There’s an old saying, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” — and it seems like movie makers are doing just that.
In the case of films, the rule of thumb seems to be if it was good the first time, make a sequel.
In fact, some of the most anticipated films coming to cinemas in the next year are sequels or prequels to some of the biggest classics.
Tom Cruise’ Top Gun, which premiered in cinemas in May 1986 is now getting a sequel 34 years later alongside a second cult hit, Bill and Ted with Bill and Ted Face the Music.
Here is a list of the most anticipated movie sequels coming soon to a cinema near you.
No Time to Die
No Time to Die is the 26th instalment of the James Bond franchise.
James Bond’s (Daniel Craig) peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Right) from the CIA turns up asking for help.
The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain (Rami Malek) armed with dangerous new technology.
Craig leads an all-star cast and returning to the 007 franchise is Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw and Lea Seydoux.
Wonder Woman 1984
Fast forward to the 1980s as Wonder Woman’s (Gal Gadot) next big-screen adventure finds her facing an all-new foe: The Cheetah (Kristen Wiig).
Barbara becomes obsessed with the divine — including, later, Wonder Woman’s own origins — and makes a Faustian bargain in order to become a demigod herself, the Cheetah. Robin Wright and Connie Nielsen will return as Amazon warriors in flashbacks to Diana’s childhood.
Also stars Chris Pine and Pedro Pascal.
A Quiet Place 2
Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family (Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe) must now face the terrors of the outside world as they continue their fight for survival in silence. Forced to venture into the unknown, they quickly realise that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path.
Also stars Cillian Murphy, Djimon Hounsou and Wayne Duvall.
Top Gun: Maverick
Top Gun: Maverick sees Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, back where he belongs — pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot.
In this new instalment, Maverick finds himself training a detachment of Top Gun graduates for a specialised mission.
Here, he encounters Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw (Miles Teller), the son of Maverick’s late friend and Radar Intercept Officer Lt Nick “Goose” Bradshaw (played by Anthony Edwards).
The film also stars Mad Men’s Jon Hamm, Ed Harris and of course, Val Kilmer, who is returning as “Iceman”.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife
The new story arc is set in the present day and builds on the events of the first two films, with a new generation of busters.
Starring Carrie Coon (The Sinner), Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things) and McKenna Grace (Gifted); the trio play Mother, Callie (Coon) and children, Trevor (Wolfhard) and Phoebe (Grace).
The story follows the family as they move to Oklahoma, into a property once owned by Callie’s father, she does have a direct connection with the OG Ghostbusters.
Bill & Ted Face the Music
The original Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure premiered in 1989.
Now, the stakes are higher than ever for the time-travelling exploits of William “Bill” S. Preston (Alex Winter) Esq. and Theodore “Ted” Logan (Keanu Reeves).
In the next instalment, the pair are yet to fulfil their rock and roll destiny, and the now middle-aged best friends set out on a new adventure when a visitor from the future warns them that only their song can save life as we know it.
Along the way, they will be helped by their daughters, a new batch of historical figures, and a few music legends—to seek the song that will set their world right and bring harmony in the universe.
Also starring Brigette Lundy-Paine as Billie Logan, Australian actor Samara Weaving as Thea Preston, Jillian Bell as Dr Taylor Wood, Hal Landon Jnr as Captain Jonathan Logan and Amy Stock as Missy.
Legally Blonde 3
It was meant to premiere on Valentines Day 2020, however, we will have to wait a little longer for the third instalment of Reese Witherspoon’s Legally Blonde.
Back in May, it was announced that Witherspoon was on board to reprise her role as Elle Woods, and is teaming up with comedic genius Mindy Kaling.
There’s no news on what this next film will be released, however, we’re figuring that since number two was released 17 years ago, we might see Elle and Emmett as parents to teenagers.
