The 80s have become a treasure trove for remakes and reboots of original movies. Films like Ghostbusters, The Karate Kid, The Fog, Robocop, Footloose, and many others have been revisited in the 21st century, sometimes with mixed results. The 80s is an iconic decade, so it’s no surprise that artists are drawing inspiration from it. One movie we’d love to see get a sequel is the 1987 classic, The Monster Squad. Here are six reasons why a sequel to this 80s hit would be a fantastic idea.
1. The monsters
A sequel would give us the chance to see how monsters have evolved since 1987. The original film showcased several classic (though somewhat tacky) monsters that the squad had to face. Today, filmmakers can get much more creative. This article even mentions that previous interest in the film included the possibility of the squad dealing with Godzilla. While that would have been a major draw, there are countless other monster possibilities that could be explored today. A zombie twist or an appearance by Freddy Krueger could be intriguing, or perhaps the squad could take on the Demogorgon from Stranger Things, Pennywise from It, or even the terrifying girl from The Ring.
2. The special effects
80s movies aren’t exactly known for their special effects, but the original Monster Squad film did a decent job with the technology available at the time. With the incredible advancements in CGI over the past few decades, a sequel could showcase today’s cutting-edge effects. There’s no need to rehash the original storyline, but it’s fascinating to imagine how it would look with modern technology.
3. The story
There are numerous directions a sequel could take in terms of storytelling. The original film followed a group of friends obsessed with monsters who ended up saving their town from Count Dracula and his monstrous allies. A sequel could explore the lives of the original characters’ children, now grown up and forming their own monster-fighting squad. Alternatively, one of the original characters could assemble a new group of teens to battle the same old monsters. Or, the sequel could take a completely different approach, à la Power Rangers, and introduce an entirely new story with fresh faces. There’s no need to bring back the original characters, as this Washington Post review highlights their campy, monster-movie acting that might not resonate with today’s audiences.
4. The horror
The original Monster Squad was a horror-comedy that didn’t perform well at the box office initially but eventually gained a cult following. If a sequel were made today, it could lean more heavily into the horror genre, capitalizing on the success of recent horror films and TV shows. The popularity of movies like It and series like Supernatural and Stranger Things demonstrates that audiences are drawn to horror, especially with today’s advanced effects. A full-blown horror sequel to Monster Squad, whether set in the 80s or the present day, would be a thrilling addition to the genre.
5. The creator
Shane Black has come a long way since his Monster Squad days. In this Screenrant article, he admits that the movie didn’t do well, considering it was his first-ever script. However, Black has since redeemed himself with numerous blockbuster films, including Lethal Weapon, Iron Man 3, The Nice Guys, and The Predator. As one of the most talented and innovative action screenwriters of our time, it would be fascinating to see what Black could do with a second chance at his first script.
6. The market
Despite its cult status, many people are still unfamiliar with Monster Squad. A sequel released today would likely be seen as a fresh, original story by most viewers. These are precisely the types of films that should be remade, rather than those that were already successful. Monster Squad may have been ahead of its time, but it fits perfectly into today’s culture, with our fascination with vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures. A Monster Squad sequel would feel right at home in the current entertainment landscape, offering a familiar yet exciting experience for audiences.
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