Hollywood is always on the hunt for the next big franchise—a cinematic universe or multi-film saga that can bring in billions and dominate pop culture. Studios often greenlight movies with long-term plans, hoping to build the next Harry Potter, Marvel, or Fast & Furious. But not every film lives up to the hype.
The Mummy (2017)
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In this modern reimagining of the classic tale, Tom Cruise stars as Nick Morton, a soldier who inadvertently awakens the ancient princess Ahmanet from her centuries-long tomb. As she seeks revenge on the world, Morton finds himself entangled in a battle between the forces of darkness and the possibility of saving humanity. This “Mummy” was part of Universal’s ambitious attempt to launch a shared cinematic universe called “Dark Universe,” intended to breathe new life into the iconic Universal Monsters. However, the movie’s negative reception led to the cancellation of the entire shared universe. The studio shifted direction and decided to focus on stand-alone stories instead.
John Carter (2012)
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Based on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ “A Princess of Mars,” “John Carter” follows a former Confederate captain who is transported to Mars and caught in a war between warring kingdoms. With grand plans for a trilogy, the film featured stunning visuals and a strong cast, including Taylor Kitsch and Willem Dafoe. However, its poor box office performance led Disney to cancel the sequels, despite the filmmakers’ interest in continuing the story.
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
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“Alita: Battle Angel” introduces viewers to a cyborg named Alita, who awakens in a future dystopian world with no memory of her past and embarks on a journey to discover her true identity. Directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by James Cameron, the movie dazzles with its stunning visuals and action sequences, driven by Alita’s quest for self-discovery and redemption. Although the film was praised for its captivating story and technology, it did not achieve the financial success that would have secured the planned follow-ups. Both Cameron and Rodriguez had big hopes for a continuation, with hints at multiple sequels and character developments, including the setup of Nova (Edward Norton) as a central antagonist. However, following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox and the changing landscape of its cinematic priorities, the prospect of a sequel became uncertain.
Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013)
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This action-packed reimagining of the classic fairy tale follows Hansel and Gretel as grown-up siblings who hunt witches for a living. Set in a dark, gritty world, the pair battles witches and uncovers deeper conspiracies surrounding their past. The movie had moderate success, especially overseas, prompting Paramount to announce plans for a sequel just months after its release. Writers and producers expressed excitement about raising the stakes for a follow-up, and Jeremy Renner showed interest in reprising his role. However, despite initial momentum, the continuation faltered. Director Tommy Wirkola, who had helmed the first, decided to step away from the project, stating he wanted to focus on new material. His departure, along with Renner’s uncertainty about returning without him, created an unstable foundation for the second part.
The Golden Compass (2007)
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The Golden Compass revolves around Lyra Belacqua, a young girl on a dangerous journey to the North to rescue children kidnapped by the sinister Gobblers. Based on Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” trilogy, the film starred Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig, and promised a sweeping fantasy adventure. Upon its release, director Chris Weitz planned to continue the story with adaptations of the second and third books, “The Subtle Knife” and “The Amber Spyglass.” However, the movie’s box office performance in the U.S. fell short of expectations, even though it did well internationally. Financial concerns, especially during the global recession, and pushback from groups like the Catholic Church, led New Line Cinema to place the sequels on hold. Despite the picture’s ambition, a second part never materialized, though “His Dark Materials” later found new life as a television reboot.
The A-Team (2010)
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Inspired by the beloved 1980s TV show, “The A-Team” follows a group of Special Forces soldiers who are framed for a crime they didn’t commit and must work together to clear their names. The film stars Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Quinton Jackson, and Sharlto Copley, blending action and comedy as the team uses their unique skills to outsmart their enemies. Despite positive enthusiasm from the cast about returning for a follow-up, the movie didn’t generate enough revenue to justify continuing the adventure. Director Joe Carnahan also expressed interest in a second part, but poor box office performance led to the project being shelved. Liam Neeson later reflected on the flick’s complexities, admitting he struggled to follow the plot, which might have contributed to its lukewarm reception.
The Lone Ranger (2013)
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“The Lone Ranger” is a Western adventure that tells the story of John Reid, a lawman who becomes the masked vigilante known as the Lone Ranger, alongside his Native American companion Tonto. Together, they set out to bring justice to the Old West while facing off against ruthless villains. The film, directed by Gore Verbinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, was intended to launch a franchise. However, despite its star-studded cast and big-budget spectacle, the title failed to impress both critics and audiences, underperforming at the box office. Bruckheimer had hoped for a sequel, but the picture’s disappointing performance led to those plans being abandoned.
Green Lantern (2011)
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“Green Lantern” stars Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan, a test pilot who is chosen to join the Green Lantern Corps, an intergalactic group tasked with maintaining peace in the universe. Armed with a powerful ring, Hal must face the destructive force of Parallax and learn to wield his newfound abilities. Warner Bros. had big expectations for this film, hoping it would kick off a successful superhero franchise in the DC universe. They even commissioned a script for a sequel while the first part was still being shot. The post-credits scene, featuring the rise of Sinestro as a corrupted villain, set the stage for future movies. However, the title’s lackluster reception both critically and at the box office led the studio to abandon the idea of a continuation, leaving the potential for a franchise unfulfilled.
Speed Racer (2008)
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In “Speed Racer,” the story revolves around an 18-year-old racer who becomes involved in a larger conspiracy after he refuses a lucrative contract from a powerful industry tycoon. The vibrant and visually striking adaptation of the 1960s manga series by the Wachowskis stars Emile Hirsch as the titular character, with a notable supporting cast including Christina Ricci and Matthew Fox. Upon its release, the movie received mixed reviews, with praise for its innovative visual style but criticism for its storyline and pacing. Despite this, there was initial talk of a continuation, with cast and crew hinting at the potential for a sequel, even suggesting an overarching narrative that could be explored further. However, the underperformance at the box office meant that any hopes for a follow-up quickly faded, and the idea was eventually abandoned.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)
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Set during the Cold War, “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” follows CIA agent Napoleon Solo and KGB operative Illya Kuryakin as they reluctantly team up to thwart a criminal organization attempting to create nuclear weapons. Despite its charming performances and stylish direction by Guy Ritchie, the film struggled at the box office, and though a sequel seemed promising with the original cast members expressing interest, the planned follow-up never materialized.
