"The Devil Wears Prada" and Co. - Fans had to wait a long time for these sequels
Hollywood's Dream Factory loves sequels of successful films as they reliably bring in box office revenue. Fans of popular films from the past, however, have had to wait exceptionally long for some sequels. The long-awaited sequel to "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" was recently released on streaming service Netflix. Audiences had to wait over 30 years for another adventure with Detective Axel Foley, played by Eddie Murphy (63). The predecessor "Beverly Hills Cop III" was released in 1994.
Six more sequels to successful films from the past are set to release long after the originals.
"Gladiator II": The Sequel to "Gladiator" Hits Theaters in the Fall
In 2000, Ridley Scott's (86) epic action-historical film "Gladiator" set new standards for the portrayal of Ancient Rome on the movie screen, making Russell Crowe (60) a global star.
Twenty-four years after the legendary original, "Gladiator II" is set to hit German cinemas on November 14 of this year. Paul Mescal ("Normal People," 28), the breakout star of "Normal People," plays the lead role of an unwilling gladiator. Denzel Washington (69) and Pedro Pascal (49) are also featured in supporting roles. The first trailer promises a spectacle.
"Beetlejuice Beetlejuice": Michael Keaton Returns as the Demon Betelgeuse
Fans of Tim Burton's (65) extravagant Poltergeist Betelgeuse, portrayed by Michael Keaton (72), had to wait much longer for the sequel to "Beetlejuice." Thirty-six years after the original, "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" is set to hit German cinemas on September 12 of this year.
The original stars Keaton and Winona Ryder (52) return for part two. New additions to the cast include Jenna Ortega ("Wednesday," 21), Willem Dafoe ("Poor Things," 68), and Monica Bellucci (59). Bellucci plays the role of the demonic character's wife and is in a real-life relationship with director Burton.
"Shrek 5" Debuts in 2026
Twenty-five years after the original film "Shrek - The Handsome Donkey" and 16 years after "Forever Shrek," the latest installment in the series, "Shrek 5" is set to hit US cinemas on July 1, 2026. DreamWorks Animation announced the release date on July 9. The original voice cast, including Mike Myers (Shrek, 61), Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona, 51), and Eddie Murphy (Donkey), are set to return. No information is available about the plot.
A "Freaky Friday" Sequel is in Production
The classic comedy "Freaky Friday" from 2003, in which Jamie Lee Curtis (65) and her film daughter Lindsay Lohan (38) switched bodies, continues to enjoy great popularity. A sequel to the hit film is set to hit US cinemas in 2025 - 22 years after the original.
Production on "Freaky Friday 2" has reportedly begun, according to US industry magazine "Deadline." The returning lead actress Curtis confirmed the start of filming on Instagram at the end of June. In the sequel, Anna Coleman (Lohan) is already a mother when she suddenly finds herself in her own mother's body again.
## Is a "Sisters" Sequel Really Happening?
A potential start of the late sequel to the magical comedy "The Sisters" from 1998 is still a little ways in the future. Warner Bros., the producing film studio, confirmed in June of this year that the development of the sequel had begun. The main actresses Sandra Bullock (59) and Nicole Kidman (57) may possibly return as well. However, an official start of production and a release date have not been confirmed yet, so fans will have to exercise patience.
"The Devil Wears Prada" could continue without Anne Hathaway
A sequel to the fashion satire "The Devil Wears Prada" from 2006 is also reportedly in development. According to the news portal "Puck," author Aline Brosh McKenna (56), who wrote the script for the original, is currently working on the script for "The Devil Wears Prada 2."
Rumor has it that Meryl Streep's (75) character, Miranda Priestly, the editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine, will have to fight against the decline of the classical magazine industry. Interestingly, her former assistant Emily (Emily Blunt, 41), who has since risen to a powerful figure in a luxury conglomerate, could help her.
The character of Andy, played by Anne Hathaway (41), is not mentioned in the report, which might mean that the popular actress may not return for the sequel. Like with "The Sisters 2," there is still no release date. The project could still be in danger of being abandoned before production starts.
- Despite the anticipation of fans, some highly anticipated sequels have taken an exceptionally long time to materialize.
- The continuation of the popular 'Beverly Hills Cop' series, featuring the iconic character Axel Foley, is available for streaming on Netflix.
- Actors like Eddie Murphy, known for his role in 'Beverly Hills Cop', have aged considerably since the last physical release of the series.
- The long-awaited 'Gladiator II' is set to release in theaters, bringing fans back to the world of Ancient Rome.
- Directed by Ridley Scott, 'Gladiator II' features a new lead in Paul Mescal and includes notable actors like Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal.
- The success of 'Gladiator' in 2000 catapulted Russell Crowe into global stardom and presented a penchant for Ancient Rome stories.
- Tim Burton, the director of 'Beetlejuice', will once again collaborate with Michael Keaton, who played the iconic role of Betelgeuse in the original.
- Fans have waited an impressive 36 years for the 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' sequel, where the original cast reunites, including actors like Willem Dafoe and Monica Bellucci.
- After nearly 3 decades, 'Shrek 5' is scheduled to hit the big screens, with the original voice cast, including Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy, returning to their roles.
- The classic film 'Freaky Friday' showcasing Ryan Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, faces a sequel, 22 years after the original release.
- Known for their enchanting roles, the sisters from 'Enchantment sisters' are also set to return in 'Enchanting sisters 2'.
- 'The Devil Wears Prada' could potentially receive a sequel, focusing on the declining classical magazine industry and the protagonist's changing roles, as reported.
