There’s no denying that we are a sequel-loving culture. Whether it gets to the point of “Rocky 12” or “Pirates of the Caribbean 10,” there are some stories we just can’t help revisiting. We seem to always want one more chapter, one more adventure with beloved characters, because, let’s face it: even if the sequels never live up to their hype, it’s much less depressing than when something ends for good (“Harry Potter” had 8 movies and I’m still weepy that it’s over!). And as long as the money pours in, Hollywood is happy to oblige us. Here, for your reading pleasure, are some of the scoops and rumors regarding the most-anticipated sequels in development:
“Independence Day” – You didn’t actually think the war between worlds was over, did you? Roland Emmerich is preparing to take the reins once again on a double sequel to his 1996 smash blockbuster: “ID Forever Parts 1 & 2.” It will reportedly take place 20 years down the line after the first invasion, leaving openings for a new cast. But don’t worry! Will Smith returning to the role that made him the box office megastar that he is today isn’t completely off the table yet…
“Avatar 2” – Speaking of aliens, let’s not forget about our favorite blue citizens of Pandora and what the future holds for them. “King of the World” James Cameron is apparently script-writing up a storm: “I’m deep into it and I’m living in Pandora right now…it’s building fast.” Nothing concrete yet on when we’ll actually see it grace the silver screen, but as he previously set a goal of 2015, we can hope and pray the writing phase goes off without a hitch!
“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” – We’re still about a year away from seeing this one since it drops April 2014, but it has been garnering some attention already due to recent reports that esteemed Hollywood legend Robert Redford may join the cast. If he is indeed going to play a head honcho with S.H.I.E.L.D. as is rumored, it could lead to appearances of the Sundance Kid in numerous Marvel ventures. Hey, having a reputable Oscar winner in your movie doesn’t hurt!
“Sin City: A Dame to Kill For” – It’s been 8 long years since Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez brought a graphic novel to visually intense life, but all the waiting appears to have paid off. The green-screen laden sequel is currently filming and scheduled to hit theaters this October. Along with returning faces like Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, and Rosario Dawson are some new ones like Eva Green, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Josh Brolin (who has quite literally a new face, as he’s taking over the role of Dwight from predecessor Clive Owen.) Gordon-Levitt will apparently play a character not found in the graphic novels; he does say it will be “something new and unexpected” for fans to look forward to.
“X-Men: Days of Future Past” – This is another one that we unfortunately have to wait a year for, but if the hype is to be believed, it will be everything “X-Men” fans have dreamed and more. Because not only is original director of “X-Men” and “X2,” Bryan Singer, returning, but it will also have the combined forces of all the casts, meaning we’ll get a double dose of Magneto (Michael Fassbender and Ian McKellan? Yes, please!) and new favorites like Jennifer Lawrence will be rubbing elbows with original cast members like Halle Berry. It really is the perfect “Storm”…pardon the pun.
There are so many more coming out the next few years, it would be impossible to list them all. But at least you can feel safe in the assurance that everyone from Iron Man to Thor to Captain Kirk won’t be far from your movie screens.