Sequels, sequels, sequels! Hollywood loves them sequels!
Here are four in-development sequels that recently released new information.
National Treasure 3
THR reports that Chris Bremner is writing National Treasure 3 for Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer.
A third National Treasure film has been in development for years. At one point, Disney was rumored to have had a fourth film in the works as well. Back in 2010, Bruckheimer offered an update stating the first draft of the script was done. Nothing came from that update. A few years ago, it was reported that Disney wasn’t satisfied with another draft of the script.
Well, it looks like they’re giving things another go. I enjoy the Nic Cage adventure films. They came out at a time when Disney was releasing one action-packed adventure after the other. Pirates of the Caribbean, Chronicles of Narnia, and National Treasure are all products of the 2000s’ obsession with delivering non-stop explosive fun.
Bad Boys 4EVA
Although Bad Boys for Life was marketed as one last ride, the film is the first in the franchise to be certified fresh by critics. So naturally, Sony wants more.
THR reports that Sony is moving quickly to get Bad Boys 4 into development. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are both set to return, and so is Bad Boys for Life screenwriter Chris Bremner. Bremner is going to be one busy dude.
I sometimes yearn for the days when Hollywood quit at a trilogy, but Smith and Lawrence don’t exactly have a lot going for them lately (unless Gemini Man 2 just got the greenlight). So I’ll shaddup and wait for the inevitable Bad Boys 5 announcement in a few years.
The Matrix IV
According to Allocine, Merovingian actor Lambert Wilson is in talks to reprise the role, schedule permitting.
Per the Matrix Wiki, “The Merovingian (sometimes called The Frenchman) is an old, powerful program that resides within the Matrix. Self-described as a ‘trafficker of information’, the Merovingian behaves much as a leader of a powerfully organized crime syndicate. He and his wife Persephone operate a smuggling ring providing a haven for exiled programs in the Matrix.”
Additionally, Deadline says Eréndira Ibarra (Sense8) has joined the cast as well. He joins a line-up that includes Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jada Pinkett Smith, Jessica Henwick, Neil Patrick Harris, Toby Onwumere, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.
One actor you shouldn’t expect to see back though, Hugo Weaving. He told Time Out London how scheduling conflicts excluded him for participating:
“It’s unfortunate but actually I had this offer [for The Visit] and then the offer came from The Matrix, so I knew it was happening but I didn’t have dates. I thought [I] could do both and it took eight weeks to work out that the dates would work – I held off on accepting [a role in The Visit during that time]. I was in touch with [director] Lana Wachowski, but in the end she decided that the dates weren’t going to work. So we’d sorted the dates and then she sort of changed her mind. They’re pushing on ahead without me.”
Are you disappointed Weaving won’t be returning? The Matrix 4 hits theaters May 21, 2021.
Hold Your Breath: A Don’t Breathe Sequel
Finally, THR is reporting that Don’t Breathe 2 is getting ready to begin production this April. Don’t Breathe co-writer Rodo Sayagues will be making his directorial debut from a script he co-wrote with Don’t Breathe director Fede Álvarez.
The sequel will pick up in real-time and find Norman Nordstrom/The Blind Man (a returning Stephen Lang) living a quiet life – that is, until the sins of his past catch up to him.
Don’t Breathe is one of those horror films that I don’t think needs a sequel. It accomplished everything it needed to and will remain a modern day horror classic for generations. But Hollywood is going to Hollywood, so let’s just hope the sequel is a worthy follow-up.
Which sequel are you currently most interested in seeing in theaters? Is there any film you think shouldn’t be happening? Let us know which one in the comments below.
