10 Canned Sequels We Still Wish Would Be Made
2. Airplane III
Airplane, released in 1980, was a joke-a-minute sendup of disaster movies like Airport that were popular in the 1970s. The film featured an A-list cast known for more serious roles: Robert Stack, Peter Graves, Lloyd Bridges, Maureen McGovern, Ethel Merman and Leslie Nielson in his first comic role. Airplane grossed $83.5 million at the box office and a sequel was soon under way.
The three comic minds behind the original Airplane, David Zucker, Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker, were not a part of the 1982 sequel, aptly titled Airplane II: The Sequel. The second time out saw Ted Striker (Robert Hayes) piloting a space shuttle to the moon when disaster ensues. The all-star cast included Peter Graves, Lloyd Bridges, Raymond Burr and Chuck Connors. While Airplane 2 didnt quite live up to the expectations set for it by the success of Airplane, it still managed to have a more than its share of laughs. William Shatner provided some of the films most memorable comedic moments. At the end of the film credits, audiences were treated with this teaser: From Paramount Pictures: Airplane III. But due to its poor reception by critics and audiences, Airplane III never happened. But it should. While we dont know where the plot would take a third installment, an Airplane III in the hands of Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker would be a welcome treat.