The Museum Doors Are Opening Again — But Fans Aren’t Exactly Thrilled
More than 10 years later, a new adventure quietly begins.
It looks as though the exhibits are limbering up once more. 20th Century Studios has teamed with Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps to 're-imagine' Night at the Museum, the much-loved family franchise that last hit cinemas in 2014. Levy, who directed the original trilogy, will now produce alongside Dan Levine, while executive vice-president Emily Morris keeps a watchful eye on the artefacts. Can lightning strike twice after the series’ $540 million domestic haul?
The script has been handed to comedy writer Tripper Clancy (Stuber, Die Hart), a choice that suggests the new film will lean into sharp dialogue as much as slapstick chaos. Plot details remain under wraps, but early whispers point to fresh characters and a brand-new caper inside the museum’s marble halls. Which statue will steal the show this time, and will that cheeky capuchin make a return cameo — or is that too much monkey business?
Levy’s touch will still be felt: he knows his way around mischievous miniatures and talking tyrannosaurs, not to mention the gentle heart that made the originals stick. Yet 21 Laps is also busy shepherding the final season of Stranger Things; might a pinch of that show’s darker whimsy slip into the nocturnal mayhem?
Still, not everyone’s excited about a return to the museum. On Reddit, early responses have been mixed at best.
"Not gonna be the same without Ben and Robin," wrote AlmightyLoaf54.
"Hard pass for me. The original was cast perfectly and oozed charisma," said Troyal1.
"Dude. These remakes have gotta stop," added sixshootersweetheart.
For now, the only certainty is that somewhere behind locked glass cases, the suits of armour are polishing themselves and the mummies are practising their banter. The rest — release date, cast, even which museum we’ll visit — remains a mystery. But whether you're excited or exhausted by the news… the doors are opening either way.
