Iconic Sequels Unleashed: Matrix 5, Beetlejuice 3, Goonies 2 & Gremlins 3 Confirmed!

In recent times, Warner Bros has experienced some tough challenges at the box office and in media coverage, but following a string of successful films, the studio is back in high gear. With “A Minecraft Movie” surpassing $500 million at the worldwide box office, Warner Bros executives have announced plans to boost production on sequels for various popular franchises.

Warner Bros Pictures has announced plans for new versions of popular films like “The Goonies”, “Beetlejuice”, “The Matrix”, and “Gremlins” in the future. Additionally, “Practical Magic”, a 1998 film about witches starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, and “The Bodyguard”, a romantic movie featuring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, will also receive updates.

The Matrix 5

Following the White Rabbit

It’s not unexpected that another edition of “The Matrix” (1999) might be produced due to the movie’s enduring fame. However, the swift development of a sequel by Warner Bros may come as a shock to some, considering the lukewarm reception to “The Matrix Resurrections” in 2021. The film’s financial underperformance was primarily linked to pandemic limitations and its simultaneous release on HBO Max streaming platform.

We’ve only recently learned about the possibility of a fifth Matrix movie, which was first mentioned last year when it was revealed that Drew Goddard, director of The Cabin in the Woods, would be penning and directing the upcoming film, set for release in April 2024.

In “The Matrix Resurrections,” it was significant that only one-half of the original trilogy’s directing duo, Lana Wachowski, would be involved, serving as an executive producer for the fifth installment instead. This marks the first “Matrix” film not penned or helmed by one of the Wachowski siblings. The movie doesn’t mince words in its critique of corporations exploiting intellectual property without the creators’ approval, and Lana stated at its launch that she agreed to direct the fourth film only because Warner Bros threatened to do so without involving either sibling otherwise.

Regarding the conclusion of the latest movie, it’s uncertain if a sequel would reset the story or continue from where the revised world in “Resurrections” left off, as per the Wachowski’s original timeline. Lately, Lawrence Fishburne has shared that he wasn’t invited to reprise his role as Morpheus, causing some viewers to question why they’ve maintained Morpheus’ death in Matrix Online game as part of the storyline canon.

Beetlejuice 3

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice?

In the previous year, the sequel of Tim Burton’s 1984 movie “Beetlejuice,” received generally positive reviews, and its considerable earnings at the box office convinced Warner Bros. to believe that investing in a third film in the series was a smart move.

It’s likely that Michael Keaton will put on his worn suit and paint his face for the main role again, but it remains unclear if Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega, Catherine O’Hara, or any other talented actors from the original Beetlejuice movie will be participating in this sequel.

It’s uncertain if Burton will take up directing again, although his only verified upcoming venture is the second season of Wednesday featuring Jenna Ortega, which has just finished shooting.

In hopes, the movie’s name lives up to the promise hinted at by the previous two installments in the series.

Goonies 2 & Gremlins 3

Legacy sequels to two ’80s hits

In the ongoing trend of bringing ’80s properties back to life, two films produced by Steven Spielberg are being remade or given new versions. There have been persistent talks about a reboot or sequel for the beloved movie The Goonies, with the demand growing stronger since Ke-Huy Quan’s 2023 Oscar win for Everything Everywhere All at Once. Key cast members like Quan and Corey Feldman have expressed interest in a follow-up, and Spielberg is likely to produce alongside Chris Columbus, who penned the original script from 1985.

Joe Dante’s quirky holiday film Gremlins has had multiple continuations. It saw a big, chaotic sequel in 1990, and also an animated prequel series titled Gremlins: The Wild Batch, which recently released its second season on HBO Max.

During his role as a consulting producer on the animated series, Dante expressed some doubts about coming back for a hypothetical third movie. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter last year, he stated, “Whether I return or not depends on the audience. The truth is that this project is too substantial to remain untouched… However, figuring out ‘how’ to continue it has been challenging for many.

A potential third “Gremlins” movie has caught the interest of an unexpected actor, as Jenna Ortega, famous for her role in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” has expressed interest in joining a reboot of this cherished series. Warner Bros. Discovery has been under scrutiny since David Zaslav took charge in 2022, with immediate cost-cutting measures including the shelving of finished films like “Coyote Vs. Acme” and DC’s “Batgirl.

Following triumphs such as “A Minecraft Movie” and eagerly awaited productions like “Sinners” and “Final Destination: Bloodlines”, Warner Bros is not only extending its current lineup but also revisiting some previously abandoned projects. This year, for instance, we will see the release of “Coyote V. Acme” in cinemas, and if it fares well, it might not be the only shelved film from WB to resurface.

2025-04-14 23:08