A legacy sequel is best defined as a long-gap continuation of an older film or franchise that brings back original cast members while introducing a new generation of characters. It acknowledges the events of the original rather than rebooting them, blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling.
Legacy sequels have been all the rage over the past ten years, reviving franchises like Mad Max, Halloween, and Ghostbusters, to name but a few. Here we’re looking at 10 upcoming legacy sequels that, after years of waiting, are finally almost here.
‘Devil Wears Prada 2’ (May 1, 2026)
Released back in 2006, the original Devil Wears Prada won the hearts of millions. It followed Anne Hathaway as an aspiring journalist who gets a job at a fashion magazine but finds herself at the mercy of her demanding editor, Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep. It was a huge hit at the box office and was generally well-received by critics.
Despite rumors of a sequel floating around since 2013, it wasn’t until July 2024 that it was reported that Walt Disney Studios was interested in developing a sequel.
The Devil Returns
The sequel is to be based on the novel Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns and will see Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Tracie Thoms, Tibor Feldman, and Stanley Tucci reprise their roles from the first film, with David Frankel and Aline Brosh McKenna returning to direct and write the script, respectively.
‘Scary Movie 6’
June 12, 2026
The Scary Movie franchise is an interesting case – the comedy-horror parody series has rarely been appreciated by critics but continued to perform relatively well thanks to its loyal fanbase who appreciate its crass humor and slapstick sensibilities. Despite this, by 2013’s 5th entry and the only film in the franchise to not star Anna Faris and Regina Hall, it was clear that the franchise was running out of steam (and ideas), scoring an abysmal 4% on Rotten Tomatoes and becoming the lowest-grossing entry in the series.
The Wayans Brothers Return
Scary Movie 6 not only sees the return of Anna Faris and Regina Hall, but is also the first movie in the series since the first two to have Marlon, Shawn, and Keenan Ivory Wayans once again involved in the project.
Marlon has suggested that recent horror films such as Get Out, Nope, Longlegs, Heretic, and Sinners could be parodied, as well as Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, which were spoofed in the original.
‘Practical Magic 2’
September 18, 2026
Practical Magic is a romantic fantasy film that revolves around sisters Sally and Gillian Owens, who descend from a long line of witches. Raised by their aunts after their parents’ death from a family curse, they were taught the uses of practical magic as they grew up and later find themselves having to use this magic, as adults, to destroy the evil spirit of Gillian’s abusive boyfriend before it kills them.
The original movie was a commercial disappointment and received mixed reviews from critics. Despite this, it has been steadily garnering a strong cult fanbase of those who appreciate its unique blend of supernatural fantasy, domestic abuse drama, romantic comedy, and crime procedural.
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman Will Be Reprising Their Roles
Based on Alice Hoffman’s 2021 novel The Book of Magic, a sequel to the original novel, the new film will see the Owens family reuniting across generations to break their centuries-old curse on love, embarking on a magical journey that forces them to confront their past and reclaim the power of love and family.
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman will reprise their roles as the sisters alongside original cast members Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest, with Joey King being added to the cast as Sally’s daughter.
‘Focker In-Law’
November 25, 2026
Meet the Parents was one of the biggest and most quoted comedies of its era, performing well both critically and commercially. It was followed by Meet the Fockers (2004) and Little Fockers (2010), which both performed strongly at the box office but failed to recapture the same comic magic of the original.
Ariana Grande Will Be Joining the Cast
Over 15 years later, Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Blythe Danner, and Teri Polo will all be reprising their roles from previous films, with Ariana Grande joining the cast. While little is known about the plot at this point, it’s been speculated that Grande will be playing Greg’s son’s love interest – suggesting a new generation of Fockers could be mirroring the original’s dynamic.
‘Shrek 5’
December 2027
Shrek took everything we know about family animated movies and flipped it on its head. Playing out as a kind of fairy-tale parody/spoof movie, DreamWorks managed to incorporate the high-quality animation, family-friendly plots and memorable characters that made Walt Disney so popular and combined it with enough double entendres, hidden jokes, and deeper subtexts to keep even the most discerning adult entertained. All this combined with some of the finest voice acting ever witnessed in an animated feature from Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz, and it’s near impossible not to recognize Shrek as the ground-breaking masterpiece it is.
The franchise continued with three more movies, with DreamWorks throwing in a few new characters to keep things fresh – the most notable being Puss in Boots, voiced by Antonio Banderas, who became a fan favorite and the star of his own spin-off series of movies.
The Trailer Left Many Feeling Disappointed
It’s been 15 long years since the last Shrek movie, and fans of the franchise have been chomping at the bit to see what adventures Shrek and Donkey will embark on next. Excitement reached an all-time high recently when news of a new trailer hit the internet, only for it to be swiftly crushed upon the reveal of a new, smoother, redesigned Shrek that barely resembled the rugged ogre so many of us had grown attached to in our childhood.
Following several delays (which many hope is a result of DreamWorks redesigning our beloved Shrek to closer reflect the one we all know and love), it has now been revealed that Shrek 5 should be hitting theaters in December next year.
‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ (Part One and Two)
2027
Depicting the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus, largely according to the canonical gospels, Mel Gibson’s epic biblical drama The Passion of the Christ became a huge commercial hit while simultaneously becoming one of the most controversial movies of all time.
Mel Gibson Is No Stranger to Controversy
Scheduled for release a full 23 years after the original, Mel Gibson has not one but two sequels in the pipeline — The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One and Part Two. The movies, which will presumably focus on Jesus’ resurrection following the crucifixion brutally depicted in the first, will star Jaakko Ohtonen as Jesus of Nazareth and Mariela Garriga as Mary Magdalene. If the first is anything to go by, they are likely to court plenty of controversy — something that Mel Gibson must, by now, have grown well accustomed to.
‘Bend It Like Beckham 2’
2027
Bend It Like Beckham is a fun British sports comedy that focuses on friends Jesminder Bhamra and Jules Paxton, who choose to chase careers in professional football (or soccer, depending on your geographical location) despite their parents’ wishes. While primarily serving as an easy-to-watch rom-com, it also delves into themes of racism, female empowerment, cultural identity, and love and loyalty.
Gurinder Chadha Hopes To Release the Sequel To Coincide with the 2027 Women’s World Cup
Made on a modest budget of around $5.6 million, it was a hit at the box office, making $76.6 million and scoring an impressive 85% on Rotten Tomatoes. In July 2025, director Gurinder Chadha revealed that a sequel is in the works and that she hopes to reunite the original cast and have cameo appearances by members of the England women’s football team. The film is tentatively scheduled for a 2027 release — to coincide with the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the 25th anniversary of the original film.
‘The Princess Diaries 3’
Release Date TBA
Released in 2001, The Princess Diaries revolves around regular, timid teenager Mia Thermopolis (played by Anne Hathaway in her breakout role) whose life is flipped on its head when she discovers she’s actually the heir to the throne of a European kingdom. Under the wing of her estranged grandmother — the kingdom’s reigning queen — Mia must learn the ways of royalty and decide whether to claim or renounce her title.
The Original Gave Anne Hathaway Her Breakout Performance
The original defied expectations and became a huge sleeper hit, establishing Hathaway as a bankable lead actor and spawning the 2004 sequel The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. Now, over twenty years later, a third installment will see Hathaway reprising her role as Mia, and while not much is known about the project, it is rumored for release either later this year or sometime in 2026.
‘Ocean’s 14’
Release Date TBA
A remake of the 1960 movie of the same name, 2001’s high-stakes heist thriller Ocean’s 11 now boasts 2 sequels and an all-female spin-off. Original star George Clooney has recently revealed that Ocean’s 14’s budget just got approved and that it will probably start filming next year — he also teased the return of original co-star Brad Pitt.
Aside from Clooney’s recent revelation, little else is known about the project, but viewers can likely expect a return of the franchise’s trademark sharp humor, cool visuals, and signature mix of charm and clever heist vibes that made the original so iconic.
‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert 2’
Release Date TBA
This original 1994 gem, written and directed by Stephan Elliott, follows two drag queens, played by Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce, and a transgender woman, played by Terence Stamp, as they journey across the Australian Outback from Sydney to Alice Springs in a tour bus that they have named “Priscilla.” Along the way, they come across all sorts of interesting and odd individuals and find themselves in a range of outrageous situations.
While mainly a comedy, the drag and transgender aspects of the film are handled thoughtfully and never played for lazy laughs, with its positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ individuals helping to introduce LGBTQ+ themes to a mainstream audience.
A New Chapter
Director Stephan Elliot hopes to break new ground with the upcoming sequel and has been quoted as saying that it’s “not what people expect… it is about old age… I wrote into the script of what it’s like to get old and to be either gay, trans—I mean, it’s a subject that’s never been explored.” The main cast are reportedly back in the fold, and finances have been secured, but a definitive release date is yet to be confirmed.