15 Movies With More Than 15 Years Between Sequels

As a child of the ’80s and ’90s, I have vivid memories of both “Coming to America” and “Beverly Hills Cop”. The original versions of these films were not just entertaining but also formative for my cinematic tastes. So, when it comes to their sequels, I must admit a certain apprehension. However, after careful consideration, I have to say that both “Coming 2 America” and “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley” managed to live up to the legacy of their predecessors while expanding their universes in a way that felt fresh and enjoyable.

The iconic character “Beetlejuice” has come to life after 36 years, and just like in comedy and sequels, timing is crucial. While it’s ideal to capitalize on the momentum, sometimes unforeseen events can postpone even the most eagerly awaited follow-ups. In the case of “Beetlejuice”, director Tim Burton, Winona Ryder, and Michael Keaton were all ready, but as Burton shared with Gizmodo, “Nothing fell into place, and truthfully, it wasn’t meant to happen until now.

thirty-six years is quite a long time, but many cherished movies needed that much time to release their sequels. Did they prove worth the wait? The longing for films we treasured as children or our favorite characters has its limits (like in the case of The Odd Couple II, which came out thirty years after the original classic comedy).

Here are fifteen follow-ups, delayed in reaching the big screen, grouped more by the length of the wait rather than their quality. Keep in mind that, similar to comedy, opinions on sequels can vary greatly among individuals.

Escape From L.A. (15 years)

I’m consistently intrigued about what Kurt Russell’s character Snake Plissken, famously known as “Call me Snake,” is up to next, but it took over a decade for him and director John Carpenter to collaborate again on this sequel to the surprise hit and cult classic, “Escape From New York“. The delay was due to an unsuccessful script written by Carpenter and Russell’s rising stardom. However, it was Russell who spearheaded the development of this epic sequel, set in 2013, where Snake is assigned a life-or-death mission to retrieve the Sword of Damocles, a doomsday device that can wipe out devices worldwide. The president (Cliff Robertson) has altered the Constitution, made himself president for life, founded the United States Police Force, and exiled all considered undesirable to earthquake-stricken Los Angeles, escape from which is deemed impossible. With drastic measures being necessary when the president’s daughter associates with a revolutionary and steals the device, this sequel sees Snake employing extreme tactics. If you haven’t watched “Escape From New York“, I recommend it. Although not as acclaimed as the original, this film has also earned a cult following. Carpenter’s vision in this movie surpasses that of “Blade Runner 2049“‘s Californian dystopia. The supporting cast is like stepping into cult-icon paradise, with Peter Fonda portraying a surfer assisting Snake to ride a tsunami and Pam Grier as a former Plissken ally, now a transgender woman. “This is insane,” the president’s daughter exclaims at one point. “That’s the point,” replies the revolutionary. Such is the world of Carpenter.

The Two Jakes (16 years)

Dismissing the idea may seem simple, but we should remember that the project aimed to continue the storyline of the 1974 neo-noir masterpiece “Chinatown,” praised by screenwriting expert Syd Field as the best American screenplay of the 1970s. Originally titled “The Iron Jew,” it was intended to be part of a trilogy, but its production faced numerous challenges that strained relationships between Jack Nicholson, Robert Towne, and producer Robert Evans, all of whom were experiencing career downturns at the time. Towne was slated to direct, while Nicholson and Evans would star as the characters Jake. However, Nicholson ended up taking over direction and revising parts of the script, with Harvey Keitel taking on the role of Jake Berman, whose murder of his business partner for having an affair with Berman’s wife sets off a complex L.A. mystery in 1948. Despite its troubled production, it’s worth noting the memorable line “I don’t want to live in the past, I just don’t want to lose it.” For those interested in challenging perspectives, consider reading “Sure Chinatown Is a Classic — But Its Sequel Is Better.

The Godfather Part III (16 years)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=UUkG37KSWf0

The first film presents Connie’s evolution from a weak character to a powerful matriarch, Joe Mantegna as Joey Zaza, and the contentious sequel to two iconic films with unforgettable lines. This sequel is as divisive as another controversial movie, Megalopolis. You have three options: the original 1990 film, which was nominated for Oscars but critically panned; the revised and extended Final Director’s Cut from 1991; or the much-improved version, The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone. Regrettably, each lacks Robert Duvall as Tom Hagan and a poor joke involving Tony Bennett.

Dumb and Dumber To (20 years)

The apprehensions that 2014’s “Dumb and Dumber To” might be overly progressive are swiftly put to rest by a scene where a catheter is yanked, launching this sequel to the 1994 hit. It was Jim Carrey who reportedly initiated this sequel in 2000, after he saw the original on TV and contacted Peter Farrelly about reuniting. Since 2008’s “Yes Man,” Carrey hadn’t made a pure comedy. “Dumb and Dumber To” caters to fans with nods and similarities to the first movie. The Farrelly brothers’ humor, unapologetically crude, continues to “go below vulgarity,” as Mel Brooks put it. However, the Bush Club joke demonstrates how comedy styles have evolved significantly over the last two decades.

Psycho II (23 years)

“After I finish my shower, I’ll be heading to bed if that suits you.” Speaking of Norman Bates, it seems he can’t escape his past when he returns to the Bates Motel. Flashbacks of him poisoning his mother as a child and eerie messages from her start cropping up, followed by a series of grisly murders. It feels like someone is trying to drive Norman over the edge… or maybe they already have. The original cast members, including Anthony Perkins and Vera Miles, return for this sequel, with Meg Tilly joining as a sympathetic diner waitress who helps Norman find employment after his release from the institution. While the reprisal of the infamous shower scene lacks the impact of the original, there are fresh, graphic shocks in store, culminating in a killing spree that sets the stage for ‘Psycho III’, with Perkins stepping into the director’s chair this time around.

The Color of Money (25 years)

In 1986, it’s unlikely that many were pondering the fate of Fast Eddie Felson from the 1961 film, “The Hustler.” However, this sequel stands tall alongside the original and is one of the few on the list that can be enjoyed without prior knowledge of the first movie. Paul Newman, who won his only Academy Award, reprised his iconic role as the pool shark Eddie Felson, a man whose lack of character once led to his downfall. He finds new purpose in life when he meets Vincent (played by a vibrant Tom Cruise), a prodigy and “incredible flake,” whom he mentors. After the financial failures of “The King of Comedy” and “After Hours,” this was a project Scorsese took on for pay, but he elevated it to his own level. The story of Felson rekindling his passion seemed to strike a chord with Scorsese.

Bill & Ted Face the Music (29 years)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=0hAL7emClFM

For over 3 decades, another movie featuring Bill & Ted seemed implausible, yet this small franchise that managed to thrive defied all expectations. The initial 1989 film unexpectedly became a hit, launching Keanu Reeves’ career. Though the follow-up, Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey, wasn’t as successful, it preserved the original’s kind-hearted essence. Over time, speculation about a third installment was tossed around in interviews, but it wasn’t until 2019 that Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves officially announced the project. Titled Face the Music, the film premiered during the pandemic in August 2020. As we previously mentioned, timing is crucial (to reiterate: it’s everything). The pandemic wasn’t a time for partying, but it did serve as a reminder to treat each other well and collaborate, which were the films’ key messages. Last January, Winter hinted in an interview that a fourth film was being planned.

Mad Max: Fury Road (30 years)

The movie “Mad Max: Fury Road” had a lengthy development period before it was released in 2015. Originally, Mel Gibson was set to reprise his iconic role as the post-apocalyptic road warrior from the original 1979 “Mad Max,” as well as its sequels, “The Road Warrior” and “Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome.” However, after a certain event, director George Miller felt that the franchise was no longer viable. In an interview with the New York Times, he shared, “I had this idea: ‘What if there was a Mad Max movie that was one long chase…'”. Tom Hardy stepped into the role of Max, while Charlize Theron took the driver’s seat as Furiosa and became a beloved action heroine. This film, known for its raw, old-school style with minimal CGI, was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won two for cinematography and editing. It set the stage for the prequel, “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” which was released this year.

Blade Runner 2049 (35 years)

Blade Runner, initially neither a commercial nor critical sensation upon its 1982 debut, has since garnered a substantial following as a cult classic. This growth in popularity can be attributed to home video releases and the emergence of director-approved variants of the movie, including the director’s cut from 1992 and Ridley Scott’s preferred “Final Cut” (2007). Today, Blade Runner is regarded as a seminal science fiction film and has been enshrined in the Library of Congress’s National Film Registry, which recognizes American films of cultural, historical or aesthetic significance. This recognition significantly boosted the film’s intellectual property status, eventually leading to the production of a sequel. After years of complicated licensing issues, a sequel was approved with Ryan Gosling as K, a replicant hunter, and Harrison Ford reprising his iconic role as Deckard, the former blade runner. The ambitious sequel directed by Denis Villeneueve received more positive reviews from critics but underperformed at the box office (even Ridley Scott expressed that it was too lengthy). Villeneuve has confirmed that there will be no further edits to his film.

Top Gun: Maverick (36 years)

Tom Cruise’s career skyrocketed after the release of Top Gun, a blockbuster hit in 1986 that symbolized Reagan’s era in America. With his roles in the Mission: Impossible films, collaborations with renowned directors like De Palma, Spielberg, and Kubrick, and some Oscar recognition for himself through films like Born on the Fourth of July and Magnolia, it wasn’t necessary for him to make a sequel to Top Gun. However, he expressed his desire to wait until advancements in filmmaking technology could bring his vision to life, aiming to immerse the audience in the emotions they would feel while watching the movie. The anticipation was high (Cruise performs his own stunts, Val Kilmer’s return as the former adversary Iceman, Glen Powell), but Cruise also requested a delay in its original 2019 release until it could be shown in cinemas. This decision helped revive theater attendance post-COVID-shutdown and ultimately made it the highest-grossing film of 2022, earning six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. It won the award for Best Sound.

Coming 2 America (33 years)/Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (40 years)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=sY8gUtyeAKE

From a creative perspective, one must ponder: Is this follow-up truly essential? Regarding the 1988 blockbuster hit “Coming to America,” Eddie Murphy initially felt it wasn’t needed; he believed the narrative had been concluded. However, as time passed, it grew into a staple on cable television. In his own words, “The movie stuck around.” Similarly, the 1984 box-office sensation “Beverly Hills Cop” had already spawned two sequels that, in essence, lost some of their original charm. Both these contemporary sequels were risky endeavors, as Akeem and Axel Foley are among Murphy’s most cherished characters. Yet, both films maintain a strong connection to their origins while broadening their respective worlds. Furthermore, both productions welcome back fan-favorite supporting actors: Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, Shari Headley, and John Amos in the second installment, and John Ashton, Judge Reinhold, Paul Reiser, and Bronson Pinchot as Serge in “Axel F.” Murphy delivers exceptional performances in both, particularly his barbershop scenes with Hall in the second movie.

Mary Poppins Returns (52 years)

The 1964 classic, widely regarded as Disney’s most impressive live-action production, takes audiences on an enchanting journey to magical destinations. The sequel simply echoes the melodic and emotional themes with similar scenes. It didn’t tarnish my childhood memories. Emily Blunt adds more than a dollop of sugar to soften the somber storyline (death, foreclosure), making it easier to digest. One of the film’s most captivating aspects is seeing 91-year-old Dick Van Dyke reprise a dance move from the 1961 “Dick Van Dyke Show” episode “Jealousy.” To sum up, I could start a sing-along with “I Love to Laugh,” a minor tune from the Sherman brothers’ Academy Award-winning soundtrack for the original film, and here, I can’t recall any of the new songs.

Fantasia 2000 (59 years)

Walt Disney envisioned Fantasia (1940) to be a perpetual work in progress with new animated sequences in rotation with the originals. A box-office dud, that film almost sunk the studio, but it gained a second and third life when, in the 1960s and ’70s, marketing for the theatrical rerelease focused on the film’s trippy nature to appeal to a counter-culture audience. In the next decade, it was a best seller on home video. At last, the sequel Walt envisioned was considered commercially viable. Fantasia 2000 is not as highfalutin as the groundbreaking original. A distinguished roster of hosts, including Steve Martin, Itzhak Perlman, Bette Midler, and Penn and Teller (who better to introduce “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”?) keep things light, while the 75-minute runtime (the original clocked in at just over two hours) won’t try a child’s patience. The best-realized pieces include “The Carnival of the Animals,” featuring a yo-yo playing flamingo, and “Rhapsody in Blue,” set in Jazz Age New York and visually inspired by caricaturist Al Hirschfeld (can you spot his signature character, Nina?). Donald Duck gets his turn in the Fantasia spotlight as Noah’s assistant, charged with steering animals aboard the ark in a segment set to Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance.” It’s not necessary to have seen the original, but you should. Now, how about Fantasia 2050 for an encore?

2024-09-06 19:54