BothMarvelandDCshould take notice of one of Hollywood’s most effective trends and produce legacy sequels for some classic superhero movies. Legacy sequels have breathed new life into dormant franchises, particularly in the horror genre. With the multiverse now firmly established in superhero cinema, the potential to bring back classic superhero franchises is tantalizing. Whether it’s reuniting iconic casts, expanding beloved narratives, or giving underrated films their due, these legacy sequels could excite both audiences and filmmakers alike.
The concept of a legacy sequel - a continuation of a beloved story decades later, sometimes omitting certain sequels - has proven successful for franchises likeHalloweenandTop Gun: Maverick. These sequels combine nostalgia with modern storytelling, rekindling interest in franchises while introducing them to new audiences. Superhero films, already deeply rooted in the multiverse concept, are perfectly poised to capitalize on this trend by returning to a beloved point in superhero movie history without interfering with themain MCU timelineor theDCU’s future plans.
10Tim Burton’s Batman 3
A Sequel To Batman Returns That Ignores Batman Forever
Tim Burton’s Gothic vision of Batman revolutionized the superhero genre in the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, afterBatman Returns, Burton’s plans for a third installment were scrapped in favor of the more family-friendlyBatman Forever. Decades later,a legacy sequel could ignore the SchumacherBatmanmovies and recommence the narrative with Michael Keaton’s Batman. Both Danny DeVito (Penguin) and Michelle Pfeiffer (Catwoman) have expressed interest in reprising their roles under Burton’s direction.
Michael Keaton’s return as Batman inThe Flashdemonstrated his willingness to don the cape and cowl once again. A third Burton-directedBatmancould explore Bruce Wayne’s aging heroism, perhaps focusing on hisstruggle to maintain Gotham’s safety as the city grows darker. Catwoman could return afterBatman Returns’ teaser ending and Burton’s signature style could provide a haunting exploration of Gotham’s descent into chaos.
9Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man 4
A Sequel to Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 3 Set After Spider-Man: No Way Home
Sam Raimi’sSpider-Mantrilogy remains one of the most iconic superhero franchises, and Tobey Maguire’s return inSpider-Man: No Way Homereignited enthusiasm for his portrayal. Many are eager tosee how his Peter Parker has evolved since the events of the original trilogy. A fourth installment could position Maguire’s Spider-Man as a mentor figure, similar to his relationship with Miles Morales in other media. This would fit with Maguire’s age and would follow on from his role inNo Way Homevery effectively.
The film could explore Peter grappling with his legacy. It could depict him dealing with the fallout of his choicesafter he confronted his past inSpider-Man:No Way Home.The inclusion of Mary Jane and their struggles to build a middle-aged adult life amidst chaos would also add an emotional core and would be an interesting dynamic.
8The Amazing Spider-Man 3
A Sequel To Marc Webb’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Set After Spider-Man: No Way Home
Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man has similarly experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks toSpider-Man: No Way Home. While his portrayal was widely praised,The Amazing Spider-Manseries was cut short before it could fully realize its potential. A third film couldfinally give Garfield’s Peter Parker the closure he deserves. The story could delve into Peter’s guilt and redemption arc following Gwen Stacy’s tragic death, possibly introducing a new love interest or exploring his dynamic with other multiverse heroes.
There were alsonumerous unresolved narratives fromThe Amazing Spider-Man 2, including introducing Black Cat and the Sinister Six. With Garfield’s Spider-Man now firmly established in the Marvel multiverse, the possibilities for crossover events are endless. Including elements from Sony’s Spider-Man Universe - like Venom or Morbius - could also redeem thepoor decisions made throughout the SSU.
7Wesley Snipes' Blade 4
A Sequel To David S. Goyer’s Blade: Trinity
Wesley Snipes’Bladetrilogy helped pave the way for the modern superhero film boom, blending horror, action, and dark humor. Despite a faltering third installment,Snipes’ portrayal of the half-vampire hunter remains iconic. Indeed, his cameo inDeadpool & Wolverinewas a highlight and prompted many to petition for his return. Snipes’ Blade even quipped in the 2024 movie,“There’s only one Blade.”
Given the MCU’s struggles to bring its ownBladereboot to fruition, revisiting Snipes’ universe might be a savvy move. A legacy sequel could explore Blade’s battle against a resurgent vampire threat,emphasizing his age and experience as strengths. Pairing him with a younger protégé or a multiverse counterpart could bridge the gap between the generations and introduce the MCU variant. A darker, more horror-centric tone—akin to the originalBlade—would resonate well with modern audiences craving mature superhero narratives.
6The Dark Knight 4
A Sequel To Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises Separate From The Batman And The DCU
Christopher Nolan’sThe Dark Knighttrilogy is often hailed as the pinnacle of superhero cinema. Christian Bale’s Batman retired at the end ofThe Dark Knight Rises, but the door was left open for Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s John Blake to assume the mantle. A fourth installment helmed by Nolancould explore this evolution. Bale has stated he would return as Batman if Nolan directed. This sequel could follow an older Bruce Wayne coming out of retirement to guide Blake as Gotham’s new protector.
Together, they could face a new wave of threats while grappling with the philosophical challenges of heroism. Revisiting this universe with Nolan’s meticulous storytelling and Bale’s compelling performance would undoubtedly captivate audiences once more. An overarchingtheme of legacy versus individuality could define the story, with Blake struggling to find his identity as Batman while Bruce faces the consequences of his past decisions.
5Ben Affleck’s Batman Movie
A Sequel To Zack Snyder’s Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice Separate From The DCU
Before the DCU reboot,Ben Affleck was set to direct and star in his own Batman film. Early reports described a gritty detective story featuring Deathstroke as the primary antagonist. The plot purportedlywould be set in Arkham Asylum and would feature several of Batman’s famed foes, and follow up on teases like Robin’s suit inBatman v Superman.Though Affleck’s Batman faced mixed reactions, his potential solo film has remained a tantalizing “what if.”
As part of the DCU Elseworlds initiative, Affleck’s Batman could return in a self-contained story exploring his complex psychology and strained relationships. Bringing back Joe Manganiello’s Deathstroke as a cerebral and physical threatwould provide the brutal, grounded action ideal for Affleck’s Dark Knight. With the multiverse concept, this project could coexist alongside Robert Pattinson’s Batman andthe DCU’s Batmanwithout confusion.
4The X-Men 4
A Sequel To X-Men: The Last Stand Set After X-Men: Days Of Future Past
The originalX-Mentrilogy concluded with the divisiveThe Last Stand, butDays of Future Pastreset the timeline, offering the potential for a sequel with the original cast. Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, and Ian McKellen have all expressed enthusiasm for reprising their roles,particularly after Jackman’s return inDeadpool & Wolverinewas widely lauded.A fourthX-Menfilm could explore the team’s efforts to rebuild the mutant community in a post-apocalyptic world.
A fourthX-Menmovie could delve into themes of legacy, survival, and hope, andfeature an ensemble, “best of” castfrom across the three movies. Revisiting this cast would evoke nostalgia while providing a fresh take on the franchise’s enduring themes of acceptance and unity. The inclusion of new mutants with unique powers, coupled with a philosophical antagonist like Mr. Sinister, could elevate the story’s stakes.
3The Incredible Hulk 2
A Sequel To The Incredible Hulk Starring Mark Ruffalo
While the MCU has continued Bruce Banner’s story,The Incredible Hulkremains a standalone entry in the franchise. Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk has evolved significantly since Edward Norton’s portrayal, but a direct sequelcould finally address lingering threads from the original filmand depict some of the many great Hulk-centric narratives the MCU has skirted around. This is largely because Universal Pictures holds the distribution rights to Hulk movies and negotiations with Disney have been strained.
Nevertheless, a secondHulkfilm could reintroduce characters like Betty Ross and Samuel Sterns (The Leader), exploring how they’ve been affected by Hulk’s transformation. Revisiting the grounded, yet thrilling tone ofThe Incredible Hulkwould providea welcome change of pace for the MCU. A multiverse twist could include a confrontation with Norton’s Hulk or even a clash between Hulk and an alternate version of himself gone rogue. This would highlight the internal and external conflicts that define the character.
2Mystery Men 2
A Sequel To 1999’s Mystery Men
Mystery Menoffered a quirky, satirical take on superhero tropes. Though it underperformed at the box office, it has since gained a cult following. A sequel could reintroduce this band of misfit heroes in a world dominated by modern superhero franchises. A second installmentcould explore how these eccentric characters navigate their legacy in a more commercialized, multiverse-driven superhero landscape.
The original cast (including Ben Stiller, Hank Azaria, and William H. Macy) could bring their comedic chemistry to a new generation. With its tongue-in-cheek humor and heartfelt moments,Mystery Men 2could providea refreshing antidote to the genre’s often self-serious tone. The plot could focus on the Mystery Men’s return to action to combat a younger, flashier team of corporate-backed heroes, forcing them to prove that heart and originality still matter. It would offer a refreshing change from the typical contemporary superhero fodder.
1Constantine 2
A Sequel To Keanu Reeves’ Constantine
Keanu Reeves’Constantinewas an underrated gem, blending supernatural horror with comic book action. Over the years, Reeves’ star power has only grown, and both he and the film’s cult audience have expressed a desire for a sequel. A secondConstantinefilm couldexplore an older, more grizzled John Constantine confronting his mortalityand his complicated relationship with Heaven and Hell.
Marvel Is Running Out Of Time To Make Keanu Reeves' Dream Marvel Role Happen In The MCU Movie That Makes The Most Sense
Keanu Reeves would be absolutely perfect for his dream Marvel Cinematic Universe role, but Marvel will need to act quickly before it’s too late.
With Reeves’ trademark intensity and charisma having deepened further in the years following the movie,Constantine 2could delve deeper into the character’s moral ambiguity and dark humor. Revisiting this world with modern effects and storytellingcould solidifyConstantineas one of the most compelling supernatural franchises in the genre. The stakes could be elevated by introducing a celestial war spilling into Earth, forcing Constantine to choose between his selfish instincts and a higher purpose. Indeed,Constantine 2might be the most promising superhero legacy sequel on the cards.
