10 Superhero Movie Legacy Sequels We"re Still Holding Out Hope For
Both Marvel and DC should take notice of one of Hollywood’s most effective trends and produce legacy sequels for some classic superhero movies. Legacy sequels have breathed new life into dormant franchises, particularly in the horror genre. With the multiverse now firmly established in superhero cinema, the potential to bring back classic superhero franchises is tantalizing. Whether it’s reuniting iconic casts, expanding beloved narratives, or giving underrated films their due, these legacy sequels could excite both audiences and filmmakers alike.
The concept of a legacy sequel - a continuation of a beloved story decades later, sometimes omitting certain sequels - has proven successful for franchises like Halloween and Top Gun: Maverick. These sequels combine nostalgia with modern storytelling, rekindling interest in franchises while introducing them to new audiences. Superhero films, already deeply rooted in the multiverse concept, are perfectly poised to capitalize on this trend by returning to a beloved point in superhero movie history without interfering with the main MCU timeline or the DCU’s future plans.
10 Tim Burton's Batman 3 A Sequel To Batman Returns That Ignores Batman Forever Close Tim Burton’s Gothic vision of Batman revolutionized the superhero genre in the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, after Batman Returns, Burton’s plans for a third installment were scrapped in favor of the more family-friendly Batman Forever. Decades later, a legacy sequel could ignore the Schumacher Batman movies and recommence the narrative with Michael Keaton’s Batman. Both Danny DeVito (Penguin) and Michelle Pfeiffer (Catwoman) have expressed interest in reprising their roles under Burton’s direction.
Michael Keaton’s return as Batman in The Flash demonstrated his willingness to don the cape and cowl once again. A third Burton-directed Batman could explore Bruce Wayne’s aging heroism, perhaps focusing on his struggle to maintain Gotham’s safety as the city grows darker. Catwoman could return after Batman Returns’ teaser ending and Burton’s signature style could provide a haunting exploration of Gotham’s descent into chaos.
9 Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man 4 A Sequel to Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 3 Set After Spider-Man: No Way Home Close Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy remains one of the most iconic superhero franchises, and Tobey Maguire’s return in Spider-Man: No Way Home reignited enthusiasm for his portrayal. Many are eager to see how his Peter Parker has evolved since the events of the original trilogy. A fourth installment could position Maguire’s Spider-Man as a mentor figure, similar to his relationship with Miles Morales in other media. This would fit with Maguire’s age and would follow on from his role in No Way Home very effectively.
The film could explore Peter grappling with his legacy. It could depict him dealing with the fallout of his choices after he confronted his past in Spider-Man: No Way Home. The inclusion of Mary Jane and their struggles to build a middle-aged adult life amidst chaos would also add an emotional core and would be an interesting dynamic.
8 The Amazing Spider-Man 3 A Sequel To Marc Webb’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Set After Spider-Man: No Way Home Close Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man has similarly experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to Spider-Man: No Way Home. While his portrayal was widely praised, The Amazing Spider-Man series was cut short before it could fully realize its potential. A third film could finally give Garfield’s Peter Parker the closure he deserves. The story could delve into Peter’s guilt and redemption arc following Gwen Stacy’s tragic death, possibly introducing a new love interest or exploring his dynamic with other multiverse heroes.
There were also numerous unresolved narratives from The Amazing Spider-Man 2, including introducing Black Cat and the Sinister Six. With Garfield’s Spider-Man now firmly established in the Marvel multiverse, the possibilities for crossover events are endless. Including elements from Sony’s Spider-Man Universe - like Venom or Morbius - could also redeem the poor decisions made throughout the SSU.
7 Wesley Snipes' Blade 4 A Sequel To David S. Goyer’s Blade: Trinity Close Wesley Snipes’ Blade trilogy helped pave the way for the modern superhero film boom, blending horror, action, and dark humor. Despite a faltering third installment, Snipes’ portrayal of the half-vampire hunter remains iconic. Indeed, his cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine was a highlight and prompted many to petition for his return. Snipes’ Blade even quipped in the 2024 movie, “There’s only one Blade.”
Given the MCU’s struggles to bring its own Blade reboot to fruition, revisiting Snipes’ universe might be a savvy move. A legacy sequel could explore Blade’s battle against a resurgent vampire threat, emphasizing his age and experience as strengths. Pairing him with a younger protégé or a multiverse counterpart could bridge the gap between the generations and introduce the MCU variant. A darker, more horror-centric tone—akin to the original Blade—would resonate well with modern audiences craving mature superhero narratives.
6 The Dark Knight 4 A Sequel To Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises Separate From The Batman And The DCU Close Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy is often hailed as the pinnacle of superhero cinema. Christian Bale’s Batman retired at the end of The Dark Knight Rises, but the door was left open for Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s John Blake to assume the mantle. A fourth installment helmed by Nolan could explore this evolution. Bale has stated he would return as Batman if Nolan directed. This sequel could follow an older Bruce Wayne coming out of retirement to guide Blake as Gotham’s new protector.
Together, they could face a new wave of threats while grappling with the philosophical challenges of heroism. Revisiting this universe with Nolan’s meticulous storytelling and Bale’s compelling performance would undoubtedly captivate audiences once more. An overarching theme of legacy versus individuality could define the story, with Blake struggling to find his identity as Batman while Bruce faces the consequences of his past decisions.
5 Ben Affleck's Batman Movie A Sequel To Zack Snyder’s Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice Separate From The DCU Close Before the DCU reboot, Ben Affleck was set to direct and star in his own Batman film. Early reports described a gritty detective story featuring Deathstroke as the primary antagonist. The plot purportedly would be set in Arkham Asylum and would feature several of Batman’s famed foes, and follow up on teases like Robin"s suit in Batman v Superman. Though Affleck’s Batman faced mixed reactions, his potential solo film has remained a tantalizing "what if."
As part of the DCU Elseworlds initiative, Affleck’s Batman could return in a self-contained story exploring his complex psychology and strained relationships. Bringing back Joe Manganiello’s Deathstroke as a cerebral and physical threat would provide the brutal, grounded action ideal for Affleck’s Dark Knight. With the multiverse concept, this project could coexist alongside Robert Pattinson’s Batman and the DCU’s Batman without confusion.
4 The X-Men 4 A Sequel To X-Men: The Last Stand Set After X-Men: Days Of Future Past Close The original X-Men trilogy concluded with the divisive The Last Stand, but Days of Future Past reset the timeline, offering the potential for a sequel with the original cast. Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, and Ian McKellen have all expressed enthusiasm for reprising their roles, particularly after Jackman’s return in Deadpool & Wolverine was widely lauded. A fourth X-Men film could explore the team’s efforts to rebuild the mutant community in a post-apocalyptic world.
A fourth X-Men movie could delve into themes of legacy, survival, and hope, and feature an ensemble, “best of” cast from across the three movies. Revisiting this cast would evoke nostalgia while providing a fresh take on the franchise’s enduring themes of acceptance and unity. The inclusion of new mutants with unique powers, coupled with a philosophical antagonist like Mr. Sinister, could elevate the story’s stakes.
3 The Incredible Hulk 2 A Sequel To The Incredible Hulk Starring Mark Ruffalo Close While the MCU has continued Bruce Banner’s story, The Incredible Hulk remains a standalone entry in the franchise. Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk has evolved significantly since Edward Norton’s portrayal, but a direct sequel could finally address lingering threads from the original film and depict some of the many great Hulk-centric narratives the MCU has skirted around. This is largely because Universal Pictures holds the distribution rights to Hulk movies and negotiations with Disney have been strained.
Nevertheless, a second Hulk film could reintroduce characters like Betty Ross and Samuel Sterns (The Leader), exploring how they’ve been affected by Hulk’s transformation. Revisiting the grounded, yet thrilling tone of The Incredible Hulk would provide a welcome change of pace for the MCU. A multiverse twist could include a confrontation with Norton’s Hulk or even a clash between Hulk and an alternate version of himself gone rogue. This would highlight the internal and external conflicts that define the character.
2 Mystery Men 2 A Sequel To 1999’s Mystery Men Close Mystery Men offered a quirky, satirical take on superhero tropes. Though it underperformed at the box office, it has since gained a cult following. A sequel could reintroduce this band of misfit heroes in a world dominated by modern superhero franchises. A second installment could explore how these eccentric characters navigate their legacy in a more commercialized, multiverse-driven superhero landscape.
The original cast (including Ben Stiller, Hank Azaria, and William H. Macy) could bring their comedic chemistry to a new generation. With its tongue-in-cheek humor and heartfelt moments, Mystery Men 2 could provide a refreshing antidote to the genre’s often self-serious tone. The plot could focus on the Mystery Men’s return to action to combat a younger, flashier team of corporate-backed heroes, forcing them to prove that heart and originality still matter. It would offer a refreshing change from the typical contemporary superhero fodder.
1 Constantine 2 A Sequel To Keanu Reeves’ Constantine Close Keanu Reeves’ Constantine was an underrated gem, blending supernatural horror with comic book action. Over the years, Reeves’ star power has only grown, and both he and the film’s cult audience have expressed a desire for a sequel. A second Constantine film could explore an older, more grizzled John Constantine confronting his mortality and his complicated relationship with Heaven and Hell.
The concept of a legacy sequel - a continuation of a beloved story decades later, sometimes omitting certain sequels - has proven successful for franchises like Halloween and Top Gun: Maverick. These sequels combine nostalgia with modern storytelling, rekindling interest in franchises while introducing them to new audiences. Superhero films, already deeply rooted in the multiverse concept, are perfectly poised to capitalize on this trend by returning to a beloved point in superhero movie history without interfering with the main MCU timeline or the DCU’s future plans.
10 Tim Burton's Batman 3 A Sequel To Batman Returns That Ignores Batman Forever Close Tim Burton’s Gothic vision of Batman revolutionized the superhero genre in the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, after Batman Returns, Burton’s plans for a third installment were scrapped in favor of the more family-friendly Batman Forever. Decades later, a legacy sequel could ignore the Schumacher Batman movies and recommence the narrative with Michael Keaton’s Batman. Both Danny DeVito (Penguin) and Michelle Pfeiffer (Catwoman) have expressed interest in reprising their roles under Burton’s direction.
Michael Keaton’s return as Batman in The Flash demonstrated his willingness to don the cape and cowl once again. A third Burton-directed Batman could explore Bruce Wayne’s aging heroism, perhaps focusing on his struggle to maintain Gotham’s safety as the city grows darker. Catwoman could return after Batman Returns’ teaser ending and Burton’s signature style could provide a haunting exploration of Gotham’s descent into chaos.
9 Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man 4 A Sequel to Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 3 Set After Spider-Man: No Way Home Close Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy remains one of the most iconic superhero franchises, and Tobey Maguire’s return in Spider-Man: No Way Home reignited enthusiasm for his portrayal. Many are eager to see how his Peter Parker has evolved since the events of the original trilogy. A fourth installment could position Maguire’s Spider-Man as a mentor figure, similar to his relationship with Miles Morales in other media. This would fit with Maguire’s age and would follow on from his role in No Way Home very effectively.
The film could explore Peter grappling with his legacy. It could depict him dealing with the fallout of his choices after he confronted his past in Spider-Man: No Way Home. The inclusion of Mary Jane and their struggles to build a middle-aged adult life amidst chaos would also add an emotional core and would be an interesting dynamic.
8 The Amazing Spider-Man 3 A Sequel To Marc Webb’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Set After Spider-Man: No Way Home Close Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man has similarly experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to Spider-Man: No Way Home. While his portrayal was widely praised, The Amazing Spider-Man series was cut short before it could fully realize its potential. A third film could finally give Garfield’s Peter Parker the closure he deserves. The story could delve into Peter’s guilt and redemption arc following Gwen Stacy’s tragic death, possibly introducing a new love interest or exploring his dynamic with other multiverse heroes.
There were also numerous unresolved narratives from The Amazing Spider-Man 2, including introducing Black Cat and the Sinister Six. With Garfield’s Spider-Man now firmly established in the Marvel multiverse, the possibilities for crossover events are endless. Including elements from Sony’s Spider-Man Universe - like Venom or Morbius - could also redeem the poor decisions made throughout the SSU.
7 Wesley Snipes' Blade 4 A Sequel To David S. Goyer’s Blade: Trinity Close Wesley Snipes’ Blade trilogy helped pave the way for the modern superhero film boom, blending horror, action, and dark humor. Despite a faltering third installment, Snipes’ portrayal of the half-vampire hunter remains iconic. Indeed, his cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine was a highlight and prompted many to petition for his return. Snipes’ Blade even quipped in the 2024 movie, “There’s only one Blade.”
Given the MCU’s struggles to bring its own Blade reboot to fruition, revisiting Snipes’ universe might be a savvy move. A legacy sequel could explore Blade’s battle against a resurgent vampire threat, emphasizing his age and experience as strengths. Pairing him with a younger protégé or a multiverse counterpart could bridge the gap between the generations and introduce the MCU variant. A darker, more horror-centric tone—akin to the original Blade—would resonate well with modern audiences craving mature superhero narratives.
6 The Dark Knight 4 A Sequel To Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises Separate From The Batman And The DCU Close Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy is often hailed as the pinnacle of superhero cinema. Christian Bale’s Batman retired at the end of The Dark Knight Rises, but the door was left open for Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s John Blake to assume the mantle. A fourth installment helmed by Nolan could explore this evolution. Bale has stated he would return as Batman if Nolan directed. This sequel could follow an older Bruce Wayne coming out of retirement to guide Blake as Gotham’s new protector.
Together, they could face a new wave of threats while grappling with the philosophical challenges of heroism. Revisiting this universe with Nolan’s meticulous storytelling and Bale’s compelling performance would undoubtedly captivate audiences once more. An overarching theme of legacy versus individuality could define the story, with Blake struggling to find his identity as Batman while Bruce faces the consequences of his past decisions.
5 Ben Affleck's Batman Movie A Sequel To Zack Snyder’s Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice Separate From The DCU Close Before the DCU reboot, Ben Affleck was set to direct and star in his own Batman film. Early reports described a gritty detective story featuring Deathstroke as the primary antagonist. The plot purportedly would be set in Arkham Asylum and would feature several of Batman’s famed foes, and follow up on teases like Robin"s suit in Batman v Superman. Though Affleck’s Batman faced mixed reactions, his potential solo film has remained a tantalizing "what if."
As part of the DCU Elseworlds initiative, Affleck’s Batman could return in a self-contained story exploring his complex psychology and strained relationships. Bringing back Joe Manganiello’s Deathstroke as a cerebral and physical threat would provide the brutal, grounded action ideal for Affleck’s Dark Knight. With the multiverse concept, this project could coexist alongside Robert Pattinson’s Batman and the DCU’s Batman without confusion.
4 The X-Men 4 A Sequel To X-Men: The Last Stand Set After X-Men: Days Of Future Past Close The original X-Men trilogy concluded with the divisive The Last Stand, but Days of Future Past reset the timeline, offering the potential for a sequel with the original cast. Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, and Ian McKellen have all expressed enthusiasm for reprising their roles, particularly after Jackman’s return in Deadpool & Wolverine was widely lauded. A fourth X-Men film could explore the team’s efforts to rebuild the mutant community in a post-apocalyptic world.
A fourth X-Men movie could delve into themes of legacy, survival, and hope, and feature an ensemble, “best of” cast from across the three movies. Revisiting this cast would evoke nostalgia while providing a fresh take on the franchise’s enduring themes of acceptance and unity. The inclusion of new mutants with unique powers, coupled with a philosophical antagonist like Mr. Sinister, could elevate the story’s stakes.
3 The Incredible Hulk 2 A Sequel To The Incredible Hulk Starring Mark Ruffalo Close While the MCU has continued Bruce Banner’s story, The Incredible Hulk remains a standalone entry in the franchise. Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk has evolved significantly since Edward Norton’s portrayal, but a direct sequel could finally address lingering threads from the original film and depict some of the many great Hulk-centric narratives the MCU has skirted around. This is largely because Universal Pictures holds the distribution rights to Hulk movies and negotiations with Disney have been strained.
Nevertheless, a second Hulk film could reintroduce characters like Betty Ross and Samuel Sterns (The Leader), exploring how they’ve been affected by Hulk’s transformation. Revisiting the grounded, yet thrilling tone of The Incredible Hulk would provide a welcome change of pace for the MCU. A multiverse twist could include a confrontation with Norton’s Hulk or even a clash between Hulk and an alternate version of himself gone rogue. This would highlight the internal and external conflicts that define the character.
2 Mystery Men 2 A Sequel To 1999’s Mystery Men Close Mystery Men offered a quirky, satirical take on superhero tropes. Though it underperformed at the box office, it has since gained a cult following. A sequel could reintroduce this band of misfit heroes in a world dominated by modern superhero franchises. A second installment could explore how these eccentric characters navigate their legacy in a more commercialized, multiverse-driven superhero landscape.
The original cast (including Ben Stiller, Hank Azaria, and William H. Macy) could bring their comedic chemistry to a new generation. With its tongue-in-cheek humor and heartfelt moments, Mystery Men 2 could provide a refreshing antidote to the genre’s often self-serious tone. The plot could focus on the Mystery Men’s return to action to combat a younger, flashier team of corporate-backed heroes, forcing them to prove that heart and originality still matter. It would offer a refreshing change from the typical contemporary superhero fodder.
1 Constantine 2 A Sequel To Keanu Reeves’ Constantine Close Keanu Reeves’ Constantine was an underrated gem, blending supernatural horror with comic book action. Over the years, Reeves’ star power has only grown, and both he and the film’s cult audience have expressed a desire for a sequel. A second Constantine film could explore an older, more grizzled John Constantine confronting his mortality and his complicated relationship with Heaven and Hell.
