Sequels offer fans a chance to return to their favorite movies, even allowing writers to expand their universes. While they are typically a great idea, sometimes things don’t work out the way anyone expects. Some sequels are a letdown, with some even ruining the franchise. Here are some movie sequels that were a letdown:
Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance
Nicholas Cage was one of the biggest stars of the 2000s, with Ghost Rider being one of his most popular works. Ghost Rider may not be a part of the MCU, but it certainly paved the way for some of the later successes. Ghost Rider seemingly ends perfectly with the defeat of Blackheart and the defiance of the Devil.
Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance was an unnecessary sequel, and it failed the original movie in more ways than one. From the poor CGI to plot holes, there was little to desire about the sequel. The sequel was so bad that many fans didn’t even realize one was made, further making the case that it should never have happened.
The Scorpion King (Multiple Sequels)
The Scorpion King was a huge success, thanks in no small part to Dwayne Johnson’s presence. Any sequels without the main attraction were always going to come short, and that’s exactly what happened. With four sequels to follow the original, almost every possible plotline has been explored, to no avail.
Every new entry into the franchise seems to hit new lows, with people less interested in Mathayus’s story. The producers should have just stopped at the first movie and left the fans to their imaginations.
Mean Girls 2
Mean Girls is one of the most iconic movies of the 2000s, with a star-studded cast featuring Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams. With a seemingly perfect ending where lessons are learned and all seems right with the world, there was no real need for a sequel. This fact is reflected in the low ratings and viewership of the sequel, with most people seeing it as more of the same.
There has even been a remake of the original meeting a similar fate as the sequel. The original Movie remains an all-time classic and should remain unblemished by any sequels.
R.I.P.D 2: Rise of the Damned
R.I.P.D 2: Rise of the Damned was damned from the get-go, with the absence of both leads from the original movie. To be fair, it is a passable stand-alone movie, but it pales in comparison to its predecessor. I doubt any movie could survive losing both Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds.
With the comedic interaction of the dynamic duo missing, most viewers weren’t even aware there was a sequel. The comedy seemed forced, and despite a passable plot, the movie just seemed off and a poor imitation of the first.
The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor
The Mummy was always going to have sequels, and sure enough, there have been two to follow the original. While the second movie managed to be impressive and retain some of the magic of the first movie, the third left a lot to be desired.
Despite boasting a star-studded cast including Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh, The Mummy Tomb of the Dragon Emperor was a letdown. Everything just seemed off from the start, and the film never got better as viewers went along. It’s one of those sequels we wish never happened, and we were left with the first two movies in the franchise.
Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj
Van Wilder was the ultimate college movie of the 2000s, featuring the titular character as an enigmatic party boy. Creating a sequel around a minor character may have seemed like a good idea, but this concept proved to be wrong.
The Rise of Taj focused on Van’s assistant as he attempted to establish himself at his new school with lessons he learned from his mentor. Not only did this sequel fail to capture the magic of the first movie, but it was worse than the next entry to the franchise.
Megamind Vs. The Doom Syndicate
The idea of creating a sequel for the incredibly handsome criminal mastermind and master of all villainy was lovely. There were always going to be consequences for Megamind turning good and abandoning his evil ways, which we get to see in this sequel. His former villain team poses a problem to the now reformed Megamind in his new role as protector of Metro City.
Unfortunately, this sequel failed to live up to the standards established by the first movie. With almost an entirely new cast, it is not difficult to see why viewers don’t appreciate the sequel as much as the original. It presents more as a kids’ story as opposed to one the entire family can enjoy and have a good laugh.
