Hollywood’s reluctance to kickstart new intellectual properties is not a new phenomenon. In the past, writers working on original scripts were often seen as struggling, while the real money was in adaptations of major novels or remakes of silent-era movies. Today, we’re witnessing a new take on that old era, with studios avoiding unfamiliar titles and focusing on established franchises.
However, not all remakes, reboots, or sequels are bad. A good movie is a good movie, regardless of its source material. With that in mind, here are six classic movies that might be worth revisiting, with familiar names and properties that could attract potential ticket-buyers.
1. Running Man (Remake)
Running Man, originally a Stephen King novel, was first adapted into an 80s action film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Today, a new version could sell itself as a more faithful adaptation of the original novel, capitalizing on the success of recent King adaptations like IT, Pet Semetary, and Dr. Sleep.
2. Flight of the Navigator (Sequel)
Flight of the Navigator, originally made as an attempt to cash-in on E.T., carved its own niche as a science fiction story. While it never achieved the financial success of E.T., it has become a cult classic. A sequel set thirty-five years later could draw from the nostalgia well and take the brand in a new direction.
3. The Neverending Story (Remake)
The Neverending Story remains an iconic 80s kid’s movie. A remake, if done faithfully and lovingly, could be a big earner at the box office, especially considering the film’s cult status.
4. The Wizard of Oz (Streaming Reboot Series)
The Wizard of Oz movie has far surpassed the importance of the book series from which it spawned. With fourteen novels and numerous side stories, there’s enough material for a long-running TV series on a streaming platform like Amazon, Netflix, or Disney+.
5. Legend (Remake)
Legend, featuring Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, and Tim Curry, deserves a remake for several reasons. It has a timeless, fantasy setting, and the studio and director’s cuts were wildly different, creating confusion. A remake could capitalize on the film’s cult-like popularity and potentially turn a profit.
6. E.T. (Sequel)
E.T. broke box office records but has never had a sequel or any real franchising. A sequel could reintroduce the story to a new generation without stepping on the toes of the original. If Steven Spielberg has the passion for returning to the beloved world of The Extra Terrestrial, it could be a worthy addition to the list of remakes, sequels, and reboots.
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