Skip to content

Top Navigation

EW.com EW.com
    • All TV
    • TV Reviews
    • TV Reunions
    • Recaps
    • What to Watch
    • Winter TV
    • Comedy
    • Crime
    • Drama
    • Family
    • Horror
    • Reality
    • Sci-fi
    • Thriller
    • All Movies
    • Movie Reviews
    • Trailers
    • Film Festivals
    • Movie Reunions
    • Movie Previews
    • All Music
    • Music Reviews
    • All What to Watch
    • What to Watch Podcast Episodes
    • TV Reviews
    • Movie Reviews
    • All BINGE
    • EW's Binge Podcast Episodes
    • Recaps
    • Survivor
    • This is Us
    • RuPaul's Drag Race
    • Stranger Things
    • The Boys
    • The Blacklist
    • The Walking Dead
    • Better Call Saul
    • All The Awardist
    • The Awardist Podcast Episodes
    • Oscars
    • Emmys
    • Golden Globes
    • SAG Awards
    • Grammys
    • Tony Awards
    • All Books
    • Book Reviews
    • Author Interviews
    • All Theater
    • Theater Reviews
  • Podcasts
  • Gaming
    • All Events
    • Comic-Con
  • Celebrity
  • Streaming

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe

Explore EW.com

EW.com EW.com
  • Explore

    Explore

    • A guide to The Last of Us Easter eggs

      A guide to The Last of Us Easter eggs

      From the Uncharted lighter to the giraffe plushie. Read More
    • 2023 Oscars predictions: See who will win at the 95th Academy Awards

      2023 Oscars predictions: See who will win at the 95th Academy Awards

      From Brendan Fraser and Angela Bassett to a potential upset in Best Actress, see who EW thinks will win at the 2023 Oscars. Read More
    • Meet the cast of Survivor 44

      Meet the cast of Survivor 44

      Here are the 18 contestants who will be vying for $1 million. Read More
  • TV

    TV

    See All TV
    • TV Reviews
    • TV Reunions
    • Recaps
    • What to Watch
    • Winter TV
    • Comedy
    • Crime
    • Drama
    • Family
    • Horror
    • Reality
    • Sci-fi
    • Thriller
  • Movies

    Movies

    See All Movies
    • Movie Reviews
    • Trailers
    • Film Festivals
    • Movie Reunions
    • Movie Previews
  • Music

    Music

    See All Music
    • Music Reviews
  • What to Watch

    What to Watch

    See All What to Watch
    • What to Watch Podcast Episodes
    • TV Reviews
    • Movie Reviews
  • BINGE

    BINGE

    See All BINGE
    • EW's Binge Podcast Episodes
    • Recaps
    • Survivor
    • This is Us
    • RuPaul's Drag Race
    • Stranger Things
    • The Boys
    • The Blacklist
    • The Walking Dead
    • Better Call Saul
  • The Awardist

    The Awardist

    See All The Awardist
    • The Awardist Podcast Episodes
    • Oscars
    • Emmys
    • Golden Globes
    • SAG Awards
    • Grammys
    • Tony Awards
  • Books

    Books

    See All Books
    • Book Reviews
    • Author Interviews
  • Theater

    Theater

    See All Theater
    • Theater Reviews
  • Podcasts
  • Gaming
  • Events

    Events

    See All Events
    • Comic-Con
  • Celebrity
  • Streaming

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Profile

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Gallery
  3. 10 Sequels That Were More Than 10 Years in the Making

10 Sequels That Were More Than 10 Years in the Making

'Independence Day: Resurgence' wasn't the only sequel that took over a decade to hit screens
Unknown-5
By Ruth Kinane Updated June 29, 2016 at 03:10 PM EDT
Skip gallery slides
FB

1 of 10

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004); Bridget Jones's Baby (2016)

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004); Bridget Jones's Baby (2016)
Credit: Laurie Sparham; Giles Keyte

Bridget first graced our screens with her zany dairy musings and sheer determination toward martyrdom back in 2001. By 2004 Miss Jones seemed on track for happiness, as she and Mr Darcy meandered off into the sunset, (aka took a tumble in the snow in the English countryside) but that was it for 12 long years. This September sees the return of the the self-defined "spinster and lunatic" with a bun in the oven and a curious quandary over the baby's paternity. McDreamy (Patrick Dempsey) and Colin Firth star, so there's no question this one will be worth the wait. We like you, Bridget, just as you are, so keep the sequels coming!

 

1 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 10

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Finding Nemo (2003); Finding Dory (2016)

Finding Nemo (2003); Finding Dory (2016)
Credit: Disney/Pixar

Little Nemo was finally found and swam safely home way back in 2003. A staggering 13 years later, it was time for Dory to find her own path along the seabed to stardom, and boy did she ever. Ten days afters its release, the movie had already grossed $285.6 million at the box office, making it the sixth-highest domestic earner of 2016 and proving any fin is possible! Dory might have memory problems but this sequel is making waves big enough to be remembered forever. 

 

2 of 10

3 of 10

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989); Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989); Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
Credit: Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection; David James

Let's just go ahead and crown Harrison Ford the official star of the long-awaited sequel. (Ford reprised his role as Han Solo in that little-known indie flick, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, earlier this year and is also set to return in the Blade Runner sequel due out in 2017.) Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull came 12 years after the previous installment but didn't quite whip up the critical response of its predecessors. Not to fret, there's talk of yet another sequel in 2019, with both Ford and Steven Spielberg returning, so it's not all (The temple of) doom and gloom for the franchise just yet!

 

3 of 10

Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

4 of 10

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Mary Poppins (1964); Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

Image
Credit: GAB Archive/Redferns; Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

It's been more than 50 (!!) years since Mary Poppins, in the form of Julie Andrews, flew into our hearts on an umbrella. She delicately landed on a London sidewalk with a magical bag made of carpet (and containing a hat stand, mirror, and potted plant, among other decorative items), and the best advice on how to help the medicine go down. The upcoming sequel, due for release in 2018, sees Emily Blunt taking on the iconic role of Poppins and making her return to the lives of a now-grown Jane and Michael Banks to lend a helping hand. Fingers crossed for an appearance by Bert!

 

4 of 10

Advertisement

5 of 10

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985); Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985); Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Credit: Courtesy Everett Collection; Jasin Boland

Another sequel that took a while to get going, Mad Max: Fury Road hit a bump or two on the pre-production road (which started as far back as 1997) and was lost in the desert wasteland of film development before finally making it into theaters 30 years later. That's some traffic jam. But the 2015 sequel, staring Tom Hardy, was worth the lengthy road battle it took to reach screens: It was the highest grossing film in the Mad Max franchise and, with 10 nominations, was the second most-nominated movie at the 88th Academy Awards. But will Max be back for more? As the movie tagline reads: "The future belongs to the mad." So, yes, Mad Max: The Wasteland is said to be on its way. 

 

5 of 10

6 of 10

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Dumb and Dumber (1994); Dumb and Dumber To (2014)

Dumb and Dumber (1994); Dumb and Dumber To (2014)
Credit: New Line/Courtesy Everett Collection; Hopper Stone

Just when you thought they couldn't get any dumber(er?), they did. The 2014 sequel came 20 years after the original film and saw Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne (Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels) hit the road once again for an epic cross-country trip to end all trips. Despite being largely panned by critics, the follow-up did have some box office success, grossing over $169 million in total. “So you’re telling me there’s a chance!” No, Llyod, no. 

 

6 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

7 of 10

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Basic Instinct (1992); Basic Instinct 2 (2006)

Basic Instinct (1992); Basic Instinct 2 (2006)
Credit: TriStar Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection; Jaap Buitendijk

Even before the release of Basic Instinct in 1992, there was a lot of hype over the overtly sexual and violent nature of the thriller. So why did it take 14 years for a sequel to come along? Apparently there was some trouble casting the lead male role. While Michael Douglas chose not to reprise his role, Sharon Stone did return to famously uncross her legs once more in 2006. 

 

7 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement

8 of 10

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Jurassic Park III (2001); Jurassic World (2015)

Jurassic Park III (2001); Jurassic World (2015)
Credit: Universal Pictures

"An adventure 65 million years in the making." Well, maybe not quite that long but it did seem like dinosaurs had become re-extinct for a minute (read: 14 years) there. It took from 2001 to 2015 for movie producers to follow the third part in the Jurassic Park franchise. But the much-anticipated return to the world of all things Jurassic was as worthwhile as waiting in line at the cloned-dinosaur theme park. With plenty of nostalgic nods to the original films, and killer performances by Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, and a freakily frightening hybrid predator named the Indominus rex, last year's sequel made such a solid case for the park to remain open that another visit has been scheduled for June 2018.

 

8 of 10

Advertisement

9 of 10

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Toy Story 2 (1999); Toy Story 3 (2010)

Toy Story 2 (1999); Toy Story 3 (2010)
Credit: Disney/Pixar

Toys don't age, but sadly animated kids do. In the 11 years it took Pixar to put out the follow-up to 1999's Toy Story 2, Andy had grown into a college-bound teen with little need for his childhood toys. The 2010 sequel saw Woody, Buzz and co. dealing with the unpleasant surroundings of Sunnyside Daycare and the resentfully angry, purple teddy bear, Lots-o', and his disheartening attitude that toys are meant be discarded. Ugh, downer. Not to worry, in the end the toys find a loving home and the opportunity for more adventure in another sequel in 2018. 

 

9 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

10 of 10

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983); Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983); Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
Credit: Lucasfilm; Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection

Thirty-two years after Return of the Jedi (and 10 after the final prequel film, Revenge of the Sith), the Force finally decided to wake up, and this awakening was no gentle emergence from a deep slumber. The release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015 broke a ton of box office records, quickly becoming the highest-grossing film in North America and the third highest-grossing film of all time, raking in more than $2 billion worldwide. It also scored five Academy Awards nominations. And it doesn't end there! "Remember... the Force will be with you, always,” in the form of two more sequels, Episode VIII and Episode IX, due in theaters in 2017 and 2019 respectively.

 

10 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Ruth Kinane

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 10 Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004); Bridget Jones's Baby (2016)
    2 of 10 Finding Nemo (2003); Finding Dory (2016)
    3 of 10 Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989); Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
    4 of 10 Mary Poppins (1964); Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
    5 of 10 Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985); Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
    6 of 10 Dumb and Dumber (1994); Dumb and Dumber To (2014)
    7 of 10 Basic Instinct (1992); Basic Instinct 2 (2006)
    8 of 10 Jurassic Park III (2001); Jurassic World (2015)
    9 of 10 Toy Story 2 (1999); Toy Story 3 (2010)
    10 of 10 Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983); Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

    Share & More

    Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message
    EW.com

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Meredith© Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Entertainment Weekly is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation All Rights Reserved. Entertainment Weekly may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EW.com. All rights reserved. Printed from https://ew.com

    View image

    10 Sequels That Were More Than 10 Years in the Making
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.