Sequels Hollywood Never Made, But We Still Want

Edge of Tomorrow 2

When Edge of Tomorrow released in 2014, it felt like an instant cult classic. Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt created a gripping mix of sci-fi spectacle and clever time-loop storytelling. Fans immediately began speculating about a sequel. The director, Doug Liman, has hinted more than once that a script exists and even called it “the best sequel idea I’ve ever heard.” Yet years have gone by, and despite Cruise and Blunt showing interest, scheduling and studio strategy have left the project stuck. The first film ended with hope for more adventures, and audiences still hold on to the dream that one day they’ll relive another impossible battle against the Mimics.

National Treasure 3

Few films combine history, treasure hunts, and Nicolas Cage quite like National Treasure. The first two movies became instant fan favorites, turning Cage’s Ben Gates into a modern-day Indiana Jones. Disney toyed with making a third installment for years, and scripts were reportedly drafted. But then, the focus shifted to streaming with National Treasure: Edge of History, leaving the original saga unfinished. Fans still crave the return of Ben Gates chasing hidden secrets across America, uncovering mysteries that link history and conspiracy together in pure popcorn adventure.

Shutter Island 2

Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island ended with one of cinema’s most haunting questions: did Teddy Daniels accept his grim reality, or did he choose to live in a dream? A sequel could explore the fragile line between truth and madness, diving deeper into the eerie atmosphere of Ashecliffe. Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance left a scar in the minds of viewers, and while Scorsese never planned a continuation, fans continue to wonder. The storm, the lighthouse, and the uncertain ending created fertile ground for a follow-up that sadly never came.

Man of Steel 2

Henry Cavill’s Superman debuted with Man of Steel in 2013, and many expected it to blossom into a trilogy. While Cavill’s Superman appeared in Batman v Superman and Justice League, a true sequel never materialized. Warner Bros. shifted directions multiple times, ultimately rebooting Superman under James Gunn’s new DC Universe. For many fans, Cavill embodied the perfect balance of strength, vulnerability, and hope, and they still wish his story had been given one more solo chapter to cement his legacy as the Man of Tomorrow.

The Amazing Spider-Man 3

Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man run ended abruptly after just two films. Plans for The Amazing Spider-Man 3 were dropped when Sony struck a deal with Marvel Studios to bring Tom Holland into the MCU. Garfield’s Peter Parker was left hanging, his story unresolved. After his return in Spider-Man: No Way Home, love for Garfield surged, with fans campaigning for his third film. The potential villains, new characters like Black Cat, and the promise of redemption made this one of the most painful sequels never made.

Ratatouille 2

Pixar’s Ratatouille was a heartwarming tale about Remy the rat, who dreamed of becoming a chef in Paris. The film ended beautifully, but its world of food, creativity, and unlikely friendship could have been expanded into a sequel. Fans always imagined Remy opening his own grand restaurant, or even teaching the next generation of dreamers. Pixar has made sequels for many of its classics, yet somehow, this one has stayed untouched. The love for Remy and Linguini keeps the dream of Ratatouille 2 alive.

Sherlock Holmes 3

Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law redefined Sherlock and Watson with Guy Ritchie’s action-packed take on the detective duo. Two films brought wit, mystery, and Victorian grit to life, and a third was promised as early as 2011. Despite constant reports of new scripts and shifting directors, Sherlock Holmes 3 never arrived. Fans still yearn to see Downey Jr. return to Baker Street, solving one last grand case with Law at his side.

Spider-Man 4 with Tobey Maguire

Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy defined superhero cinema, and after Spider-Man 3, plans were in motion for a fourth film. Concept art showed villains like Vulture and Mysterio, while fans expected to see Peter Parker continue his journey as a more mature hero. But after creative disagreements, the project was scrapped, and Sony rebooted with Garfield. The return of Tobey Maguire in No Way Home reignited demand for Spider-Man 4, reminding everyone how much was left untold.

Inception 2

Christopher Nolan’s Inception left audiences debating the spinning top and questioning reality itself. Its mind-bending visuals and layered story made it one of the greatest modern sci-fi films. A sequel could have pushed the dream concept even further, exploring deeper levels of consciousness or showing how Cobb’s world changed after the finale. Nolan has been clear about leaving the story as is, but the potential for another cerebral journey makes Inception 2 one of the most wanted sequels ever.

The Nightmare Before Christmas 2

Tim Burton’s gothic holiday classic became an enduring cultural phenomenon. Fans have long wondered what happened after Jack Skellington discovered Christmas Town. Could Sally and Jack explore new worlds, or face challenges beyond Halloween Town? Disney has never greenlit a sequel, fearing it might tarnish the original’s magic. Yet the universe Burton created feels ripe for expansion, especially in today’s world of stop-motion revivals.

The Truman Show 2

Jim Carrey’s The Truman Show ended with Truman walking out of the only world he ever knew. The question of what happened after has haunted fans. Did Truman struggle to adapt to reality? Did the world outside welcome him, or was he once again consumed by fame? The film remains one of the most powerful critiques of media culture, and a sequel could have explored how reality TV exploded in the years after its release. Carrey himself has said the ending was perfect, but audiences continue to imagine the next chapter.

The Wolf of Wall Street 2

Martin Scorsese’s outrageous true-to-life story of Jordan Belfort captured greed, chaos, and excess in a way few films ever have. Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance turned Belfort into a symbol of both ambition and downfall. A sequel could explore the aftermath — Belfort’s life after prison, the shifting world of finance, and the rise of new Wall Street players. With the finance world now dominated by cryptocurrency and meme stocks, a continuation would feel shockingly relevant.

Wall-E 2

Pixar’s Wall-E was more than a love story between two robots. It was a warning about humanity’s relationship with technology and the environment. The ending, with humans returning to Earth, begged for continuation. A sequel could show the struggles of rebuilding civilization, with Wall-E and Eve helping guide humanity back to balance with nature. Fans young and old still wish to see this touching journey move forward.

Kill Bill Vol. 3

Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill saga ended with The Bride finding peace, but Tarantino himself has teased the idea of a third volume for years. Fans speculated it could follow the daughter of Vernita Green seeking revenge against Beatrix. The possibility of Maya Hawke, Uma Thurman’s real daughter, playing the role only added fuel to the dream. While Tarantino has shifted to other projects, Kill Bill Vol. 3 remains one of the most legendary “what ifs” in modern cinema.