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The thing about movies is that once something is done so perfectly, many cinephiles feel it’s largely untouchable. And yet, studios foam at the mouth at the chance to capitalize on its original success, hoping to replicate it. It’s why we have so many remakes and sequels. Yet a handful of remakes still get us excited. So, here we are!
Over the next few years, ten upcoming remakes have us shivering with anticipation. From classic ‘80s titles to Disney’s blockbuster iterations, these ten titles have enough hope behind them that they may not actually be flops! While others are certainly hyped, these ten are at the top of the heap.
10
‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’
Quite a few legendary horror franchises tend to find new life every few generations. Or at least when new voices in the genre emerge, eager to put their stamp on the story. The latest in the line of iterations is The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. While a 2022 version directed by David Blue Garcia was widely panned, the next attempt at the gruesome story will be helmed by 2026’s horror wonder boy Curry Barker under the A24 umbrella. While it is still in early development, the film is said to be an atmospheric reimagining written and directed by the Obsession creator. Instead of a slasher film about a killer chasing victims with a chainsaw, Barker aims to dig deeper into psychological dread, character survival, and the twisted family dynamics of the Sawyer household on their farm. While there is a concurrent Texas Chainsaw long-form television series in development by producer Glen Powell, Dan Cohen, and director JT Mollner. How they’re connected in the larger A24 universe is still under wraps. Oh, and there is also Dark Sky Films working on a separate hand-drawn, rotoscoped reimagining.
Back to the Barker version. Anticipation is high because of the massive breakout hit of his debut feature. The reboot shifts attention back to the grotesque dynamics of the cannibalistic family rather than treating Leatherface as a solo monster, honoring the roots of Tobe Hooper’s 1974 classic. With Barker focused on moving far beyond a killer chasing people with a chainsaw, his narrative prowess could make the story richer and more nuanced. A24 acquired the rights after a competitive bidding process, bringing a reputation for high-production-value, boundary-pushing genre films rather than a standard cash-grab slasher. While naysayers may prefer a new original concept, Barker at the helm still has potential for success.
9
‘A Christmas Carol’
One could fill their entire December calendar watching film and television adaptations of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. In fact, Ebenezer is the latest in the line of remakes. But we’re not here to discuss the Johnny Depp film. We’re talking about the version Robert Eggers is set to make. Yes, let those combo settle in for a moment! Announced last year, Eggers is set to write and direct a new feature film retelling Dickens’s ghost story about the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, focusing on the grim, Gothic, and supernatural elements of the original text. A Warner Bros. production, the director is looking to tap his frequent collaborator Willem Dafoe to portray Scrooge.
The concept of an Eggers version is highly exciting, as it will most certainly bypass the Christmas camp in favor of a darker retelling with his signature brand of atmospheric, period-accurate, and visceral, horror-tinged filmmaking. Fans should expect candlelit Victorian dread, historical authenticity, and the genuine terror of the haunting, reshaping the narrative forever. The project is in early development and isn’t slated to enter production immediately, as Eggers has other upcoming projects on his slate—including his medieval werewolf horror film Werwulf and a reported Romeo and Juliet adaptation. With the Skydance merger with Warner Bros. recently making waves with DC, the status of the project may be shaken, so be sure to keep an ear out for the jangling of chains!
8
‘The Thomas Crown Affair’
As they say, third time’s a charm! After the 1968 original and 1999 remake, The Thomas Crown Affair is returning to theaters. The upcoming romantic action heist film directed by Michael B. Jordan and written by Drew Pearce and Jason Hall follows Thomas Crown (Jordan), a wealthy billionaire and gentleman thief who gets caught in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game with an insurance investigator. Jordan’s modern reimagining puts a contemporary twist on the premise. Unlike the Steve McQueen or Pierce Brosnan versions where a wealthy billionaire steals art out of sheer boredom, Jordan’s Crown’s heist-driven mission has a more personal edge, involving the high-stakes theft and repatriation of cultural artifacts, while igniting a dangerous, seductive romance with the investigator tracking him, played by Adria Arjona.
The anticipation comes not from the title itself but more from the major directorial vehicle for Jordan. Following his directorial debut with Creed III, the Oscar winner is both starring as the title character and directing the film under his Outlier Society banner. Fans are eager to see how his style translates to the slick, high-class thriller. The movie features cinematography by Bradford Young and a score by Grammy- and Oscar-winning Jon Batiste. While the 2027 version departs from the classic, morally ambiguous thriller narrative, the hype is high. Set for release on March 5, 2027, the film will also feature Kenneth Branagh, Lily Gladstone, Danai Gurira, Pilou Asbæk, Aubrey Plaza, and Ruth Negga.
7
‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’
In 2010, DreamWorks was reinvigorated by the massive success of How to Train Your Dragon. After launching its own franchise, the company decided to try its hand at a live-action remake. Well, it was so well-received that the sequel was ordered! Based on How to Train Your Dragon 2, the story picks up five years after the first film, when humans and dragons live together in peace on the island of Berk. Hiccup (Mason Thames) and his dragon, Toothless, spend their time mapping uncharted territories and exploring new worlds. During their adventures, Hiccup discovers a secret ice-cave sanctuary that shelters hundreds of new dragon species, and encounters his long-lost mother, Valka (Cate Blanchett), who has been living among the dragons and shares his deep, nurturing bond with them. Peace is threatened by Drago Bloodfist (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson), a power-hungry warlord and dragon tamer who is amassing a massive dragon army to conquer the world. Hiccup, Valka, Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler), Astrid (Nico Parker), and the rest of the riders must fight to protect the harmony they have built.
Returning writer and director Dean DeBlois has noted that while the live-action adaptation stays true to the original 2014 animated movie’s core emotional beats and tragic turning points, it also uses the transition to live-action to expand the lore. Fans have noted the animated sequel as an emotional powerhouse and standout, much like The Empire Strikes Back in how it expands the lore and mythology. The production blends massive CGI dragon work with handcrafted, tangible Viking sets built in Belfast to recreate Berk’s expanded dragon paradise. How to Train Your Dragon 2 will also feature Nick Frost, Phil Dunster, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Gabriel Howell, and Julian Dennison. The remake is set to release in theaters on June 11, 2027.
6
‘The Exorcist: Martyrs’
When it comes to horror, the name on everybody’s lips has been Mike Flanagan. Having reignited horror on the small screen, he’s returning to the big screen for his take on The Exorcist. In The Exorcist: Martyrs, the reimagined story will serve as a standalone reboot. Thirteen years after NYPD homicide detective Julie Miller (Scarlett Johansson) brought down a satanic serial killer known as “Father Sunday” (John Leguizamo), a gruesome new murder occurs inside a church crypt. The killer leaves a message written in blood, forcing Julie back into a dark investigation that mimics the historical suffering and martyrdom of Roman Catholic saints. Assisted by a rookie detective, Gina Restrepo (Sasha Calle), and a former prison chaplain, Father William (Chiwetel Ejiofor), she uncovers a disturbing lineage connecting past and present serial killers while her 12-year-old son, Max (Jacobi Jupe), becomes the direct target of a terrifying, primordial demonic force.
David Gordon Green’s 2023 legacy sequel The Exorcist: Believer underperformed critically and commercially; Universal scrapped its planned sequels and handed the keys to Flanagan to wipe the slate clean with a fresh, contemporary story that stands on its own while respecting the universe’s lore. Flanagan, who is riding high after the success of his modern reimagining of Carrie, will blend a gritty, procedural investigation akin to Se7en or The Silence of the Lambs with traditional demonic possession and religious horror. Celebrated as a modern horror voice, the anticipation is high for open-minded viewers. It’s designed to be “goddamn scary” and said to be his scariest project of his career. And if you’ve seen his early work, that’s quite a high bar. The Exorcist: Martyrs will terrify audiences beginning March 12, 2027.
5
‘Highlander’
In 1986, audiences were dazzled by the fantasy action-adventure film Highlander. Now, four decades later, the story is returning. Directed by Chad Stahelski, the remake follows Connor MacLeod (Henry Cavill), an immortal Scottish swordsman born in the 16th-century Scottish Highlands who discovers he cannot die unless he is decapitated. Immortals are locked in a secret, ancient tournament where they must battle one another across history until “There can be only one,” culminating in a final prize. The film is set to introduce new factions and twists, filled out by an all-star ensemble. Jeremy Irons plays the leader of the Watchers, an organized human faction that monitors immortals and sees them as a dangerous threat. Dave Bautista portrays the brutal antagonist The Kurgan, backed by a large-scale corporate system that aims to manipulate history. Russell Crowe plays Connor’s mentor, Juan Sánchez Villa-Lobos Ramírez, and Karen Gillan plays Connor’s mortal wife, Heather.
Directed by the filmmaker behind the John Wick franchise, the movie emphasizes practical sword combat, grounded martial arts choreography, and the original Queen soundtrack. The R-rated remake will feature Stahelski’s signature visceral, balletic, and stunt-heavy choreography. Unlike the original 1986 film, Highlander will lean deep into the franchise’s rich multi-century history, spanning from the Scottish Highlands to modern-day New York and Hong Kong. Having languished in development hell since 2008, the project finally secured an $180 million budget under Amazon MGM Studios, raising expectations for a sweeping, adult-oriented fantasy epic. As of publication, the film has no release date.
4
‘American Psycho’
As someone who adores the original film of American Psycho, there is great apprehension regarding the remake. That said, with the right bodies, it has high potential to be great. More of a new adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 novel rather than the Christian Bale film, American Psycho will be directed by Luca Guadagnino with a screenplay written by Scott Z. Burns. The fresh reimagining will re-examine the story of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy, homicidal investment banker, for modern audiences, shifting the satirical focus toward contemporary obsessions like digital status, social media influence, online culture, and modern corporate wealth dynamics.
Developed by Lionsgate, American Psycho is in the casting process for its iconic lead character. High-wattage casting rumors, including actors like Austin Butler and Drew Starkey, have kept the movie in the headlines, even as production timeline updates remain measured, and some high-profile actors have reportedly passed on the daunting lead role. While no definitive release window has been announced, anticipation is through the roof!
3
‘Miami Vice ’85’
It’s time to travel back to the neon-soaked beaches of Miami for the cinematic action thriller Miami Vice ‘85. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, from a screenplay by Dan Gilroy and Eric Warren Singer, the period drama based on the infamous TV series follows undercover Metro-Dade vice detectives James “Sonny” Crockett (Austin Butler) and Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs (Michael B. Jordan) as they infiltrate and dismantle South Florida drug cartels. Hot-tempered New York transplant Tubbs and loose-cannon local Crockett aim to crack down on the glamour, neon, and corruption of mid-1980s Miami’s underworld. Specifically designed to exclude modern technology like smartphones and instant GPS tracking, the setting heightens period tensions while establishing a cool aesthetic.
The film is highly anticipated thanks to its top-tier duo at the top of the cast as well as the powerhouse creative team. Unlike Michael Mann‘s polarizing 2006 film adaptation, Miami Vice ’85 goes back to the original timeline. The film is being shot specifically for IMAX to capture the neon-lit aesthetics of South Florida and features a prominent supporting lineup including John Leguizamo as the antagonist, alongside Alden Ehrenreich, Camila Morrone, Walton Goggins, Andre Holland, Haley Lu Richardson, and Danny Ramirez. Miami Vice ‘85 is scheduled to hit theaters on May 19, 2028. Universal Pictures delayed the film from its original August 2027 release date.
2
‘Tangled’
Disney has had quite a journey with their live-action remakes as of late. For every Lilo & Stitch, there’s a Snow White and Moana. The next in line is the remake of the 2010 animated classic, Tangled. The live-action musical follows Rapunzel (Teagan Croft), a young princess with magical, ultra-long golden hair, who has been locked away in a remote tower her entire life by her overbearing “mother,” Mother Gothel (Kathryn Hahn). Her world changes when a charming thief named Flynn Rider (Milo Manheim) stumbles into her tower to hide, leading the two on an adventurous escape filled with music, self-discovery, and the iconic floating lantern festival. Directed by Michael Gracey, with a screenplay by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and Michael Montemayor, Tangled aims to capture the charm and whimsy of its animated counterpart.
The film has garnered great hype for its popular casting choices, a musical-focused director, and strong nostalgia for the original. With smart, full-throttle set teases, fans have caught glimpses of the stars who have masterfully captured the essence of the animated characters. Between the perfect costumes and Manheim’s take on Flynn’s signature “smolder,” the reactions have remained largely positive. Anticipation skyrocketed with the inclusion of Hahn, a popular fan-casting choice before production. Rather than relying solely on digital backdrops, production in Spain built Rapunzel’s tower and transformed local streets into the Kingdom of Corona, matching the original’s visual aesthetic. The film is also set to feature Diego Luna, Caitríona Balfe, Elliot Cowan, and Patrick and Hugo McPherson. Tangled is slotted for a March 31, 2028, theatrical release.
1
‘X-Men’
As someone who watched X-Men: The Animated Series, collected the action figures and cards, and dressed up as Nightcrawler for Halloween as a kid of the ‘90s, X-Men has always been a major part of my DNA. The Fox iteration of the iconic superteam was fun, but since the Marvel Cinematic Universe blew up, the dream of seeing mutants in canon has always been top of mind. Now, it’s coming to fruition, and loyal X-Men fans are rejoicing! Led by producer Kevin Feige and director Jake Schreier, the film will take a fresh, comic-faithful approach with a younger cast of core mutants. While the plot is still largely under wraps, it’s believed to follow the events of Avengers: Secret Wars. Establishing its own cornerstone of the mutant era of the MCU, X-Men will establish a unified timeline rather than carrying over the 21st Century Fox continuity.
X-Men is expected to expand the story of Jean Grey (Sadie Sink), who appeared in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Writers Lee Sung Jin and Joanna Calo will draw direct inspiration from Chris Claremont’s iconic Uncanny X-Men comics, focusing on interpersonal drama, team rivalries, and identity struggles. The movie builds anticipation with a fresh confirmed ensemble, featuring Kit Connor as Cyclops, Maya Boyd as Storm, Inde Navarrette as Rogue, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, Asa Germann as Warren Worthington III, Ben Wang as Iceman, Christopher Abbott as Professor X, and Adam Driver as Mister Sinister. Other names are circulating in the rumor mill, but we will wait for official casting announcements. While we’re also eager for the Ryan Gosling-led Ghost Rider, nothing compares to X-Men. The film is scheduled for release on May 5, 2028.
X-Men
- Release Date
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May 5, 2028
- Director
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Jake Schreier
- Writers
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Joanna Calo, Lee Sung Jin, Michael Lesslie
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Inde Navarrette
Rogue / Anna Marie
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Kit Connor
Scott Summers / Cyclops
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Samara Weaving
Emma Frost
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https://collider.com/upcoming-movie-remakes-ranked-anticipation/
Michael Block
Almontather Rassoul
