11 Movie Franchises We Wish Weren’t Dead
Dead doesn't always have to mean dead...
There was a time, not too long ago, when the prospect of there being no more Harry Potter instalments saddened fans to the point of disbelief. Then the tagline ‘It All Ends’ came along, and the reality hit like a freight train.
Similarly, when Universal applies the handbrake on the Fast & Furious franchise, there may be some who'll rejoice, but for others, their local multiplex will be a lonelier place. And that’s not to mention the day when James Bond knocks back his last Martini.
Such cherished movie runs - those we keep a special place for in our hearts and wish would return, even for just one more instalment - recall the sentiment of ‘all good things must come to an end’ - but it doesn’t stop us wanting more and in some cases, we actually get it.
For better or worse, there are some series’ you just can’t keep down. For those who like that sort of thing, there's Saw (silly me for thinking The Final Chapter would actually be the final chapter); the Mission Impossible films are making a solid effort to stay afloat; Alien and Predator are kept on a slow burn and heck, even Rocky found a way to return.
Sadly, some series try to come back, but end up marring their good name: Ghostbusters and Jurassic World (both of which would have made this list) are examples of studios digging up beloved franchises and butchering them in comparison to their forbears. But you still watched them, didn’t you?
And that's exactly why Hollywood keeps reviving franchises: because we'll continue to watch them. It's just a shame they haven't got around to reviving the right ones.
Here are 11 movie franchises we wish weren’t dead.
11. Rush Hour
A bit of a soft entry here to start us off, but who doesn’t grieve for the Jackie Chan/Chris Tucker duo to hit back at the silver screen?
They’re one of the most likeable comedy pairings of the past two decades and there’s something undeniably addictive and charming about this series.
Sure it skirts the line of acceptable portrayals of racial identities a little closely, but to see the twosome poking fun at their own, and each other's culture, while desperately trying to crack a case with comical verve will always be a worthwhile experience.
Could There Be A Comeback?
Although it’s listed on IMDb, the series is, as far as we’re concerned, still dead, as nothing concrete has yet been announced. Both Chan and Tucker have demonstrated their willingness to return to the franchise, but any follow through is but rumoured.
Perhaps Brett Ratner’s refusal to return to direct has something to do with it. Or perhaps even the dire (and quickly cancelled) 2016 TV series put the block on it. Let's continue to live in hope.