A recent spate of remakes and sequels have been announced in Hollywood, sending fans into a flurry of excitement.
Today, we look at some of the most anticipated in the works – get ready to take a journey through nostalgia!
The Devil Wears Prada 2
Original movie release date: 2006
One of the most anticipated sequels of the decade, this cult movie will have its followup released exactly twenty years after the original movie came out — in May 2026. Last month, 20th Centry Studios broke the news that production on the sequel had begun, and that it will feature several familiar faces, including Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Meryl Streep.
On social media, several clips have already been circulating of the filming on location in New York City. Meanwhile, Anne Hathaway has shared her excitement on her own socials, posting a TikTok of herself donned in a cerulean blue sweater while brushing her teeth — revising her character of Andy Sachs. “Heading to werk #dwp2” – her caption read.
Bend it Like Beckham 2
Original movie release date: 2002
Just this week, the director of the classic, Gurinder Chadha confirmed that she is currently working on a sequel, this time, teaming up with the current head coach of the US women’s national soccer team and her husband and co-writer, Paul Mayeda Berges, to develop the concept and script of the sequel.
The sequel will either be a movie or a TV series and is expected to be released sometime in 2027 to coincide with the Fifa Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Chadha said she hopes to reunite the original cast and that members of the current England squad will be “queuing up” for cameo roles. As of this moment, none of the original cast members have confirmed their participation in the sequel.
My Best Friend’s Wedding
Original movie release date: 1997
One of the most beloved rom-coms of the 90s is getting a followup, and we are all for it. News of the sequel was first stirred by the original movie’s leading man, Dermot Mulroney, who confirmed that “there is talk of a sequel” last week during a promotional interview for his latest Netflix show “The Hunting Wives.”
“I know nothing about it. Last I heard, quote, lawyers were talking, unquote,” he told New York Post.
Days later, it was revealed that Sony Pictures has tapped Celine Song to write the screenplay of the sequel. Song is the writer-director of the award-winning movie “Past Lives” and this year’s most talked about rom-com “Materialists”. The sequel is still in early development, and cast and director have yet to be confirmed. But obviously, we’re all hoping to see Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz reprise their roles!
Freakier Friday
Original movie release date: 2003
As early as 2019, a sequel to this classic teenage comedy had been rumoured. Finally, in 2023, the long-awaited followup sequel was announced, with Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis reprising their roles from the body-swap classic.
The teaser trailer was dropped in March this year, with the full trailer being revealed in June. Now, the wait is almost over. The sequel is finally being released on August 7!
Pride and Prejudice
Original release date: Well, if we’re speaking of the most iconic BBC adaptation, then…1995
Netflix unveiled that production of its upcoming “Pride and Prejudice” six-part limited series has started in the UK, with its cast revealed — including Olivia Colman as Mrs. Bennet, Fiona Shaw as Lady Catherine de Bour, Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet and Jack Lowden as Mr. Darcy.
The series will be directed by Euros Lyn and written by celebrated British novelist Dolly Alderton, of “Good Materials”, “Ghosts” and “Everything I Know About Love” fame.
“Once in a generation, a group of people get to retell this wonderful story and I feel very lucky that I get to be a part of it,” Alderton said in a statement. “Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is the blueprint for romantic comedy – it has been a joy to delve back into its pages to find both familiar and fresh ways of bringing this beloved book to life.”
Sister Act 3
Original movie release date: 1992
We love this movie. Who doesn’t? It’s a story about women caring for other women — a rare classic that celebrates female friendships and our mutual sensibility towards benevolent attentiveness.
In 2020, Variety reported that Whoopi Goldberg was officially starring in a second sequel, with Tyler Perry producing. In March this year, Goldberg confirmed that she had seen a completed script for “Sister Act 3.”
“We’re hoping it’ll happen sometime this year,” Goldberg told Variety at the Oscars. When asked what she thought about the script, Goldberg said: “It doesn’t matter what I think. It only matters if Disney wants to do it.”
Last September, following the death of Maggie Smith, Goldberg said that: “We’re having to make some readjustments [to “Sister Act 3″] because we just lost Maggie Smith, as you know. And so, we will get it done. We will get it done. It’s a shift.”
Shrek 5
Original movie release date: 2001
The first trailer for Shrek 5 was released in February, more than a decade since the fourth and most recent sequel, Shrek Forever After was released in 2010. Most of the cast from the original will return for the fifth film, including Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy. Zendaya has been announced as the voice of Fiona and Shrek’s teenage daughter.
Fans will have to wait till Christmas 2026 to see the movie!
The Princess Diaries 3
Original movie release date: 2001
Anne Hathaway has been busy! As well as shooting the sequel to one of her most iconic roles (The Devil Wears Prada 2), she is also confirmed to be reprising her role as the Genovian royal princess Mia Thermopolis in a new instalment of The Princess Diaries.
The famous Disney franchise will be directed by Adele Lim, who wrote the scripts Raya and the Last Dragon, Crazy Rich Asians and who directed the Asian-female led comedy Joy Ride.
“As a die-hard fan of the original Princess Diaries, I’m beyond excited to be a part of bringing the third iteration of this beloved franchise to life,” she said in a statement to Deadline. “We look forward to celebrating its core [tenets] of female power, joy, and mentorship with audiences worldwide.”
The Naked Gun
Original movie release date: 1988
Leslie Nielsen’s iconic comedy franchise spanned three films between the late 80s to early 90s. Now, a ‘legacy sequel’ is just weeks away from being released here in Australia, starring Liam Neeson as the son of famous Frank Drebin, and Pamela Anderson as the female lead.
Speaking with PEOPLE at the UK premiere of The Naked Gun earlier this month, Anderson said, “I feel like I’ve just started my career now, so I’m just really excited to be such a part of this and to play a real character.”
The movie is due for a 21 August release here in Australia.
Already out:
Happy Gilmore 2
Original movie release date: 1996
Adam Sandler was just 30-years old when he starred in the role that would make him one of Hollywood’s most beloved comedians. Now, almost three decades later, he has returned to reprise his role as the failed-ice hockey turned pro golfer, with an extremely popular reception.
Just this week, Netflix announced that the sequel, which dropped on July 25 was the biggest US opening weekend for a Netflix film, ever. The movie amassed 46.7 million views in its first three days, making it also the best opening ever for an Adam Sandler Netflix film.
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