Upcoming Netflix Sequels You May Not Know Were In The Works

As a cinephile with years of experience under my belt, I must say that the lineup of upcoming sequels from Netflix is nothing short of exhilarating! From the return of beloved characters to the expansion of unique universes, these follow-ups promise to deliver an array of entertainment that will surely keep us on the edge of our seats.

Initially, it was unconventional to think that a streaming platform would produce their own original content, including full-length movies. However, today we witness the immense success of streaming movies, with some even spawning multiple sequels. Netflix has consistently been at the forefront of the streaming industry, playing a significant role in elevating the status of films premiered on streaming platforms. Notably, Netflix has also spearheaded the trend of creating sequels for its own productions.

A notable aspect where Netflix has made a difference is reviving shows that were once axed by traditional broadcast and cable stations, even creating follow-ups to films it didn’t initially produce. With Netflix constantly updating its content offerings, keeping track of everything can be challenging, especially with the latest additions receiving the most focus. Be prepared, as you might not realize that some – if not all – of these sequels are in development by Netflix, continuing both Netflix and non-Netflix originals.

The Old Guard 2

Netflix secured another big-name actor, Charlize Theron, for the action flick “The Old Guard” in 2020, which is based on the Image Comics graphic novel series. In this film, Theron portrayed Andromache, or Andy, one of a group of seemingly immortal fighters who have been employed as mercenaries for centuries. While the plot may seem reminiscent of her 2008 movie “Hancock,” “The Old Guard” significantly outperformed it, earning nearly double the critical acclaim on its way to a ‘fresh’ rating.

Despite suggestions of a sequel for “The Old Guard” following its conclusion, the certainty of such productions in Netflix’s catalog isn’t always guaranteed. While Charlize Theron and her co-stars expressed interest, this doesn’t automatically guarantee a follow-up. In January 2021, it was confirmed that Netflix had given the sequel a go-ahead; however, labor disputes and internal changes at Netflix prolonged the production process far beyond initial expectations. As of November 2024, Luca Marinelli, who portrays another immortal character, expressed eagerness to watch it as an audience member, hinting that the project may be nearing completion. Thus, it seems either completed or nearly done.

Happy Gilmore 2

Adam Sandler often incorporates references from earlier movies into his films, and some characters have made appearances across multiple titles. However, “Grown Ups 2” and “Hotel Transylvania 2” are the only ones that he personally co-wrote as sequels. Sandler has taken his time to revisit any of his ’90s hits, but he’s now planning to do so with “Happy Gilmore 2,” which started filming in September 2024.

Very little information has been revealed about the storyline of the upcoming sequel. This continuation finds Adam Sandler’s character, a former hockey player turned professional golfer who emerged victorious in the tour championship against his longtime rival Shooter McGavin (played by Christopher McDonald), at an unspecified point in time. Given that McDonald is reprising his role as Shooter, it can be presumed that their rivalry will continue on the golf course.

Several actors from the initial movie, including Carl Weathers, Frances Bay, Richard Kiel, Joe Flaherty, and Bob Barker, have sadly passed on, reducing the number of potential returning characters. However, Julie Bowen, Allen Covert, and Ben Stiller from “Happy Gilmore” are set to join the project, along with some exciting new faces. It’s intriguing to imagine what the “Happy Gilmore” cast will be like now that the sequel is expected to premiere on Netflix within the next year.

Fear Street: Prom Queen

As a gamer, I was super hyped when I heard that 20th Century Fox was going all out with a trilogy of “Fear Street” movies, shooting them one after another to drop each film monthly in 2020. But then COVID-19 hit and movie theaters closed down, cancelling that sweet plan. Disney, who had taken over, lost interest in the series entirely, leaving Netflix to swoop in and save the day. Fast forward to 2021, and Netflix released these chilling masterpieces – “Fear Street Part One: 1994,” “Fear Street Part Two: 1978,” and “Fear Street Part Three: 1666” – over three weeks in July, giving me a month-long horror binge session!

The critically acclaimed “Fear Street” trilogy on Netflix, penned by R.L. Stine of “Goosebumps” fame, has proven successful both critically and in terms of viewership numbers. This success has led to the greenlighting of a fourth movie titled “Prom Queen,” which is a direct adaptation of the 15th book in the “Fear Street” series by the same name. Unlike its predecessors that aimed to capture the spirit of the books, “Prom Queen” will be a standalone film with its own story and characters, while the trilogy entries were all interconnected. The exact release date for 2025’s “Prom Queen” has yet to be announced.

Bank of Dave 2

2023 saw the release of “Bank of Dave” on Netflix, a movie adapted from a true story about a wealthy individual (portrayed by Rory Kinnear) attempting to establish his own bank to support local businesses. The film openly acknowledges that it took creative liberties with the actual events and characters using an opening disclaimer, altering names and locations, and inventing major occurrences. Despite these departures from reality, the movie offers a heartwarming narrative that stands out as a rare example of optimism amidst the prevailing cynicism in modern films.

One advantage of many parts of “Bank of Dave” being fictional is that it leaves Netflix with lots of flexibility to explore various storylines for a sequel. Consequently, we can expect “Bank of Dave 2” to premiere around 2025, with its subtitle potentially being “The Loan Ranger,” or simply referred to as “Bank of Dave: The Sequel.” Chrissy Metz from “This is Us” has been cast for the sequel, along with Kinnear reprising his role as Dave. Interestingly, the real Dave Fishwick will make an appearance in “Bank of Dave 2,” portraying a villain character. He was not present in the initial film, but served as a producer.

The Gray Man 2

2022’s Netflix film “The Gray Man” was directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, who are renowned for the spectacular conclusion of “Avengers: Endgame.” Some fans on Reddit believe that the Marvel Cinematic Universe should have ended after this masterpiece. The action-thriller brought Chris Evans back to work with the Russos, while also giving them a chance to collaborate with Ryan Gosling for the first time. This pairing of two popular Hollywood actors as co-leads was quite intriguing. In the film, Evans portrays a disgraced former CIA agent turned mercenary, tasked with eliminating Gosling’s character, who has transitioned from a convict to a CIA agent. Their on-screen dynamic is captivating, and their cat-and-mouse game is complemented by action sequences that live up to the Russo brothers’ reputation for excellence.

Before the initial “Gray Man” film premiered on Netflix, they had already hinted at a larger universe, and soon after, a sequel was announced with Ryan Gosling and the Russos reprising their roles. There were also discussions about a standalone movie centered around the character Lone Wolf, portrayed by Dhanush. However, there was a period of silence regarding both projects. In April 2024, Joe Russo confirmed that the sequel was still being developed. But since the Russos have returned to work on “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars” for Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2026 and 2027, it raises questions about whether “The Gray Man 2” has been postponed again.

Rebel Moon 3

It appears that Zack Snyder’s dissatisfaction with the DC Extended Universe and traditional cinema in general was sparked by the controversy surrounding “Justice League.” Apart from producing subsequent DC and theatre films following the 2017 release of the original version, Snyder has primarily focused on projects for streaming platforms since then. His work includes “Army of the Dead” and future Netflix originals like “Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver,” which are mainly released on streaming platforms, with limited theatrical screenings of these streaming movies.

As a dedicated fan, I’m thrilled to share that Zack Snyder is still diligently expanding the universe of his sci-fi franchise, “Rebel Moon,” despite the temporary pause in the “Army of the Dead” series. Though his films have often been met with mixed reviews from critics, they’ve managed to captivate a devoted fanbase, so much so that Netflix is keen on Snyder continuing to create new instalments. At present, there are two main “Rebel Moon” movies in production, each with its own director’s cut, and rumors suggest up to four additional films could follow. In an interview in April 2024, Kurt Johnstad, one of Snyder’s co-writers, mentioned a goal of creating six “Rebel Moon” films, forming a trilogy with each film split into two parts. And just last month, Snyder himself confirmed to Forbes that they’ve been working on “part three.

Troll 2

The overall opinion on the 2022 Netflix monster film “Troll,” directed by Roar Uthaug from Norway, is that while it may not have been the most innovative entry in the genre, it was still a competent production that’s enjoyable for fans of Godzilla and King Kong. Interestingly, only a few months after its release on Netflix, they ordered a sequel from the same creative team behind the original movie – an unsurprising move given that by November 2024, it remained the highest-grossing non-English Netflix original film ever made.

In November 2024, Netflix confirmed that production on “Troll 2” was progressing smoothly and the film would likely premiere on their platform in 2025. Since the follow-up to the 2018 “Tomb Raider” movie, also directed by Uthaug, got scrapped, it’s great to see the director getting another chance to lead a franchise with “Troll 2.” If this sequel manages to replicate even a fraction of the success of the original film, don’t be taken aback if we hear about a third installment being greenlit just as swiftly as the second was announced.

Enola Holmes 3

Millie Bobby Brown is eager for “Stranger Things” to conclude because it will give her an opportunity to dedicate more energy towards other ventures. One of these undertakings is a Netflix project titled “Enola Holmes,” where she portrays the younger sibling of Sherlock Holmes, played by Henry Cavill in this mystery film series. The first two movies of this franchise have been released, with the second installment receiving even more positive reviews than the critically-adored initial release.

Since the series has been enjoying success so far, it’s not hard to guess that Netflix is planning to extend it into a trilogy. Back in November 2023, Netflix announced that the script was being penned down. Later in the following November, news surfaced about Philip Barantini joining as director, and Millie Bobby Brown expressing her intention to start working on “Enola Holmes 3” only after wrapping up the final season of “Stranger Things.” This timeline suggests that the movie might be quite a ways off, with a 2025 release seeming very improbable. However, it’s important to note that the project is indeed underway and represents a beloved franchise and character for Millie Bobby Brown.

Extraction 3

Prior to directing “The Gray Man,” Joe and Anthony Russo teamed up with Netflix about two years earlier for the 2020 action thriller “Extraction.” In this film, they worked with Chris Hemsworth, an actor they had previously collaborated with in their Marvel Cinematic Universe projects. Here, Hemsworth portrays Tyler Rake, a mercenary tasked with rescuing the kidnapped son of a drug lord. While both Russos contributed to the story, only Joe is credited for the screenplay. Sam Hargrave, who often works as a second unit director for the Russos, was the one who directed “Extraction.

Because “Extraction” had a two-year lead, it already has a follow-up movie ready. The second installment, titled “Extraction 2”, saw Joe Russo penning the script and Sam Hargrave directing again for this sequel. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes praised it as bigger, more daring, and in some instances even surpassing its predecessor, earning a Certified Fresh rating that the original couldn’t match. In June 2023 – the same month “Extraction 2” was launched – it was announced that “Extraction 3” was under development at Netflix, with only Hemsworth and Hargrave set to reprise their roles.

In October 2023, the Russos disclosed their involvement in the storyline for “Extraction 3” and that filming is scheduled for 2025, which suggests a high probability that we’ll watch the third “Extraction” movie before the second installment of “The Gray Man.” In other words, either a sequel, spin-off, or another related film of “The Gray Man” will come later.

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

Initially, the first “Knives Out” movie was released in cinemas and turned out to be quite a hit. However, for future installments, Netflix appears to have taken ownership of the franchise. The second film, “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” debuted on Netflix in 2022. Moving forward, we can expect the third movie, titled “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” to premiere on Netflix around 2025. If you can’t wait that long, there are seven other movies similar to “Knives Out” available to keep you entertained until “Wake Up Dead Man” arrives.

“Wake Up Dead Man” will carry on Rian Johnson’s practice of introducing a completely new set of characters played by fresh faces, with one consistent element being Daniel Craig’s peculiar detective, Benoit Blanc, as the sole returning actor and character across films. The title suggests that a body will again be discovered, prompting Blanc to identify the culprit. Among the latest actors joining the cast are Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Jeremy Renner, and Mila Kunis, who may be among the potential suspects in the expanding “Knives Out” series.

The Sea Beast 2

Previously, Netflix relied on external animation studios for its movies and series. However, in 2019, Netflix established its own internal animation studio, Netflix Animation, to create both films and shows. In a short span of time, Netflix Animation has made a significant impact, as evidenced by the success of critically-acclaimed and Oscar-nominated movies like “The Sea Beast” from 2022. Now, Netflix Animation is gearing up to produce the first sequel of one of its own animated films with the upcoming “The Sea Beast 2.

As a gamer, I’d say: In this game world, I navigate through an underwater realm teeming with fearsome sea monsters. The elite hunters, like Jacob Holland (Karl Urban), are valued for their bravery. But then comes Maisie (Zaris-Angel Hator), who challenges the long-standing enmity between man and beast by forming a bond with one of the young beasts’ offspring.

Chris Williams, who directed and co-wrote the movie, agreed on a two-film contract with Netflix in January 2023, encompassing a new project and a follow-up to “The Sea Beast.” Since there was a four-year interval between the initial announcement and the original film’s premiere, it seems we might have to wait before watching “The Sea Beast 2.” However, sequels often require less time than first productions, so fingers crossed for an earlier release than 2027.

Red Notice 2

Due to its record-breaking viewership of 239 million on Netflix by December 2023, making it the platform’s most-watched film ever, it comes as no shock that “Red Notice” is currently working on not just one, but two sequel scripts. However, the streaming world is known for its swift pace, and with Netflix constantly adding new content, even a blockbuster like “Red Notice” may slip from people’s minds given the steady influx of fresh content.

Featuring Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot – three highly popular celebrities – “Red Notice” is an action-packed comedy revolving around the theft of ancient artifacts, intricate deceptions, and all the familiar elements typical of such a film. With these three captivating actors leading the way, it’s nearly impossible not to be charmed throughout the movie.

Since 2022, there hasn’t been much news regarding the sequels. However, it was announced that the script for the second film was completed and the intention was to have the third script ready for simultaneous filming of both movies. After this announcement, no further official updates have been shared, but considering the significance of this project for Netflix, it’s unlikely to be shelved.

2024-12-10 00:31