Unexpected Sequels: 7 Surprising Movie Continuations

28 Years Later

Two decades after the first installment of the franchise, 28 Days Later, redefined the zombie genre, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland are resurrecting the franchise with 28 Years Later. The acclaimed 2002 film followed a man awakening from a coma into a London besieged by infected, rage-filled humans. While a sequel, 28 Weeks Later, the story was continued in 2007. Boyle and Garland are now spearheading their own follow-up installment. With the original effectively sparking the 2000s zombie craze and influencing major properties like The Walking Dead, the creative duo have big plans to launch a successful trilogy with 28 Years Later.

Cillian Murphy as Jim holding an iron bar in 28 Days Later

The Polar Express 2

The classic holiday film The Polar Express first enchanted audiences in 2004, a sequel is unexpectedly in the works. Though a fake movie poster stirred up sequel rumors in late 2023, producer Gary Goetzman has now confirmed Polar Express 2 is in development. Following a young boy's Christmas Eve journey to the North Pole, The Polar Express has become a holiday staple thanks to its heartwarming themes. Anticipation builds with multiple theories about how The Polar Express 2 will continue the classic story. If it matches the nostalgia of the original, Polar Express 2 could become a new classic.

Kid passengers on The Polar Express

Dodgeball 2

20th Century Studios has enlisted writer Jordan VanDina to pen the follow-up, with star Vince Vaughn attached to reprise his role as the underdog sports hero Peter. The 2004 film followed a ragtag dodgeball team battling the elite to save their gym, becoming a fan favorite thanks to its outrageous humor and cameo-filled climax. While specific details are unknown, Vaughn has already met with the screenwriter to shape an original idea for this next chapter. If the sequel captures the same zany spirit and laugh-out-loud gags, it could be a comeback win for this outrageous underdog franchise.

Pete throws a ball in Dodgeball

Fall 2

Fall follows two friends trapped atop a 2,000-foot radio tower, using its vertigo-inducing premise to deliver major suspense. Fall left audiences eager for more gravity-defying terror. Now producer and director Scott Mann is returning to oversee two back-to-back sequels that will take the franchise and its characters to daring new locations. With filming set for June 2024, breakout lead Grace Caroline Currey is confirmed to reprise her role after the exciting ending of Fall. If the next installment captures the same spirit as the original, Fall 2 may reach even greater heights.

Becky and Hunter sitting on the tower in Fall

Freaky Friday 2

Nearly 20 years after the body-swapping comedy charmed audiences, a sequel is in the works. With the movie already confirmed, writer-director Elyse Hollander will pen her first feature film for the franchises next chapter. With Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis expressing interest during the awards circuit along with Lohan, Disney has granted their wish. Set to begin production soon before Curtis winds down her iconic career, Freaky Friday 2 aims to recapture the hilarious heart that made this fantasy resonate across generations. Despite Freaky Friday 2 having major challenges to overcome, its certain to be another body-swapping favorite.

Anna Coleman pointing her finger at Tess in from Freaky Friday

Jurassic World 4

Despite Jurassic World: Dominion concluding the recent trilogy and uniting legacy characters, the franchise is making a return with a fourth World installment. While Dominion aimed for finality after mixed reviews, Hollywood couldnt resist reviving the billion-dollar property. The series has weathered ups and downs, but the chance to rake in box office dollars remains tempting. Now, in the wake of Dominions disappointing performance, Jurassic World 4 will steer the dinosaur mayhem back on course. With over 25 years of thrills, the next chapter promises to recapture the awe and innovation that first brought dinosaurs to life.

Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard stand in front of a car in Jurassic World.