22 Movie Sequels That Boldly Cut Out Their Main Characters

1. Creed III 2023，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 95128, ID: 11145118
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The classic character of Rocky Balboa did not return in Creed III. Stallone’s absence allowed the movie to focus more on the personal growth and separate story line of Michael B. Jordan’s Adonis Creed, moving away from the shadow of the Rocky series and allowing Quiddy to truly be his own fighter. This change also allowed the movie to focus more on Adonis’ inner conflict and confrontation with his new adversary.
2. Magic Mike XXL 2015，IMDB Rating: 5.6, IMDB Votes: 61706, ID: 2268016
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Without Matthew McConaughey in the role of Dallas, Magic Mike XXL focuses on a road trip adventure filled with friendship and flashy dancing. Channing Tatum leads the cast, and with his personal charisma makes this sequel a light-hearted adventure. Continuing the colorful dance routines and brothers bonding, the movie is a lighthearted and entertaining blockbuster that is different from its predecessor, but still unique.
3. American Wedding 2003，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 218575, ID: 0328828
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American Wedding revolves around Jim and Michelle’s wedding and focuses on the hilarious and unexpected events during the wedding preparations, with Stifler’s crazy behavior in particular becoming the main source of comedy. The movie continues the no-nonsense style of the series, but also skillfully incorporates moving emotions, making it a perfect finale to the trilogy.
4. Scream VI 2023，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 122934, ID: 17663992
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Scream VI boldly moves forward, and while the classic character of Sidney Prescott (played by Neve Campbell) does not appear in this movie, the story sets its sights on a whole new group of young characters. The movie follows how they survive a new terrorist threat while trying to uncover the truth about the mysterious killer. Sidney’s absence injects freshness into the plot with unexpected twists and surprises, making this sequel a compelling horror masterpiece in the series.
5. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers 1988，IMDB Rating: 5.8, IMDB Votes: 59137, ID: 0095271
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Halloween 4 welcomes back Michael Myers, but without the presence of Laurie Strode, and the movie introduces his niece, Jamie Lloyd, as its new protagonist. The story centers around Michael’s hunt for Jamie and is filled with tension and suspense. The film manages to continue the horror of the series through the confrontation between Jamie and Michael and the return of Dr. Loomis, played by Donald Pleasence.
6. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 486478, ID: 2103281
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Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is a visually stunning sequel to the story of the gradual breakdown of the fragile peace between humans and apes. Despite the absence of James Franco’s character from the first film, the movie maintains the heart of the story through the powerful performance of Caesar (played by Andy Serkis). The movie delves into the complex relationship between apes and humans, showing deep emotional conflict while being full of tense confrontation.
7. Independence Day: Resurgence 2016，IMDB Rating: 5.2, IMDB Votes: 190401, ID: 1628841
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Independence Day: Absence of Will Smith’s character is a notable regret, an attempt to continue the franchise’s appeal with an escalating alien threat and a new generation of characters, yet an over-reliance on visual effects detracts from the plot’s appeal. Compared to its predecessor, this sequel fails to live up to expectations on an emotional and storytelling level, making the overall performance disappointing.
8. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides 2011，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 569412, ID: 1298650
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Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides introduces a whole new cast of characters and adventures, but the absence of Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom seems particularly noticeable. While Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow remains entertaining, the movie’s plot is thin and the narrative pacing is often disjointed. This makes the overall performance of the movie inferior to its predecessor, with less emotional resonance from the original characters..
9. The Huntsman: Winter’s War 2016，IMDB Rating: 6.1, IMDB Votes: 120529, ID: 2381991
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The Huntsman: Winter’s War attempted to expand the Snow White universe, but in the absence of Kristen Stewart as Snow White, and despite the stunning visuals, the movie’s story was too predictable, and the new characters and plot failed to adequately make up for that absence, making this sequel fall flat.
10. The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift 2006，IMDB Rating: 6.0, IMDB Votes: 303453, ID: 0463985
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The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift shifts the setting to Japan, introducing new characters and the exciting world of drift racing. While the absence of the original cast is regrettable, the movie still delivers a unique viewing experience through its passionate racing scenes and unique Tokyo cityscape. The innovative setting of drift racing adds freshness to the series, making this a fun new chapter in the Fast & Furious franchise.
11. Speed 2: Cruise Control 1997，IMDB Rating: 3.9, IMDB Votes: 86585, ID: 0120179
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Speed 2 performs mediocrely as a sequel, failing to carry on the tension and excitement of its predecessor. The absence of Keanu Reeves makes it difficult for the movie to gain a foothold, with Sandra Bullock and Jason Patric holding up the plot. But, the storyline is too predictable and the action scenes lack the same tension and innovation of its predecessor, making the movie lose its original appeal.
12. xXx: State of the Union 2005，IMDB Rating: 4.5, IMDB Votes: 73987, ID: 0329774
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xXx: State of the Union is an overblown action movie with Ice Kubo replacing Van Diesel, resulting in a sequel that is much less appealing. The action scenes are more exaggerated and struggle to deliver any real tension. Although the presence of Samuel L. Jackson adds some flair to the movie, it overall lacks the charm and passion of the original..
13. The Bourne Legacy 2012，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 317378, ID: 1194173
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The Bourne Legacy attempts to continue the series without Matt Damon, and the story introduces a new protagonist, Aaron Cross, played by Jeremy Renner. The movie revolves around a new intelligence program, and Cross is forced to go on the run to uncover the conspiracy he is in. However, overall it lacks the depth and consistency of its predecessors in terms of plot and characterization.
14. Transformers: Age of Extinction 2014，IMDB Rating: 5.6, IMDB Votes: 333627, ID: 2109248
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Transformers: Age of Extinction is a visually stunning but ultimately hollow sequel that replaces Shia LaBeouf with Mark Wahlberg. The film is filled with impressive special effects and action sequences, but the plot is thin and the characters lack depth. It’s a spectacle, but one that lacks substance.
15. Men in Black: International 2019，IMDB Rating: 5.6, IMDB Votes: 148817, ID: 2283336
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Men in Black: Most Wanted Worldwide attempts to reboot the series with the pairing of Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson, but fails to continue the charm of the original. The film’s plot is bland and boring, and the lead characters are not enough to save the production from being reduced to a commercialized attempt. Compared to its predecessors, which were full of creative and humorous storytelling, this film seems uninspired.
16. Terminator: Dark Fate 2019，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 195268, ID: 6450804
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Terminator: Dark Fate brings back the classic characters of Sarah Connor (played by Linda Hamilton) and the T-800 (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) as the story focuses on a new struggle for survival. An ordinary young woman whose fate in the future will affect the survival of all humanity. Alongside her is Grace, a fortified warrior from the future, and together they fight against being hunted by the more advanced Terminator Rev-9. The sequel skillfully balances nostalgia with new elements.
17. Jurassic Park III 2001，IMDB Rating: 5.9, IMDB Votes: 343777, ID: 0163025
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Jurassic Park III sees the return of Dr. Alan Grant, but the absence of key characters like Ian Malcolm and Ellie Sattler is regrettable. Grant is hired to travel to the lost island of Isla Sorna in search of a missing teenager, and along the way they encounter more dangerous dinosaurs and thrilling escape scenes. While it delivers a lot of entertainment, the movie still relies too much on the usual elements from the series and lacks new ground.
18. SNL Nerds – Episode 41 – Blues Brothers 2000 (1998) 2019，IMDB Rating: 0.0, IMDB Votes: 0, ID: 28118749
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The Blues Brothers 2000 attempts to recapture the splendor of its predecessor, following Elwood’s adventures as he reassembles the band after many years. The movie introduces new characters to inject freshness into the story. However, the plot development seems fragmented, and the musical performances continue in the classic blues style, but lack the passion and infectious energy of the original.
19. Teen Wolf Too 1987，IMDB Rating: 3.5, IMDB Votes: 12572, ID: 0094118
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Teen Wolf Too continues the basic formula of its predecessor, but without the charisma of Michael J. Fox, the film seems lost. This time, the story focuses on Todd Howard (played by Jason Bateman), who inherits his family’s wolf-changing gene and faces new challenges and adventures in college. Although Bateman’s performance is a sincere effort, the movie’s weak script and lack of innovation results in an uninspired story.
20. Son of the Mask 2005，IMDB Rating: 2.3, IMDB Votes: 59718, ID: 0362165
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Son of the Mask is a sequel aimed at family audiences and centers on Tim Avery (played by Jamie Kennedy) and his newborn child, whose lives are thrown into turmoil when they accidentally discover the mask with magical powers. Compared to its predecessor, it lacks the wit and unique charisma that Kim Carrey brings, making the whole movie seem soulless.
21. The Rage: Carrie 2 1999，IMDB Rating: 4.8, IMDB Votes: 18040, ID: 0144814
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The Rage: Carrie 2 attempts to continue the pace of its predecessor, Carrie the Witch, with a story that introduces a new character, Rachel Lang, who possesses telekinetic powers. However, Rachel’s encounters are similar to Carrie’s, and without the presence of the classic Carrie White character, the movie feels like a repeat of its predecessor.
22. The Crow: City of Angels 1996，IMDB Rating: 4.6, IMDB Votes: 21934, ID: 0115986
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The Crow: City of Angels attempts to continue the dark and brooding atmosphere of its predecessor by telling the story of new protagonist Ash Colvin’s quest for revenge. However, the movie lacks the depth and charisma of the original’s Eric Draven. While the gothic aesthetic is still impressive, the protagonist’s lack of infectiousness coupled with the absence of the original character makes the movie difficult to emotionally resonate with.