Buzz
Reboots have become a staple in Hollywood, with studios constantly resurrecting old franchises. This tendency to hit the reset button on failing projects and pretend the past never happened is rooted in Hollywood's refusal to let things end. For major studios, the pursuit of profit comes first, and they often overlook the importance of preserving a franchise's legacy. As a result, audiences are frequently alienated in the process. With that in mind, let’s explore 10 upcoming reboots that no one was asking for.
10. True Blood (2022)
HBO's 'True Blood,' based on Charlaine Harris’ 'The Southern Vampire Mysteries,' aired for seven seasons between 2008 and 2014. Initially praised for its clever writing and unique world-building, the show gradually descended into a mere shadow of its former self, suffering a sharp drop in quality over time. The series concluded with one of the most unpopular finales in television history. As the fanbase dwindled, the once-celebrated vampire drama faded into obscurity, leaving most people to forget it ever existed.
In December 2020, Variety reported with shock that HBO was reviving 'True Blood' with a reboot, just six years after its original ended. Even the most devoted fans were left questioning the decision, especially upon learning that Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, known for the cult-favorite disaster 'Riverdale' on the CW, would be leading the project. Original cast members were equally baffled by the news but offered their best wishes when asked about it in interviews.
9. The Chronicles Of Narnia (2023)
The beloved series of books by C.S. Lewis was first adapted for Hollywood in 2005 with 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe.' Directed by Andrew Adamson, it capitalized on the success of the Harry Potter series, earning critical acclaim and winning over fans. Unfortunately, two underwhelming sequels failed to capture the same magic, and the franchise gradually lost its audience. A planned fourth film was eventually scrapped.
In 2018, Netflix secured the rights to the Narnia franchise, announcing a reboot that would span both movies and TV shows. The plan was to focus on adapting the books that hadn’t yet made it to the big screen, aiming to create a cinematic universe within C.S. Lewis' world. However, it seems that the movie portion of this new vision is on hold for now, with the TV series slated to move forward for its expected release in 2023, though details remain scarce.
8. Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
Let’s be real: the only genuinely great ‘Ghostbusters’ film was the original, released 37 years ago. Since the disappointing 1989 sequel, Hollywood has been struggling to find a way to recreate that same magic, for reasons that remain unclear (or just for profit). After two decades of development struggles, it took 27 years for the first attempt to hit theaters. The 2016 reboot, starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, and Kate McKinnon, should’ve served as a warning that it’s time to let the franchise rest… but Hollywood is persistent (or foolish, or perhaps both).
In 2018, ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ was officially announced with a 2020 release date, later delayed to 2021 due to the pandemic. This film is designed as both a sequel and a reboot of the original, shifting focus from nostalgia-driven older fans to a younger audience. Instead of relying on older characters, the new story centers around teenagers. Though the first trailer was promising, the anticipation for ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ has remained lukewarm, and many are left wondering how it will fare at the box office.
7. Dexter (2021)
For many, Showtime’s ‘Dexter’ is considered a modern TV classic. The series about a serial killer who targets other murderers captivated audiences when it first aired in 2006. However, ‘Dexter’ became infamous for its 2013 finale, widely regarded as one of the most hated conclusions in television history. The final seasons had already begun to lose steam, but no one anticipated such a disappointing and infuriating ending, and fans were eager to put the show behind them.
So when it was announced in October 2020 that Showtime would revive ‘Dexter’ for a one-season reboot in 2021, fans were baffled. Some were upset, fearing that the show would attempt to undo the original finale and disregard the story's logic. However, showrunner Clyde Phillips reassured fans in a Vulture interview that the new season wouldn’t erase the original ending but would instead build on it in an effort to rectify the mistakes. Fingers crossed, right?
6. Wonka (2023)
The story of a young Willy Wonka and how he transformed into the quirky and eccentric figure we encounter in the ‘Chocolate Factory’ films is definitely a narrative that no one particularly asked for. Hollywood has been toying with this concept for over a decade, but no filmmaker seemed to figure out a compelling or interesting way to tell it. However, in January 2021, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Warner Bros. had officially started developing a film titled ‘Wonka,’ produced by the team behind Harry Potter and Paddington, with a March 2023 release date. The response from the internet? A collective ‘Huh?’
5. Inspector Gadget (2024)
Inspector Gadget seems to have mostly faded from modern pop culture. The character shot to fame in 1983 with the original DIC Entertainment animated series, later spawning three films between 1999 and 2003. After a poorly received animated reboot in 2015, the franchise largely disappeared. However, in 2019, Vulture reported that Disney had begun developing a brand-new live-action ‘Inspector Gadget’ movie, with a planned release sometime between 2021 and 2022.
Despite the confident announcement, the preproduction process has been a struggle, and the project has seemed to get stuck in a development hell phase. Yet, rumors circulating in late 2020 suggest that the movie might finally be heading to Disney+ toward the end of 2023 or into 2024.
4. Gossip Girl (2021)
The CW’s 'Gossip Girl' became an iconic show that defined a generation of teenagers during its six-season run from 2007 to 2012. It followed a group of wealthy and influential youth in New York City who navigated their privileged yet tumultuous lives, filled with excess and scandal. This all took place under the watchful eye of Gossip Girl, a mysterious figure who exposed their secrets, often causing chaos and destruction. The show left a lasting impact on popular culture.
Though 'Gossip Girl' concluded its story in 2012 with a much-debated ending, the series was remembered as a reflection of its time. In 2018, HBO announced a reboot, which would also act as a continuation with an entirely new cast. The announcement sparked heated reactions, especially from the original cast, many of whom were not thrilled with the idea of the show being revived so soon. Initially slated for release in 2020, the reboot was delayed and finally launched in 2021 on HBO Max, marking a new chapter for the franchise.
3. Home Alone (2022)
'Home Alone' is a beloved holiday classic that has earned its place as one of the greatest Christmas films ever made. Its cultural impact remains strong, with its charm still resonating after more than 30 years since its original release. When news broke in 2022 that a reboot of the film was heading to Disney+, many fans were upset, feeling that the original movie, with its timeless appeal, didn’t need to be remade. The consensus was that it was a rare case where the original was perfect just as it was.
Despite public outcry, Disney has decided to move ahead with its reboot of 'Home Alone'. It has now been confirmed that casting is underway, and production is expected to begin later this year. Chris Columbus, the director of the original film, has openly criticized the decision to reboot the movie, while Macauley Culkin, who famously played Kevin McAllister, is rumored to have a role in the new version, though details remain under wraps. Many are eager to see how this new adaptation will be received by both long-time fans and newer audiences.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean (2023)
It’s been quite some time since a 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movie captivated audiences. The first film is widely regarded as a masterpiece, and its two sequels, while not as impactful, are still fondly remembered. However, after the disappointing performance of 'Dead Men Tell No Tales' in 2017, the franchise seemed to lose its spark. In response, Disney chose to reboot the series, distancing itself from Johnny Depp's iconic portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow. This decision was confirmed in 2018 when Vanity Fair reported that a reboot was in the works, with 'Deadpool' writers penning the script.
Public interest in the 'Pirates' franchise has significantly dwindled over the years, and fans are especially upset about the reboot’s decision to remove the beloved character of Jack Sparrow. There’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding the new direction for the franchise, and Disney’s handling of it over the past decade has only added to the frustration. This next installment will either revive the series or tarnish its legacy for good.
1. Knight Rider (2023)
David Hasselhoff’s iconic character, Michael Knight, and his car, KITT, powered by artificial intelligence, became a quintessential piece of 80s pop culture. Airing from 1982 to 1986, ‘Knight Rider’ was a wildly popular procedural with a concept that was unlike anything seen before. The show's unique vibe was hard to replicate, and while a 90s reboot and a mid-2000s sequel series both faltered and were quickly canceled, fans largely came to terms with the idea that it might be better to let the show remain a nostalgic treasure from the past.
In 2020, however, Deadline stunned everyone by revealing that a new ‘Knight Rider’ movie reboot was in development at Spyglass, with James Wan—the director of ‘Saw,’ ‘The Conjuring,’ and ‘Aquaman’—attached as producer. The announcement was met with significant skepticism, to say the least. Even David Hasselhoff confessed to being uncertain about the project. But with limited information currently available, only time will tell how they plan to modernize and adapt the beloved ‘Knight Rider’ concept for today’s audience.
