Not every movie is created with universal appeal in mind—some are targeted at specific demographics, while others seem to exist purely as corporate gambits. Yet, time and time again, talented filmmakers have proven they can turn seemingly uninspired projects into surprise critical and commercial hits. Here’s a look at nine upcoming movies that might have initially raised eyebrows but could turn out to be unexpectedly great.
1. Wonka 2
A sequel for Wonka which did $342 million grossed in a $34 million budget is underway following the surprising success of the film. The fact that the second sequel to Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is billion dollar franchise makes sense with Timothy Chalamet reprising his role alongside Paul King spinning the magic of Wonka for the second time. There’s much for fans to look forward to if a glimpse of Paul’s previous work is anything to go by.
2. In a Violent Nature 2
Chris Nash’s In a Violent Nature was a subversive, arthouse slasher that felt like a standalone project. Yet, a sequel is happening. Nash has an opportunity to satirize the trend of increasingly gory horror sequels while maintaining the slow, deliberate pacing of the original. If done right, In a Violent Nature 2 could be both a clever parody and a compelling continuation of its predecessor.
3. Toy Story 5
Following numerous disappointing sequels and prequels, The Exorcist once again has a purposeful direction thanks to Universal. The hidden wound of the studio? Renowned horror director Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House, Doctor Sleep). Flanagan, known for a character’s viewpoint over jump scares and gory bodies, could well restore the magic in the brand and perhaps the best sequel from the original one too.
4. A Simple Favor 2
The 2018 black comedy A Simple Favor wrapped up its story neatly, leaving little room for a sequel. Yet, director Paul Feig has reunited Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively for a follow-up filmed in secret. With Lively’s character Emily somehow out of prison and getting married in Italy, the premise sounds absurd. If the sequel leans into camp and embraces its over-the-top elements, it could be a delightfully shameless romp.
5. The Exorcist Reboot
Following numerous disappointing sequels and prequels, The Exorcist once again has a purposeful direction thanks to Universal. The hidden wound of the studio? Renowned horror director Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House, Doctor Sleep). Flanagan, known for a character’s viewpoint over jump scares and gory bodies, could well restore the magic in the brand and perhaps the best sequel from the original one too.
6. F1
A Formula 1 racing movie might not scream box office gold, but F1 boasts impressive credentials. Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and produced by Lewis Hamilton, the film promises stunning visuals and a star-studded cast. While its premise of a retired racer mentoring a prodigy feels familiar, the high-octane spectacle could make it an exhilarating crowd-pleaser.
7. The Black Phone 2
The original property, The Black Phone, did not appear to have the potential for the conjectural second part, as its villain was defeated towards the climax. However, once again it would be the audience’s privilege to see Ethan Hawke alongside director Scott Derrickson in ‘The Black Phone 2’. With Derrickson’s filmography in mind, it would be fair to presume that he wouldn’t choose to revisit the narrative unless there was an interesting hook. Assuming he can come up with a more interesting explanation for how the story could potentially move forward, this particular narrative may seal the mouths of the opinionated in this sequel.
8. Lilo and Stitch
Disney’s live-action remakes have been frowned upon, with their newest addition being Lilo and Stitch, which was a loved animated film. Even though there was initially some doubt, some of the early advertising images were encouraging and Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On) gives the adaptation an interesting taste. Moving from a Disney+ release to a cinema release shows the studio’s confidence in this adaptation.
9. Jurassic World: Rebirth
The absence of success in Jurassic World: Dominion led many to think the brand would be taking a break for a while. But reimagining Jurassic World comes with the mission of restoring the franchise. The film is directed by Edwards on Godzilla and the Creator and is co-written with Koepp, who is famous for the original Jurassic Park. With a unique cast including the actress Scarlett Johansson, they could actually change the pattern of the series’ average.”
Conclusion
Even if some might not have been looking forward to the release of this movie, their producers make it clear that this movie will exceed all expectation. These projects are quite likely to utterly confound us through unconventional narrative, impressive directing and quite possibly, even pure surface beauty.