5 Throwback Movies with Sequels On The Way

Everyone loves a good, nostalgic trip down memory lane once in a while, and what better way to indulge than to rewatch an old favorite film of yours. But the movies on this list aren’t just fond memories from days gone by: their stories are far from over. Check out these five films that are getting another entry in their franchise, to the delight of old and new fans alike.

Legally Blonde

In 2001, the world was introduced to bright, cheerful Elle Woods, the sorority girl turned Harvard law student. Her inspiring story of believing in herself, helping others, and proving a woman’s innocence in court gained fans all over and spawned a sequel, a spinoff film, and a Broadway musical. But it appears Reese Witherspoon, the star of the show, isn’t quite done playing Elle Woods. Witherspoon confirmed the rumors of another Legally Blonde movie were indeed true on her Instagram account. She will be producing the movie through her Hello Sunshine company. The plot has yet to be disclosed, but MGM has confirmed Legally Blonde 3 will drop on Valentine’s Day, 2020.

The Princess Diaries

Anne Hathaway’s breakout role as nerdy teenager Mia—really Amelia Mignonette Renaldi, heir to the fictional country of Genovia—shot her straight to stardom in 2001. The sequel that came out 3 years later charmed its loyal legion of fans, even as critics panned it. Now, Anne Hathaway has announced a third Princess Diaries movie is in the works by confirming a script has already been written; and, the author of the book series is involved. Both Hathaway and Julie Andrews are connected to the project, and stars Mandy Moore, Hector Elizondo, and Chris Pine have expressed interest in returning as well. No official date has been released yet, but fans can surely expect an announcement soon.

Coming to America

Eddie Murphy, Shari Headley, and Arsenio Hall smashed through the box office in 1988 with this heartwarming and hilarious hit film in which Prince Akeem, played by Murphy, traveled from the fictional country of Zamunda to America to find a queen who loved him for who he was, instead of a loveless arranged marriage—and fell head over heels for an American woman, Lisa, working at a fast food restaurant. Paramount hinted at Coming to America 2 at CinemaCon to an enthusiastic audience. The plot would allegedly revolve around Akeem returning to America to find a mysterious long-lost son he never knew he had, who would then be the heir to the throne of Zamunda. No actors have officially been connected to the project yet, but Coming to America 2 is currently slated to release August 7, 2020.

Enchanted

Over ten years ago, audiences everywhere fell in love with Amy Adams’ whimsical performance as Giselle, a princess from a magical fairytale land who was magically transported to the definitely not-so-magical streets of New York City. All the stars from the first film have indicated they are ready and interested to film the sequel, which would be called Disenchanted and revolve around Giselle questioning her happily-ever-after and triggering events that turn everyone’s lives upside down in the real world and the magical land of Andalasia. Composer Alan Menken hinted last month that since several meetings had taken place, it was only a matter of Disney greenlighting the project officially. So keep your eyes peeled! Disenchanted could be announced very soon.

Men in Black

Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones’ iconic partnership of suave Agent J and gruff Agent J made their wacky alien buddy cop movie a smash hit back in 1997, and the two sequels that followed were just as fun. After the third movie, though, the writers at Amblin and Columbia scrambled to see where they could take the story next; for a while, a crossover with the Jump Street franchise was up in the air. And since the conclusion of the trilogy, most fans assumed the franchise had come to a close. But now, another entry in the MIB universe has been announced, with a brand new pair of charismatic alien-hunting agents ready to take the world by storm. Men in Black: International will star Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth as they travel the globe, blast aliens, and save the day. The movie comes out this upcoming June 14.

It’s always great to be able to revisit old favorite movies years afterward and appreciate new things about them you didn’t notice before, but having a brand new story in that same world is extra special. Here’s hoping these upcoming films satisfy the legions of loyal fans that love them, and delight a whole new generation.