Unplanned Sequels That Surprised and Surpassed: Stories of Hidden Gems and Unexpected Success

When a movie is a monumental success, it's often followed by a sequel or more. But there are some films that surpassed expectations by not delivering on a planned sequel, only to see one follow up several years later, much to everyone's surprise. These hidden gems and unexpected successes often leave fans and filmmakers questioning the decision to go ahead with the sequel in the first place. In this article, we explore some of the most striking examples of unplanned sequels that not only followed their initial hits but also surpassed them in success and acclaim.

Getting a Sequel They Never Planned for: Weekend at Bernie’s

One such example is Weekend at Bernie’s. This movie, released in 1989, stands out for its humorous take on the death of a boss, with the premise being that a man must continue to impersonate his deceased co-worker to maintain his own cover. The movie was a hit, receiving both critical and commercial success, partly due to its unique and edgy humor. The popularity of the film prompted a sequel, Weekend at Bernie’s II, which came out three years later. However, the follow-up was notably less successful, with many critics and audiences alike skeptical about the quality of the second installment when compared to its predecessor. This example shows that sometimes, the original can stand alone and, when shared with the world, may not require a follow-up that detracts from the original's charm.

Surprising Successes and Plans For More: Taken and Barbie

Another classic example is Taken. Directed by Pierre Morel in 2008, Taken is a sequel that was not planned individually for its protagonist, Bryan Mills, until its unexpected success and critical acclaim. Liam Neeson’s performance as the tough yet vulnerable father turned secret agent captivated audiences, and the success of the film was far beyond what anyone, including the producers, expected. The spectacular action, compelling story, and Neeson’s portrayal led to a sequel being written and produced. In a like manner, the success of the Barbie movie, released in 2023, was also a surprise. Just like Taken, the sequel to Barbie is already in the works, making fans wait anxiously for more. However, the original film initially seemed more of an unrelated one-off to most people, as the creator of the Barbie franchise, Ruth Handler, didn’t intend for a film to be made.

Action Packed Perfection and More: Die Hard

Die Hard, one of the most perfect action films ever made, is another case in point. John McTiernan’s 1988 classic resulted in four sequels, each being produced far beyond the filmmaker’s original intentions. The reason for these unexpected sequels can largely be credited to the film’s success, leading live-action action franchises to become prevalent in Hollywood. Alan Rickman’s portrayal of Hans Gruber in Die Hard stands out as one of the most beloved and memorable villains in action cinema history. The back-and-forth relationship between John McClane and Hans Gruber in the original film set the bar high for sequels, and while some of them have fallen short, none have managed to replicate the chemistry and intensity of the first movie.

The Endless Nightmare Continues: Halloween and A Nightmare on Elm Street

After Halloween became a classic horror film in 1978, it would have been easy to assume that John Carpenter had no plans for a sequel, given his original intentions. However, the movie’s profitability and impact on the horror genre led to the creation of 11 films in the franchise, including remakes. The title sequence of Halloween 1978 was one of the first of its kind, and it was Carpenter's original plan to show that “evil can’t die.” However, the initial ending leaving the door open for a sequel was changed at the urging of producer Bob Tapert. Wes Craven, the director of A Nightmare on Elm Street, similarly did not want to turn it into a series. Originally, Nancy was meant to be saved and walk away from Freddy in a state of enlightenment, only to end in a faint. Her unexpected escape and the addition of the "bright, beautiful day" sequence made for a sequel that cemented the franchise's legacy and proved that unexpected success can drive the most unconventional endings.

Conclusion

These stories showcase the unpredictable nature of the film industry, where success can turn even the most reluctant auteurs into major players. From Weekend at Bernie’s to Die Hard, the path to sequels is often surprising and fraught with unexpected twists. How will these unexpected successes impact the future of franchises? Will they live up to the original’s promise, or will they be yet another part of the industry's long list of sequel disappointments? Only time will tell, but these cases highlight the power of unexpected success and how it can shape the destiny of films.

Tags: Sequels, Unplanned Sequels, Successful Movies Without Intended Sequels