With sequels dominating the box office, it's no surprise that Hollywood is set to release a slew of follow-ups in 2025. This year brings a mix of long-awaited returns, franchise revivals, and fresh takes on beloved stories. Here are 10 of the most anticipated sequels hitting theaters.
1. Final Destination: Bloodlines (May 16)
After more than a decade, the popular horror franchise is back. Final Destination: Bloodlines is set to deliver the same bone-chilling premise: a group of people narrowly escape death, only for "Death's design" to hunt them down one by one in gruesome, elaborate ways. This installment, directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, promises to go deeper into the franchise's lore, exploring the origins of Death's intricate plan.
2. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (May 23)
Tom Cruise returns as the iconic Ethan Hunt for another high-stakes mission. In Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Hunt and his IMF team must confront The Entity, a powerful rogue AI that was introduced in the previous film. While the title suggests a grand finale, both Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie have hinted that this may not be the end for the franchise. The movie brings back familiar faces like Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, and Hayley Atwell.
3. Karate Kids: Legends (May 30)
The legacy of Mr. Miyagi continues in Karate Kid: Legends. This sixth installment finally unites the timelines of the original films with the 2010 reboot, bringing together Jackie Chan as Mr. Han and Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso. They serve as dual mentors to a new protagonist, Li Fong, a young outsider who moves to a new city and faces a familiar struggle to fit in. Fans are eager to see how the two distinct fighting styles merge in this new chapter.
4. 28 Years Later (June 20)
The zombie genre gets a fresh dose of terror with the third film in the 28 Days Later series. Set nearly three decades after the initial outbreak of the "Rage Virus," 28 Years Later features a brand-new cast, including Jodie Comer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. The story follows survivors on a secluded island who venture back to the mainland, uncovering secrets and horrors from the past. Original director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland are back at the helm, promising a return to the franchise's roots.
5. Jurassic World Rebirth (July 2)
This installment acts as a soft reboot for the Jurassic Park universe. Jurassic World Rebirth leans into the themes of the original trilogy, introducing an entirely new cast led by Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali. The plot centers on a covert team sent to a forbidden island to retrieve dinosaur DNA for a new cure. As expected, they encounter a host of prehistoric predators, along with a terrifying new genetic experiment.
6. Now You See Me: Now You Don't (November 14)
The Four Horsemen are back for a third round of magical heists. After a long development period, Now You See Me: Now You Don't is set to hit theaters. Most of the original cast, including Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, and Mark Ruffalo, will return, joined by new faces like Rosamund Pike and Justice Smith. While plot details are under wraps, the film is expected to delve deeper into the mysterious shadow organization known as The Eye.
7. Wicked: For Good (November 21)
Following the success of its first part, the second installment of the musical adaptation, Wicked: For Good, is set to continue the story of witch frenemies Glinda and Elphaba. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the film will explore the emotional turmoil that leads to Elphaba's transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West. It was filmed back-to-back with the first movie, ensuring a swift return to the Land of Oz.
8. Zootopia 2 (November 26)
Nearly a decade after the original, the buddy-cop duo of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde returns in Zootopia 2. The sequel reportedly features Judy and Nick going undercover to solve a case involving a mysterious reptile, the first of its kind to be introduced in the Zootopian universe. The film promises more of the witty banter and world-building that made the first movie a billion-dollar hit.
9. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (November 26)
Daniel Craig reprises his role as the charming and meticulous detective Benoit Blanc in Wake Up Dead Man. This third installment in the whodunnit franchise features another star-studded cast, with new additions including Josh O'Connor, Mila Kunis, and Glenn Close. The plot remains a closely guarded secret, keeping fans guessing until its theatrical release.
10. Avatar: Fire and Ash (December 19)
The third film in James Cameron's record-breaking Avatar franchise is here. Avatar: Fire and Ash introduces a new, villainous Na'vi tribe known as the Ash Clan, led by the fiery Varang. The movie will explore the aftermath of the previous film's events, as Jake and Neytiri confront a new threat while grappling with personal loss. It's set to deliver even more breathtaking visuals and expand the lore of Pandora.