Seven of the best movie remakes, sequels and adaptations currently in the works

They say you can never beat the original, but that doesn’t stop them from trying.

Whether it’s a stealthy move to capitalise on our love for nostalgia, or Hollywood has run out of original ideas entirely, movie makers are looking towards the past to get creative juices flowing.

While the very idea of a beloved classic being remade for a modern audience may elicit worry from die hard fans, there seems to be quite the appetite for a modern retelling of a timeless tale.

With that in mind, here are some of the most promising movie remakes, sequels and adaptations coming soon…

Father of the Bride

While it may seem impossible to recapture the magic of this Steve Martin film, Gloria Estefan and Andy Garcia are certainly up to the task. Like the 1991 original, the 2022 iteration will centre around a father and soon-to-be bride as he comes to terms with his little girl growing up, but there’s one twist: the parents are getting a divorce. Told from a Latin perspective, Father of the Bride will premiere on HBO Max on June 16.

Fatal Attraction

Thirty-five years since the original premiered, Fatal Attraction is being made into a small screen series. Adrian Lyne’s 1987 classic thriller centres around Alex, played by Glenn Close, as she becomes obsessed with a married man, played by Michael Douglas. The role will be reprised by Lizzy Caplan — who’s most commonly recognised as Janis Ian in Mean Girls — and hopes are high that this iteration of the story will show a more well-rounded view of the lead that was branded a ‘villain’. It’s expected to hit our screens in 2023.

Matilda

That’s right, a movie musical version of Matilda is coming to Netflix before the year is out. As we all know, the original was based on the Roald Dahl novel, telling the story of a very sweet little girl who happens to have magic powers. The adaptation stars Alisha Weir in the leading role, with Emma Thompson taking on Miss Trunchbull and Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey. Landing on Netflix this December, it will also get a theatrical release in Ireland and the UK.

White Men Can’t Jump

A fresh take on the 1992 sports comedy of the same name, White Men Can’t Jump follows a pair of street basketball hustlers who team up for a bigger score. The movie that launched Woody Harrelson’s career, man of the moment Jack Harlow will be reprising the role is his first appearance on the big screen. Sinqua Walls will fill the shoes of Wesley Snipes in the role of Sidney. While we don’t have an expected release date, fingers are crossed for a slam dunk.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret

A long-awaited adaptation of the Judy Blume classic, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is a timeless coming-of-age story that follows a young girl at a time where everything is changing. Going through puberty and questioning the world around her, Margaret is guided by her mother and grandmother in her search for meaning. Starring Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates and Abby Ryder Fortson, the film covers everything, from boy and bras to buying tampons. Production has wrapped, and we’re waiting on a release date.

Scream 6

Set for release in March 2023, this slasher franchise just keeps on growing. Introducing a new generation of teenagers as they try to escape the Ghostface killer, Hayden Panettiere will be returning to the Scream family for the sixth instalment. Melissa Barrera, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, and Jenna Ortega will also star, and Courtney Cox has even teased her return to the role of reporter Gale Weathers.

That ‘90s Show

A Netflix spin-off of That ‘70s Show, also known as one of the best sitcoms ever, That ‘90s Show will see a Red and Kitty Forman return to their Wisconsin home as a new generation of kids take over the basement. Set in 1995, the series will follow Eric and Donna’s daughter as she spends the summer with her grandparents. Known for her role in The Lost Husband, the lead will be played by Callie Haverda. With filming already underway, its release can’t come quick enough.