Sequels have become a significant focal point in the film industry, with countless productions aiming to build extensive franchises. Despite the desire for a successful film series, not every sequel lives up to its potential. Since the dawn of the 2010s, the landscape has witnessed a surge in ambitious sequels that set the stage for future installments, only to falter and leave audiences longing for what could have been. This trend raises questions about the influence of the immensely successful Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), as many studios scramble to replicate its success, often resulting in poorly executed projects destined for failure.
In pursuit of creating their expansive cinematic universes, filmmakers often rush into sequels without a clear direction. The disappointing endings of numerous films serve as painful reminders of unrealized potential. Below are notable examples of sequels that promised grand adventures yet left audiences without closure.
10. Alita: Battle Angel
The First Half of a Duology That Would Never Come to Pass
In the realm of sci-fi, Alita: Battle Angel stands out as an ambitious adaptation of the manga series Battle Angel Alita. This tale follows a female cyborg, Alita, who awakens with no memories and embarks on a mission to uncover her past in a dystopian future. The film’s conclusion, featuring a climactic moment that hints at a future conflict, leaves viewers hanging after her romantic partner’s fate is sealed. Following underwhelming critical and box-office performance, what was intended to be the forefront of a franchise now remains an unfinished narrative.
9. Black Adam
Failed to Change the Hierarchy of the DC Universe
The superhero genre is notorious for its failure to deliver on sequel promises. A primary example of this is Black Adam, which struggled to establish itself as a key player in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The film teases an epic showdown with Superman, portrayed by Henry Cavill, in its climactic ending. However, this moment became an awkward farewell, as Cavill’s Superman wouldn’t return. The film exemplifies how ambitious plans can crumble, leaving audiences with unmet expectations.
8. Independence Day: Resurgence
Put Out a Distress Signal That Was Never Answered
After two decades, the sequel to the 90s classic, Independence Day: Resurgence, aimed to restart the franchise but felt rushed and disconnected. The film attempts to depict a second alien invasion, yet lacks the foundational charm that made the first a hit. Its climax hints at a collaborative effort between humans and extraterrestrial allies. Nevertheless, the overwhelmingly negative reviews resulted in this future never materializing.
7. John Carter
Missed the Chance to Be the Next Huge Space Opera
John Carter was conceived as the starting point for a grand sci-fi franchise based on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Barsoom novels. Following a Civil War veteran transported to Mars, the film dives into interplanetary politics and conflict. Unfortunately, its catastrophic box office failure dashed hopes for sequels, although it concluded with a teaser for future installments. The movie’s overly elaborate narrative ultimately hindered its own prospects for continuation.
6. The Predator
Learned the Franchise Is at Its Best When Not Serialized
The Predator aimed to introduce overarching narratives to a series known for standalone stories. As the plot unfolds, a new line of Predators experiments on humans, leading to conflict and intrigue. However, its convoluted execution and controversial themes diminished its appeal, making a sequel seem less likely. The franchise has since shifted back to its roots with standalone installments, reinforcing the notion that less can be more.
5. Dracula Untold
The First of Many Attempts at a Dark Universe
Universal Pictures sought to breathe new life into its classic monster franchise with Dracula Untold, which recounts the origins of the legendary vampire. Though the film attempts to connect with a modern audience, its nod towards a larger Dark Universe concludes weakly. Despite a setup reminiscent of other cinematic universes, the underwhelming performance led to the cancellation of subsequent projects, leaving it as a missed opportunity.
4. The Mummy
One of Tom Cruise’s Biggest Misses
The Mummy marked Universal’s next step into the Dark Universe, featuring Tom Cruise as a soldier who unwittingly awakens an ancient princess with dark powers. Although it aimed to establish connections to a larger monster narrative, the film felt haphazard and failed commercially. Despite an ending hinting at future installments, the franchise stuttered out of the gate, preventing any potential sequels from surfacing.
3. Morbius
Viral for All the Wrong Reasons
Morbius, an offshoot of Sony’s Spider-Man franchise, was met with criticisms even before its release. Featuring Jared Leto as a doctor who transforms into a vampire-like creature, its convoluted narrative failed to engage audiences. The film’s poor reception generated a bizarre social media phenomenon, leading to an ill-advised re-release in theaters. Attempts to tease sequels, including a post-credits scene featuring the Vulture, ultimately fell flat, reducing any chance for a cinematic comeback.
2. The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Rushed into a Sinister Six That Would Never Appear
The fast-paced introduction of a cinematic universe also plagued The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Andrew Garfield’s sequel juggles numerous subplots, from multiple villains to emotional threads concerning Peter Parker’s past. With the conclusion suggesting future appearances from iconic foes in a Sinister Six formation, expectations were high. However, mismatched reactions from audiences and the looming threat of MCU’s Spider-Man acquisition halted any continuation.
1. District 9
A Three-Year Wait Turned Into a Lifetime
Not all films that hint at sequels are without merit. District 9 is a standout, offering a poignant social commentary wrapped in a sci-fi narrative about marginalized aliens in South Africa. Its ending left a door open for a sequel, promising deeper exploration of its themes. Yet, over a decade later, the anticipated follow-up remains unrealized, marking it as one of cinema’s most frustrating unwritten endings.
For more on films that teased sequels that never came to fruition, check out the original source at Screen Rant.