The Phantom may have been the cheesiest movie ever... but I absolutely loved it!

He lived in a cave, had a pet wolf, rode a white horse... AWESOME!!!

Frances Wed, May 16, 2007 at 01:06 PM EST

Why did Disney feel the need to commit such a blasphemous act by making horrible sequals to great cartoon movies??? 2 more Aladdins?!? 2 more Cinderella's?!? Another Little Mermaid?!? Is nothing sacred in movieland anymore????? STOP THE MADNESS!!!

Baco Noir Wed, May 16, 2007 at 12:57 PM EST

Cat, totally agree regarding The Phantom. It was a blissfully entertaing and a perfect evocation of the era it was presenting. Downfall? Billy Zane's purple costume (I know it is true to the comic, but people didn't deal well with it) and Treat Williams horrific, retarded scenery chewing performance as the villain. Interesting factoid. I've heard more than once that Big Trouble In Little China was the sequel to Buckaroo Banzai ("no matter where you go, there you are"), but was rewritten to fit Kurt Russell.

Mark A. Reddick Wed, May 16, 2007 at 12:56 PM EST

The movie "Serenity" just begs for a sequel. The "Daredevil" and "X-men" franchises still have many stories to tell. The "Rocketeer" and "The Shadow" are two favorites that I thought should have continued as a series of films.

Ben Wed, May 16, 2007 at 12:43 PM EST

Lost In Space! You know they went into this movie thinking sequels. And I thought it was destined to get one until the last 1/3 of the movie tanked and nobody cared anymore!

actingup Wed, May 16, 2007 at 12:42 PM EST

I LOVE the mention of "The Rocketeer" - one of my favorite films. I watch it all the time. Billy Campbell was GORGEOUS, I love that time period, Timothy Dalton is a hoot, Alan Arkin is so funny - such an underrated film.

And then you mention "The Shadow" - another movie I love. Yes - it has flaws (mainly Penelope Ann Miller - ugh - dull). But Alec Baldwin was at his height of amazing movie star looks and star quality. And I love the Art Deco details and Iam McKlellan in an early Hollywood role. And what the heck happened to John Lone? He was great campy fun as the villain.

BRAVO for mentioning these great movies! Hopefully more people will buy them on DVD.

Ep Sato Wed, May 16, 2007 at 11:51 AM EST

Agreed about Flash Gordon. It even closed with "The End?" And while Starship Troopers 2 sucked, it'd be nice to see a sequel that actually continues that story. There should have also been a sequel to Zapped where Baio goes to college.

And IMHO, the worst sequels are the horror movie flicks and the Star Treks. Trek would have been fine to end after high points #2, #4 or #8. III and VI were bearable, but 1, 5, 7, 9 and 10 were all pretty crappy.
Horrorwise, Dusk Til Dawn, Haloween, Nightmare on Elm Street and the Jason movies needed to stop while the gettings were good.

Stephanie Travitsky Wed, May 16, 2007 at 11:33 AM EST

I am actually looking forward to the Fletch prequel but Braff backed out of the movie. I wonder who will take his place. Ghostbusters II, Caddyshack II and Meatballs II and III were pretty hard to swallow.

sarah Wed, May 16, 2007 at 11:26 AM EST

I hope they never ever make an Elf sequel. I consider Master and Commander to be the most perfect movie ever made...another one isn't necessary. They should have never made Home Alone 3. They definitely shouldn't have made Legally Blonde 2 or any of those crap crap Disney sequels that have been coming out...Cinderella 3 I'm talking to you.

GT Wed, May 16, 2007 at 11:16 AM EST

Master and Commander is one of my favorite movies and would love to see a sequel. The movie was robbed by Lord of the Rings at the Academy Awards.

sananto Wed, May 16, 2007 at 10:53 AM EST

susan-amazon.com sells The Shadow

Suntrap Wed, May 16, 2007 at 10:52 AM EST

I'm shocked that people want to see a sequel to Master & Commander. That was one of those movies where I checked my watch every 10 minutes, just in the hope that more time that I thought had passes. Maybe it was enjoyable if you were familar with the books?
As far as what makes a good sequel/a movie that should have a sequel - I think it's planning. The worst sequels are those that are thrown together when a movie is popular (ie MIB 2). The better sequels are ones that were always meant to be. Except for Matrix, planning did not help those sequels, but I think the awfulnes there had more to do with over-inflated egos.

Tina Wed, May 16, 2007 at 10:46 AM EST

Its good to see The Phantom and The Rocketeer getting some love...both are somewhat similar when you think about it. The art deco sets, old time glamour combined with comic book heros against devilish villians. Both are fun for what they are and shouldn't be taken too seriously. The problem with movies like this is that they lack big action stars and feature reasonably obscure characters.

Sequels are only acceptable if there is something more to tell of the story or an obvious new adventure for the characters to take on. Otherwise things seem forced,like Miss Congeniality 2 or Blues Brothers 2000.

A sequel I'd like to see? Maybe Hot Fuzz with the characters moving back to London. It could have funny moments with the bumbling country cop learning his way around the city.

And I second the True Lies sequel..it would have been great to see Jamie Lee Curtis and Arnold together again wtih a new adventure. That story line could have been adapted well for another story.

mark in nyc Wed, May 16, 2007 at 10:45 AM EST

Oh yeah, it is a shame we willnever see a sequel to John Candy's "Who is Harry Crumb?"

Susan Wed, May 16, 2007 at 10:41 AM EST

I'm so glad that you mentioned The Shadow! That movie doesn't get all the love it deserves. Peter Boyle, Tim Curry, A young and totally hott Alec Baldwin! It was a great movie! If only I could find it on DVD I'd buy it and make my friends watch it over and over. I love that movie!

Also, X3... Great franchise, terrible movie. I pretend that movie never happened but am looking forward to the fourth installment. Cyclops resurrected anyone?..

mark in nyc-to fluffy Wed, May 16, 2007 at 10:39 AM EST

There are sequals to DARKMAN. One of them is titled "DIE DARKMAN DIE!"
That is not a joke, well it is to me at least, but it is really the name of the sequel.
Worst sequels ever? Anything that followed the original Highlander.
Movie that promised a sequel but did not deliver? Mel Brook's History of the World

Kathryn Wed, May 16, 2007 at 10:37 AM EST

I agree with Shaw, Monster Squad 2 would have rocked my world. I always hoped for "Commando II". I mean, with the way the first movie ended you know that something awesome would have to happen to bring John Matrix out of retirement. Oh the possibilities...

jpt Wed, May 16, 2007 at 10:36 AM EST

I have and will always be waiting for Big Trouble In Little China 2. The creepy bug eyed hairball was in Kurt Russel's truck!!

Craig S Wed, May 16, 2007 at 10:35 AM EST

The original Darkman was a guilty pleasure for me...unfortunately they decided to make the sequels into terrible "straight to video" travesties.

Alex Wed, May 16, 2007 at 10:33 AM EST

Blurb --

Here are my additions:
Best Trilogy or more: maybe Godfather & X-Men, definitely Harry Potter 1-4 & Indiana Jones
Best Sequels: Aliens, Terminator 2, Desperado, X-Men 2, Superman II, Army of Darkness, Toy Story 2
Decent Sequels: Star Trek II, Batman Returns, Blade 2
Sucky Sequels: The Whole Ten Yards, Superman III/IV, any Jaws sequel, Blues Brothers 2000, Caddyshack 2, Rocky 5, Highlander II/III/Endgame
Worst Sequel: BATMAN & ROBIN

Cat Wed, May 16, 2007 at 10:31 AM EST

I always wanted to see a sequel to The Phantom with Billy Zane. A completely corny movie, but I loved it.

Ames Wed, May 16, 2007 at 10:31 AM EST

When I left the theater after seeing Master and Commander, I said "I can't wait for the next one" really thinking there would be another. I'm still waiting. Is there any hope?

Fluffy Wed, May 16, 2007 at 10:25 AM EST

Darkman, directed by Raimi -- a sequel would have been nice. The Incredibles. Daredevil would have been interesting, once they got the intro story out of the way -- better than Fantastic Four anyway.

Allison Wed, May 16, 2007 at 10:25 AM EST

I, too, thought Unbreakable was under-rated. But what about the film that would have been the best sequel of all time - Flash Gordon 2?? The final frame has a perfect shot of Ming's ring and the word(s) The End....Question Mark?

Nick Wed, May 16, 2007 at 10:23 AM EST

Titanic.

;)

Ceballos Wed, May 16, 2007 at 10:10 AM EST

I always thought it was kind of a shame that people hated M. Night Shyamalan's "Unbreakable." I'm pretty sure he wanted to make a trilogy based on that story, and I would've loved to have seen where he would've taken it.

Hamburger Royal Wed, May 16, 2007 at 10:09 AM EST

Just as Matchkitjohn pointed out, seeing the characters develop if the original story arc is not conclusive makes sequels interesting (if done well). Love to see: More from the Master and Commander universe (its originally a series of 18-or-so novels and the film covered episodes 10 and 11 so the material is there), Serenity/Firefly and Green Street Elite. Rather not see sequels to: Confidence, The Ususal Suspects (both can't possibly be topped), She's All That 10 Things I Hate About Mean Girls, Pirates of the Caribbean (2 was bad enough, 3 looks like it will be bad enough) and Star Wars.

Honeybee Wed, May 16, 2007 at 10:04 AM EST

Okay, Remember George Lucas's Willow? I do. Barely, but I clearly remember there was sequel set up there.

Godzilla! The American remake. That was terrible. But it was hyped.

Flash Gordon? Still a camp classic. Ming escaped at the end, yet there was no Flash Gordon II. Bad? Yes, but still - that classic theme song.

Matthew Wed, May 16, 2007 at 09:53 AM EST

How about a sequel to Weird AL's UHF now that would be awesome.

VV Wed, May 16, 2007 at 09:51 AM EST

Add Ghostbusters II to "Sucky Sequels"

Doopey Wed, May 16, 2007 at 09:50 AM EST

I'm so glad to see "The Rocketeer" get some love around here. It's truly one of my favorite movies and I would have loved to have seen further adventures.

Blurb Wed, May 16, 2007 at 09:49 AM EST

Best Trilogies: Back to the Future; Lord of the Rings; K.K.'s "Red", "White", "Blue"
Best Sequels: Godfather II; Evil Dead II; Spider-Man II
Decent sequels: Lethal Weapon II, Beverly Hills Cop II; Shrek II; Lara Croft II; Gremlins II; Jurrasic Park II; Shanghai Knights
Sucky Sequels: Matrix II/III; Porky's II; Jurrassic Park III; Cheaper by the Dozen (both); Rush Hour II
Can anyone pick more for each category?

Matchkitjohn Wed, May 16, 2007 at 09:39 AM EST

Once the original movie ends you should say to yourself "Boy I want to see them in this situation" You come up with sequels ideas on your own i.e. Spider-man. I would have liked to have seen a True Lies sequel. They could have visited Jamie Lee Curtis's parents and have to keep the secret from them. While we all wanted a Matrix sequel it turns out that it should have been the only one.

Shaw Wed, May 16, 2007 at 09:37 AM EST

Gremlins 3 and Monster Squad 2 would have been sweet, but i'll settle for the Ghostbusters 3...if it's good.

mark in nyc Wed, May 16, 2007 at 09:33 AM EST

Woould have loved to have seen a sequel to Tom Hanks "Joe Vs. The Volcano"