Maverick is back in action after years following the release of the original Top Gun. Buzz Lightyear and Obi-Wan Kenobi have returned to the screen on behalf of Disney. Audiences are even enjoying the final installment of the Jurassic World saga, uniting the original cast and the new. It’s clear that legacy sequels are all the rage right now.
Ultimately, the Hollywood currency right now is in the legasequel. So many more are currently in development from a follow-up to Labyrinth, to Willow, Beetlejuice, and of course Indiana Jones. But there are other franchises and standalone movies that feel perfect to experience a comeback, with the original cast and familiar action beats.
The Iron Giant (1999)
1999’s The Iron Giant is an animated classic. It really solidified Vin Diseal in Hollywood and has become a trailblazer in telling unique stories within animation. The journey of this young boy and his peaceful robot feels utterly timeless, despite its dated style and yet futuristic premise.
A sequel has always been discussed but has never been on the cards. Recently there has been more drive than ever to include the titular giant in pop culture, whether it’s in Ready Player One or Free Guy. Fans need to know what the Iron Giant is up to now and whether he got the peaceful finale he deserves.
Waterworld (1995)
At the time of its release, Waterworld became a flop. It’s built up a bit of a cult following since, but perhaps isn’t as well-known as some of the other gambles of the era. Regardless, there’s a Westworld or Blade Runner feel to the piece that could make it perfect for a legasequel.
Audiences wouldn’t necessarily have to see the first to be able to jump into a new one. The concept itself is intriguing enough that it could spawn a spin-off that pays homage to the first but achieves the kind of success it never could. Visually it would be great to revisit this world, but without the behind-the-scenes troubles.
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Stephen Spielberg has a vast filmography but is possibly defined by one picture, in particular, ET. The Extra-Terrestrial. Even his production company, Amblin Entertainment, uses the iconic imagery of the piece as part of its logo. It’s an extraordinary tale following the meeting of a boy and an alien.
When looking at nostalgia, this one really hits. It’s a surprise that a sequel hasn’t been developed yet, with the protagonist Elliott growing up to be reunited with the creature from outer space. There’s a whole generation who have grown up with this special story, with the concept capable of being modernized and brought back in a unique way.
Ratatouille (2007)
Ratatouille is one of Pixar’s most classic stories. While there’s a lot of competition from the animation studio, a number of their most beloved hits have already garnered a sequel. Remy’s escapades had a cultural impact that few others could replicate. Fans need to see him cook one last meal.
It’s rare for an animated film to really receive a legasequel, although Lightyear is a great exception. There has to be a built-in nostalgia, and Ratatouille completely hits that mark. There’s a natural story to tell too, about the restaurant perhaps falling into new trouble or even a global trip to all the food capitals of the world.
Nolan’s Batman (2005-2012)
The trilogy of DC films based on the Caped Crusader, created by Christopher Nolan, are still wildly considered to be part of the best portrayal of a superhero on screen. It’s an excellent series brimming with action, spectacle, and small-scale emotional conflicts. The casting is absolutely phenomenal.
While previous Batmen like Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton are returning to their roles, it’s perhaps a matter of time before Bale suits up again and makes one last appearance. A legasequel set within the established universe, perhaps with Robin taking on the mantle, would satisfy the curiosity of audiences.
Inception (2010)
Speaking of Nolan, Inception boasts many of his trademark moves and visual cues. It’s a hugely celebrated film from his vast filmography and of all his standalone features there’s so much more room to tell a new story. In fact, the original picture doesn’t even have a set conclusion.
Audiences would be thrilled to step into the world of Inception again, with the concept of the first becoming so iconic that the very title has entered the everyday lexicon. The cast would have to return for the magic to be found again, and the natural question of whether Cobb’s family is real would drive the plot.
The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy (2015-2019)
The Star Wars saga is absolutely built on nostalgia these days. Obi-Wan Kenobi’s return is a perfect example of that, and Luke, Leia, Han, and Lando’s comeback already ticked the box in the sequel trilogy. It’s only a matter of time before those sequels are legacy pictures for someone else.
Down the line expect to see an older iteration of Poe, Rey, and Finn grace the screen again. Their stories might be completed, but the galaxy far, far away is always going to be facing new challenges. It’s certainly a compelling idea to see the state of the Jedi and the Republic after the final collapse of the First Order.
Big (1988)
Tom Hanks has so many brilliant releases to choose from, but Big is an underrated classic with a lot of appeal. The story of the child that wished he could be older could certainly be reversed. What if an older Tom Hanks hoped to relive his youth once more?
There’s always the notion that a child could go on a similar journey, perhaps with a Hanks cameo. Regardless of the setup, the general premise of Big is one that’s so easy to get ahold of and put a new spin on. It’s not the first film that comes to mind with legasequels but it’s one that could connect with a lot of people.
Rush Hour (1999-2007)
A trilogy and a TV show cemented the Rush Hour saga in the action-comedy genre forever. Cinemas are ready to showcase one last team-up with Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan though. Sure a reboot is always on the cards, but there’s a certain chemistry that can’t be replicated from these two leads.
The iconic Jackie Chan has taken his unique style of martial arts across the world and it’s what makes this series so much fun to watch. While both leads might be getting older, there’s a story to be told there, about buddy cops who are far past their primes getting back into the game.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Who Framed Roger Rabbit is an icon of its era thanks to the genius combination of live-action and animated visuals. It told such a unique story and brought multiple studios together in the kind of deal that rarely happens. Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers very much feels like a spiritual sequel to the piece.
Yet there’s an appetite to see more of this kind of meta-comedy. Who Framed Roger Rabbit set up a brilliant cast of characters, many of which are entirely capable of driving forward a new film. It’s a legasequel that appeals to multiple generations and could revive a number of old, but brilliant filming techniques.
