Hollywood frequently revives popular older franchises with sequels or reboots to keep them alive. It’s a reliable strategy, as audiences enjoy seeing continuations of stories they already love, just as much as they want something completely new. This year, several franchises are returning after long breaks, with movies like the new Masters of the Universe – the first in nearly forty years – and a new Meet the Parents film, which has been sixteen years in the making. This trend doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
Even though reboots and revivals are common in Hollywood, many popular movie series have stayed dormant for years. While it’s becoming increasingly likely that these franchises will eventually return, obstacles like ownership rights or a lack of interest from the original creators could delay them. Ultimately, almost everything comes back around in the movie business, and it’s just a matter of time before we see these films make a comeback. Fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of some of these movies for quite a while.
7) Star Trek
Time since the last movie: Ten years
It’s been ten years since Star Trek Beyond, and the Star Trek movie franchise has been stalled longer than ever before. Traditionally, new Trek films came out roughly every three years, with a maximum gap of seven years between Star Trek: Nemesis (which wasn’t successful) and the first film directed by J.J. Abrams. Several attempts have been made to revive the film series since Beyond, with at least five different sequels or new movies announced. However, nothing has made it to theaters yet, and even with the recent changes at Paramount, the future of Star Trek on the big screen remains uncertain.
Could It Happen in 2027? Maybe! But they’d better start soon.
6) 21 Jump Street
Time since the last movie: Twelve years
The conclusion of 22 Jump Street strongly suggested there wouldn’t be a sequel, ending with a humorous montage showing all the potential follow-up movies (even up to 43 Jump Street: Mariachi School). However, a third film was attempted – a crossover that would have combined the Jump Street universe with Men in Black, and it would have been a fantastic pairing if it had been made.
Since Jump Street became a popular action-comedy series, big-screen comedies have become rare. A new Jump Street movie could bring them back, as enough time has passed for people to feel nostalgic. Plus, the filmmakers, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, and star Channing Tatum have all become even more well-known since the last film.
Could It Happen in 2027? Seems unlikely, thanks to rights issues
5) Kick-Ass
Time since the last movie: Thirteen years
The 2010 movie based on the comic by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. was surprisingly innovative for its time. Superhero films were becoming popular, but this one stood out by both poking fun at the genre and presenting a more realistic take on superheroes. While a sequel came out in 2013, it wasn’t very funny or impactful, effectively ending the series. Now, with superheroes appearing in everything, a movie that playfully challenges them might be exactly what audiences want.
Matthew Vaughn has mentioned a third Stuntnuts movie, reportedly filmed in secret and titled Stuntnuts Does School Fight. However, since he first revealed its existence, no details – not even a single image – have surfaced, leaving fans to wonder if it will ever be released, perhaps as early as 2027.
4) A Nightmare on Elm Street
Time since the last movie: Sixteen years
The most recent A Nightmare on Elm Street film came out after a seven-year gap and was the only one where someone other than Robert Englund played Freddy Krueger. It was poorly received by both critics and fans, and many saw it as the end of the franchise. Since then, the rights to the series have become complicated, with Wes Craven’s estate currently holding them and no new films in production. However, many other slasher franchises have successfully returned in recent years, leading many to believe a new Freddy Krueger film is long overdue.
Could It Happen in 2027? Only if the rights get settled.
3) Alien vs Predator
Time since the last movie: Nineteen years
I remember when the first Alien vs. Predator finally hit theaters in 2004 – it was a showdown fans had been begging for since the 80s! It wasn’t perfect, and honestly, the 2007 sequel kind of fizzled out, leaving the whole thing on hold. But both the Alien and Predator universes are surprisingly strong right now, and that makes this new crossover incredibly exciting. It genuinely feels like we could be on the verge of the best film in either franchise.
Could It Happen in 2027? They’d have to announce it today and get started immediately.
2) Austin Powers
Time since the last movie: Twenty-four years
The Austin Powers movies were a huge hit, but the series ended after just five years. While creator Mike Myers has started working on new projects again, like the Netflix series The Pentaverate and the upcoming Shrek 5, there’s been no indication that he’ll bring back the iconic Austin Powers character.
The popularity of Austin Powers significantly changed the James Bond films. Bond realized it couldn’t maintain its playful tone and needed to become more realistic, serious, and intense. Before Bond gets another reboot, it would be funny to see Austin Powers come back and playfully poke fun at the more serious, Daniel Craig-era Bond movies.
Could It Happen in 2027? Technically, it could, but it seems to be over.
1) From Dusk Till Dawn
Time since the last movie: Twenty-seven years
Launching a TV series about vampire bikers is proving difficult, likely due to previous ownership by Miramax/Dimension Films, or perhaps because it’s a very specific idea. However, after the huge success and awards won by Sinners last year, it seems like the owners of From Dusk Till Dawn should definitely try to revive the franchise.
Could It Happen in 2027? If they move fast, yes!
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2026-04-30 16:41