Three Hollywood Hits That Never Got Their Sequels — Millions of Fans Still Hope for a Follow-Up
These stories still had potential to be developed further.
Movie lovers eagerly await sequels to reunite with beloved characters. Studios see sequels as a goldmine. Yet, some films clearly set up franchises only to remain standalone stories.
Cliffhanger endings, post-credits scenes filled with hints — all suggest a sequel should follow. But instead, these stories are left on pause. Here are three notable examples.
Constantine
Fans have waited years to see Keanu Reeves return as the charismatic exorcist John Constantine. Despite a solid budget, the original film was a box office success and became a cult classic on DVD. However, legal wrangling between Warner Bros. and DC stalled any sequel plans for years.
Attempts to revive the franchise included a TV series starring Matt Ryan, which was closer to the original comic but lasted only one season. Audiences stubbornly wanted Reeves back as the sardonic demon hunter.
Finally, in 2022, fans were given hope: a sequel with the original director and lead actor was officially announced, promising to preserve the dark tone of the first film.
Van Helsing
Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of the legendary monster hunter clearly called for a franchise. Released in 2004, Van Helsing combined fast-paced action with gothic aesthetics and gained a cult following. Although its box office returns were underwhelming, the film found a second life on VHS and DVD.
Universal Pictures has tried to revive the project several times — first with the ill-fated “Dark Universe” reboot starting with The Mummy, and now with a fresh approach. With horror maestro James Wan on board, there is hope for a darker, grittier reimagining of the classic tale that retains the spirit of the original.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Guy Ritchie rarely returns to his past works — even the successful Sherlock Holmes trilogy never concluded. His stylish 2015 spy film The Man from U.N.C.L.E., starring Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer, seemed a perfect candidate for a sequel: sleek retro vibes, a sparkling lead duo, and an open-ended finale practically begged for a follow-up.
The film made modest box office returns, but the real blow came with the scandal surrounding Hammer. Following allegations of abuse, the actor vanished from Hollywood, effectively burying any hopes of a sequel. Warner Bros. is unlikely to risk reviving the franchise without one of its main stars.
