All the movie sequels coming soon, plus those that have stalled

Movie lovers are getting pumped for summer blockbuster season — although spring is going to give it a run for its money this year, thanks to the new Avengers movie! That film is just one of many sequels expected to hit theaters in the coming months.

Whether follow-ups to smash hits you’ve been waiting on for years (hello, “Frozen II”) or sequels you didn’t know you had use for (“Rambo V”??), there will be plenty of familiar characters coming back to the big screen soon.

We looked through the list of soon-to-be-released films and picked out all the sequels that are hoping to recapture the magic of earlier stories. All release dates are based on IMDb’s upcoming movies calendar and were accurate as of April 23, 2019. We’ve also included a few sequels that were previously announced but have since gotten delayed or completely stalled for various reasons.

Are you counting down to any of these sequels?

‘Avengers: Endgame’ (April 26, 2019)

What it Follows: “Captain Marvel” (2019)

Arguably the most eagerly anticipated sequel of 2019, “Avengers: Endgame” is the star-studded follow-up to 2018’s “Avengers: Infinity War,” which earned more than $2 billion at the worldwide box office.

This 22nd film in the blockbuster Marvel Cinematic Universe is expected to be the last for at least a few of the fan-favorite characters from that franchise, which dates all the way back to 2008. The cast is loaded with A-listers, but stalwarts like Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth and Scarlett Johansson are top billed.

‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’ (May 17, 2019)

What it Follows: “John Wick: Chapter 2” (2017)

Action lovers will be pumped to see ex-assassin John Wick return to theaters for another energetic outing in May.

This third part in the story comes on the heels of 2017’s “John Wick: Chapter 2,” which made more than $171 million at the box office, more than doubling what the first film earned. The same director, Chad Stahelski, returns to continue the trilogy and a heavyweight cast surrounds star Keanu Reeves, including Halle Berry, Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston and Laurence Fishburne.

‘A Dog’s Journey’ (May 17, 2019)

What it Follows: “A Dog’s Purpose” (2017)

Here’s one for all the animal lovers. “A Dog’s Journey” picks up where the 2017 hit, “A Dog’s Purpose,” left off.

Like the original, it will follow the lives of several pups, each inhabited by the same soul, voiced by Josh Gad of “Frozen.” Dennis Quaid also returns to the cast, reprising his role from the first film but looking a little older now, based on the first trailers we’ve seen. Also like the original, this sequel is based on another book by author W. Bruce Cameron.

I have a feeling you’ll want some tissues ready because, let’s face it, you always do for dog movies.

‘Godzilla: King of the Monsters’ (May 31, 2019)

What it Follows: “Godzilla” (2014)

One of the biggest, baddest lizards in movie history returns to the screen this summer. This follow-up to 2014’s “Godzilla,” which made a ton of money and got good reviews, has a different cast and director but picks up the story of the movie monster.

“Godzilla: King of the Monsters” will feature the big-screen debut of “Stranger Things” breakout star Millie Bobby Brown. Its events will set up the 2020 movie “Godzilla vs. Kong,” which will tie together the Godzilla and King Kong movie franchises that have been ongoing.

‘Dark Phoenix’ (June 7, 2019)

What it Follows: “X-Men: Apocalypse” (2016)

The latest X-Men adventure is set to tell a similar story to 2006’s “X-Men: The Last Stand,” while sticking closer to the original Marvel comics that inspired that panned movie.

“Game of Thrones” star Sophie Turner will lead the way as Jean Grey, the powerful X-Men member who becomes an adversary named Phoenix after an accident. Series stalwarts James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence will all be reprising their roles from previous films as well.

‘The Secret Life of Pets 2’ (June 7, 2019)

What it Follows: “The Secret Life of Pets” (2016)

In 2016, Universal Pictures landed a surprise smash when “The Secret Life of Pets” got solid reviews and racked up nearly $900 million at the worldwide box office. Then, sexual misconduct from star Louis C.K.’s past, who voiced the main character, made international headlines and it put the future of the franchise in jeopardy.

Three years later, “The Secret Life of Pets 2” is finally ready to roll, with comedian Patton Oswalt replacing C.K. as Max the dog. Pretty much everyone else involved in the sequel was there for the first one, but other new voices included Tiffany Haddish and Harrison Ford.

‘Men in Black: International’ (June 14, 2019)

What it Follows: “Men in Black 3” (2012)

It’s been a minute since the memory-adjusting government agents known as the MIB were on the big screen.

This new entry in the series, which will feature a different cast from the original trilogy, follows the well-received “Men in Black 3.” But instead of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, “Men in Black: International” will star Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth, who’ve already shown their chemistry together in several Marvel Cinematic Universe movies.

As the title suggests, this story follows a bureau of the MIB that is based in London.

‘Toy Story 4’ (June 21, 2019)

What it Follows: “Toy Story 3” (2010)

Talk about having a tough act to follow. In 2010, “Toy Story 3” became one of the highest-grossing movies ever made and was, arguably, the best capper to any trilogy in movie history (there aren’t many “Part Threes” with a 98-percent Fresh Rotten Tomatoes score!).

Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” will hit theaters nearly a decade after that masterpiece and will feature a first-time director. This will be the first in the series to see the beloved toys living with a new family after longtime owner Andy moved on to college and gave them away. All your favorite voice actors are coming back and new voices will include Keanu Reeves, Christina Hendricks and Jordan Peele.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwZ4hyvgsHn/

‘Annabelle Comes Home’ (June 28, 2019)

What it Follows: “Annabelle: Creation” (2017)

The third entry in the Annabelle series — and the seventh in the smash-hit Conjuring Universe franchise — picks up on the story of the creepy doll in the film’s title. This time, demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren, who’ve starred in the Conjuring films, will be the targets of Annabelle’s ire as she terrorizes their home.

“Annabelle Comes Home” comes from the same writer of “Annabelle: Creation,” which was well received by critics and audiences in telling the doll’s origin story. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are back as the Warrens.

‘Spider-Man: Far from Home’ (July 5, 2019)

What it Follows: “Avengers: Endgame” (2019)

About two months after “Avengers: Endgame” drops, the next Marvel Cinematic Universe film — and the final one for at least a year — will hit theaters.

“Spider-Man: Far from Home” is Spidey’s first live-action adventure since 2017’s “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” Tom Holland and Zendaya are back as Peter Parker and Michelle “MJ” Jones, and the story follows as Peter’s class takes a school trip to Europe. “Far from Home” has the same director and two of the same co-writers as “Homecoming,” so it should give Marvel fans some much-needed laughs after the weightiness of “Endgame.”

‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’ (Aug. 2, 2019)

What it Follows: “The Fate of the Furious” (2017)

If eight movies (so far) set in the universe of “The Fast and the Furious” weren’t enough for you, this new spin-off sequel will whet your appetite for more high-octane action.

“Hobbs & Shaw” will follow the characters played by Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham in that popular series of movies as they embark on their own adventure. Along with those two stars, the supporting cast is fantastic, featuring Idris Elba as the villain and Helen Mirren as Statham’s mother. This one looks like a blast!

‘The Angry Birds Movie 2’ (Aug. 16, 2019)

What it Follows: “The Angry Birds Movie” (2016)

Based on the massively popular video game series, “The Angry Birds Movie” became a box-office hit in 2016, leading to this sequel.

The first movie had an ensemble voice cast loaded with talent, including Jason Sudeikis, Bill Hader and Peter Dinklage. The sequel is following suit, bringing all three of those actors back and adding tons of new voices, including Leslie Jones, Sterling K. Brown and Rachel Bloom. This is one of the few sequels coming out this year that’s aimed at kids.

‘It: Chapter Two’ (Sept. 6, 2019)

What it Follows: “It” (2017)

It gives you hope for a sequel when the original movie was always meant to have one, rather than it being tacked on as a cash grab. Such was the case with 2017’s “It,” which became one of the highest-grossing horror movies ever made and was a success with critics as well.

Based on Stephen King’s epic novel, the first movie followed a group of children as they battled a mysterious, shape-shifting force in the sewers of their hometown. The second part jumps nearly 30 years into the future, finding the friends reuniting as adults to hopefully put an end to the threat for good.

‘Rambo V: Last Blood’ (Sept. 20, 2019)

What it Follows: “Rambo” (2008)

Nearly 40 years after he first played the character of Vietnam veteran John Rambo, Sylvester Stallone is playing him for a fifth — and final — time. “Rambo V: Last Blood,” a take on the title of the 1982 original, “First Blood,” sees Rambo trying to rescue a friend’s daughter from a Mexican cartel. It marks the character’s first appearance since 2008’s “Rambo,” which didn’t exactly set the world on fire.

Stallone co-wrote the new movie and seeing him still kicking butt at 72 years old should be interesting — and potentially inspiring.

‘Zombieland: Double Tap’ (Oct. 11, 2019)

What it Follows: “Zombieland” (2009)

It’s hard to believe it’s already been 10 years since “Zombieland” came out, becoming a major sleeper hit, but that’s how long it took for a sequel to finally be made.

“Zombieland: Double Tap” manages to get the band back together, despite all that lost time, including the same director and two of the same co-writers. The entire main cast is also back, including Emma Stone, Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson. They will again be facing off against hordes of zombies and it looks like Bill Murray will also be returning after his scene-stealing cameo in the first film.

‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ (Oct. 18, 2019)

What it Follows: “Maleficent” (2014)

In a year where Disney is remaking “Dumbo,” “Aladdin” and “The Lion King,” this movie has become one of the studio’s more under-the-radar projects.

This sequel to 2014’s “Maleficent,” which was a live-action reimagining of “Sleeping Beauty,” will once again star Angelina Jolie as the legendary villain. Elle Fanning also returns as Aurora, who is now on the verge of becoming queen. The first film won an Oscar and was a massive hit at the box office, but it’ll be interesting to see if too much time has passed — and too many other Disney movies have flooded the market — for the sequel to make as much noise.

‘Terminator: Dark Fate’ (Nov. 1, 2019)

What it Follows: “Terminator: Genisys” (2015)

Who knew another Terminator movie was coming our way in 2019? Despite the fact that “Dark Fate” will come after 2015’s “Genisys,” this new movie — the sixth entry overall — will actually be a direct sequel to 1991’s immortal “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” dismissing all the movies that came between them.

Perhaps the most exciting thing about this sequel, which comes from the director of “Deadpool,” is that it marks the return of star Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor. Oh, and in case you were wondering, Arnold Schwarzenegger is also back as the killer cyborg that helped make him a Hollywood icon.

‘Frozen II’ (Nov. 22, 2019)

What it Follows: “Frozen” (2013)

Ever since Disney’s “Frozen” came out in 2013 and broke box-office records across the board, the world has been clamoring for a sequel. We’ll finally get it in 2019 as we rejoin our heroes from the fictional kingdom of Arendelle, including Queen Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and the lovable snowman Olaf.

The original voice cast, writer and directors are all back for the sequel, giving all of us some hope that it can live up to the original. New voices joining the cast include Sterling K. Brown and Evan Rachel Wood.

‘Jumanji 3’ (Dec. 13, 2019)

What it Follows: “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” (2017)

In 2017, “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” — a followup to the 1995 Robin Williams film — surprised many when it became one of the year’s highest-grossing movies, also earning critical praise. The sequel to that hit is bringing back the same director, along with its fantastic central cast, which includes Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart and Jack Black.

There haven’t been many details released so far about the new movie, but we do know that Awkwafina and Danny DeVito are among the new cast members. Hart has said that the new movie will see the characters playing a new level of the “Jumanji” video game they became trapped in during “Welcome to the Jungle.”

‘A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon’ (Dec. 13, 2019)

What it Follows: “Shaun the Sheep Movie” (2015)

Here’s another one that should be great for both kids and adults. The aptly titled “Farmageddon” is a sequel to 2015’s “Shaun the Sheep Movie,” which racked up an impressive 99-percent Fresh rating at Rotten Tomatoes along with a solid return at the box office. This stop-motion animated movie picks up the story, following Shaun and his flock as they encounter a powerful alien that lands near their farm.

Hopefully, it can fare better than 2018’s “Early Man,” which came from the same animation studio and didn’t make much money despite earning good reviews.

‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ (Dec. 20, 2019)

What it Follows: “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” (2017)

Star Wars fans were jacked when they heard that J.J. Abrams was returning to the franchise to direct “The Rise of Skywalker.” His work on 2015’s “The Force Awakens” helped reestablish the legendary sci-fi franchise with a new storyline under Disney’s production umbrella.

This film is slated to be the final entry into the main plot of the Star Wars film universe, which has been going since 1977. It will mark the final performance of the late Carrie Fisher as Leia Organa and also sees Mark Hamill return as Luke Skywalker, whose fate remains a mystery after 2017’s “The Last Jedi.”

‘Bad Boys for Life’ (Jan 17, 2020)

What it Follows: “Bad Boys II” (2003)

By the time “Bad Boys for Life” hits theaters in January 2020, nearly 25 years will have passed since the first film in the trilogy came out.

This new entry sees original stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reuniting as the pair of Miami detectives they first made famous in 1995. Co-star Joe Pantoliano is also returning once again, while new actors include Vanessa Hudgens. Despite the long wait between sequels, expectations should be high because both previous entries were massive hits at the box office.

‘Kingsman: The Great Game’ (Feb. 14, 2020)

What it Follows: “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” (2017)

This third entry into the energetic Kingsman franchise will go back to the beginning of the secret spy agency at the center of all the movies.

“The Great Game” is set to be a prequel that takes place in the early 1900s, establishing the origin of the Kingsman organization. The same director is back again while, as you’d expect with a prequel, the entire cast has turned over. Talented actors like Daniel Brühl, Ralph Fiennes and “Game of Thrones” standout Charles Dance (he played Tywin Lanister) will lead the way.

‘Legally Blonde 3’ (Feb. 14, 2020)

What it Follows: “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde” (2003)

Who could have guessed in 2003 that sequels to both “Bad Boys II” and “Legally Blonde 2” would come within a month of each other … 17 years later?

Reese Witherspoon is expected to return as Elle Woods, the former sorority girl who went to law school and later worked in Washington. There hasn’t been much information released about the plot of “Legally Blonde 3” but it’ll be interesting to see what Woods has been up to after all these years. The original writers behind the 2001 film are reportedly returning to pen this new entry.

‘Bond 25’ (April 8, 2020)

What it Follows: “Spectre” (2015)

We still don’t have a title for the 25th James Bond movie — but we know it’s expected to hit theaters in April 2020. The highly anticipated film will apparently be Daniel Craig’s final outing as Agent 007, making the stakes even higher for its plot.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who recently wrote the hit TV series “Killing Eve,” is co-writing the script for the new film, so it shouldn’t be a stuffy affair. Craig will be joined again by co-stars Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris and Léa Seydoux. There has yet to be any word on who will play the villain.

‘Wonder Woman 1984’ (Delayed)

What it Follows: “Wonder Woman” (2017)

After DC’s “Wonder Woman” became a history-making hit in 2017, superhero lovers were immediately clamoring for a sequel. We got to see Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman again in 2017’s “Justice League” but it was mostly a disappointment.

“Wonder Woman 1984,” which is set more than 60 years after “Wonder Woman,” was originally slated to come out in winter 2019 but has been delayed. The sequel is certainly on its way, but has been bumped back to June 2020 as of the latest news. Director Patty Jenkins is also returning for this new entry and Kristen Wiig is set to play the villain.

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (Delayed)

What it Follows: “Top Gun” (1986)

The longest-awaited sequel on this list is the followup to Tom Cruise’s 1986 icon, “Top Gun.” This new entry, which follows Cruise’s character, Maverick, as an aging flight instructor, was slated to open in July 2019 but has since been delayed in production.

The latest news states the film should be ready to debut in June 2020. In addition to Cruise, “Maverick” will also see the return of Val Kilmer as “Iceman,” in addition to new cast members Miles Teller, Jon Hamm and Ed Harris. No word on whether the new film will feature any shirtless beach volleyball.

‘Beetlejuice 2’ (Stalled)

What it Follows: “Beetlejuice” (1988)

There have been rumors of a sequel to Tim Burton’s cult classic “Beetlejuice” since the early 1990s — but in the last few years, it finally looked like it would happen. Original star Winona Ryder confirmed a script was done and that she was returning for a sequel in 2015 — but things sort of stalled out from there.

In April 2019, Burton was asked directly about a “Beetlejuice” sequel and he shot it down, saying it was unlikely to happen at this point. I guess it’s not quite as easy as just saying his name three times and hoping a new movie shows up. (Though, super fans, take heart: there’s a musical version of the film currently on Broadway.)

‘World War Z 2’ (Stalled)

What it Follows: “World War Z” (2013)

Another movie with a sequel that’s been rumored for as long as we can remember is 2013’s “World War Z.” That flick became the highest-grossing zombie movie in history, raking in more than $540 million at the worldwide box office.

The sequel, seeing the return of star Brad Pitt, was set to begin production in June 2019 before it was suddenly stalled. According to reports, issues with the planned budget of the film caused production to be scrapped in February 2019. It’s unclear what the fate of this long-awaited movie will be but, much like the antagonists in its story, it doesn’t look completely dead yet.

‘Avatar 2’ (Stalled)

What it Follows: “Avatar” (2009)

In an age where sequels are commonplace for any minor hit movie, it’s incredible that we’ve waited so long for a follow-up to the highest-grossing movie in history!

“Avatar” became just that in 2009 when it pulled in an insane $2.7 billion at the worldwide box office. A total of four sequels are currently planned for the film but, so far, “Avatar 2” still hasn’t come out. Director James Cameron has said that parts two and three of the series have already been filmed but we still don’t have any hard release dates to count on.