Cover ‘28 Years Later’ (Photo: Terry Blackburn via IMDB)
‘28 Years Later’ (Photo: Terry Blackburn via IMDB)
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These highly anticipated movie sequels celebrates what came before while charting new territories
Some films don’t need a sequel, but can you really fault Hollywood if they want to squeeze every cent out of a story? After all, Jurassic World (2015) revitalised a dormant franchise by grossing over US$1.6 billion worldwide—significantly surpassing Jurassic Park III (2001). Similarly, Top Gun: Maverick (2022) soared to impressive heights, amassing nearly US$1.5 billion globally. The first film in 1986 made only US$357 million.
Sequels can potentially kill a story, but they can also earn a killing, which far outweighs the risks. So, predictably, in 2025, the film industry is gearing up for a year filled with highly anticipated follow-ups across various genres.
1. ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy’
Release date: February 13, 2025
Director: Sharon Maguire
Renée Zellweger returns as the endearing Bridget Jones in the fourth instalment of the beloved British rom-com. Based on Helen Fielding's novel, the follow-up explores Bridget’s life as a single mother, discovering the challenges of parenthood and modern dating after the untimely death of Mark Darcy.
See more: 10 books behind the movies to read
2. ‘Captain America: Brave New World’
Release date: February 14, 2025
Director: Julius Onah
The Marvel Cinematic Universe introduces a new chapter with Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) taking up the mantle of Captain America. Facing a mysterious global threat, Wilson must navigate political tensions and redefine what it means to be a hero in a changing world. The film brings new characters and elements into the MCU, notably adamantium, which was previously featured in 20th Century Fox’s Marvel adaptations.
3. ‘Paddington in Peru’
Release date: February 14, 2025
Director: Dougal Wilson
Everyone’s favourite marmalade-loving bear embarks on a new adventure, travelling from London to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy. Joined by the Brown family, Paddington’s journey through the Amazon rainforest and the peaks of Peru promises a heartwarming tale filled with humour, discovery and the importance of family. The film continues the series’ tradition of charming storytelling suitable for all ages.
4. ‘The Accountant 2’
Above ‘The Accountant 2’ has yet to release a theatrical trailer despite its impending release date. (Photo: Warrick Page for Amazon Content Services via IMDB)
‘The Accountant 2’ has yet to release a theatrical trailer despite its impending release date. (Photo: Warrick Page for Amazon Content Services via IMDB)
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Release date: March/April 2025
Director: Gavin O’Connor
Ben Affleck returns as Christian Wolff, a mathematics savant with a penchant for forensic accounting and a complex moral code. In this sequel, Wolff teams up with his brother (Jon Bernthal) to track down a group of mysterious assassins.
5. ‘28 Years Later’
Release date: May 10, 2025
Director: Danny Boyle
Continuing the harrowing saga of a world devastated by a viral outbreak, 28 Years Later presents the long-term consequences of the rage virus on humanity. Set nearly three decades after the initial outbreak, the film probes the lives of survivors grappling with the remnants of civilisation, ethical dilemmas and the ever-present threat of infection.
6. ‘Karate Kid: Legends’
Release date: June 6, 2025
Director: Jonathan Entwistle
Whoever said karate died in the ’80s didn’t anticipate the endurance of this action franchise. Karate Kid: Legends introduces a new generation to the timeless underdog story. Much of the plot is under wraps, but you can guess that it’s about a young boy being mentored in martial arts, ultimately building his confidence. Ralph Macchio returns as the original Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso, while Jackie Chan reprises his role as Mr Han from the 2010 film.
7. ‘Happy Gilmore 2’
Release date: June 20, 2025
Director: Dennis Dugan
Nearly three decades after Happy Gilmore’s (Adam Sandler) unconventional rise in the golf world, the former hockey player wannabe returns to the green. Directed by Dennis Dugan, this long-anticipated sequel explores Gilmore’s life as he mentors a new generation of golfers while juggling personal challenges and adjusting to the evolution of professional sports.
8. ‘M3GAN 2.0’
Release date: June 27, 2025
Director: Gerard Johnstone
Who would have thought this tech horror would be a bona fide success? The AI-run doll M3GAN returns, continuing her evaluation of human relationships and the boundaries of artificial intelligence. As M3GAN becomes more self-aware, she faces new challenges and adversaries, leading to a suspenseful and thrilling narrative. The film will be equal parts horror and sci-fi, poking questions at technology’s role in society.
9. ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’
Release date: July 2, 2025
Director: Gareth Edwards
Breathing new life into the iconic franchise, Jurassic World: Rebirth is helmed by Rogue One director Gareth Edwards. Set five years after Jurassic World: Dominion, the movie follows a team of scientists, led by Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson) and Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali), as they venture into uncharted territories to retrieve dinosaur DNA for groundbreaking medical research. The film promises a return to the suspenseful roots of the original, with a focus on character-driven storytelling amidst the awe-inspiring yet perilous landscapes of a dinosaur-dominated world.
10. ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’
Release date: July 11, 2025
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Ethan Hunt, portrayed by the indefatigable Tom Cruise, embarks on what is rumoured to be his final mission in the long-running Mission Impossible franchise. Under the seasoned direction of Christopher McQuarrie, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is expected to deliver a hallmark cocktail of intricate espionage narratives and gravity-defying stunts. While plot specifics remain a mystery, insiders hint at a storyline that brings Hunt face-to-face with ghosts from his past, culminating in a high-stakes showdown that will test his loyalties and skills like never before.
11. ‘Wicked: For Good’
Above ‘Wicked’ (Photo: Universal Pictures via IMDB)
‘Wicked’ (Photo: Universal Pictures via IMDB)
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Release date: November 21, 2025
Director: Jon M Chu
The enchanting world of Oz returns in the sequel to the blockbuster first act. Picking up where the first film left off, Wicked: For Good continues to explore the complex relationship between Elphaba and Glinda, delving deeper into their personal journeys and the political intrigues of Oz. With mesmerizing musical numbers and a compelling storyline, this sequel aims to captivate both returning fans and newcomers to the franchise.
Don't miss: 15 musical adaptations to tide you over before the release of ‘Wicked: For Good’
12. ‘Zootopia 2’
Above ‘Zootopia’ (Photo: IMDB)
‘Zootopia’ (Photo: IMDB)
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Release date: November 26, 2025
Director: Jared Bush
The vibrant metropolis of Zootopia opens its doors once more in this eagerly awaited sequel. Directed by Jared Bush, the film reunites audiences with the dynamic duo of Officer Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) as they tackle a new mystery that threatens the harmony of their diverse city. Early glimpses suggest the introduction of new districts and species, including a charismatic snake character voiced by Ke Huy Quan.
13. ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’
Above ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ (Photo: 20th Century Studios via IMDB)
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ (Photo: 20th Century Studios via IMDB)
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Release date: December 19, 2025
Director: James Cameron
James Cameron returns to the director’s chair with Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third chapter in his groundbreaking seven-part saga. This instalment delves deeper into Pandora’s diverse ecosystems, introducing the enigmatic Ash People, a Na’vi tribe with a profound connection to volcanic regions. Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) will confront new adversaries threatening their world. As usual, the film promises to marry cutting-edge visual effects with old-fashioned themes of unity and environmental stewardship.
14. ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’
Release date: Late 2025
Director: Rian Johnson
Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) returns to untangle another web of deceit in Wake Up Dead Man. Under Rian Johnson’s masterful direction, this instalment transports audiences to a luxurious vineyard estate, where a renowned winemaker’s sudden death uncorks a bottle of secrets, rivalries and hidden agenda. It has an all-star cast that includes Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin and Mila Kunis.
Also read: 7 Chris Evans movies we can't stop rewatching: Knives Out, Captain America, and more
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