It seems everyone is feeling a bit of the remake fatigue. Not every childhood animation desperately needs a live-action counterpart. Audiences are demanding studios to invest in more original content, which has led to massive box office wins like “Sinners.” However, with the summer blockbuster “Freakier Friday” generating nothing but excitement and success, it seems that while remakes may need to go on pause, sequels are a whole other thing. Seeing your childhood favorites step back into these timeless, almost familial characters is a healing experience. Watching Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis revive their same potent chemistry all these decades later has more and more people are demanding their favorite childhood movies get a resurgence, too. From “Life Size” to “Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century,” here are a few movies that deserve their own sequel.
Life Size
When “Life Size” premiered in 2000, it became every young girl’s favorite movie, thanks to the palpable chemistry between Lindsay Lohan and Tyra Banks. The idea of a doll coming to life and becoming your best friend was deeply heartfelt and lightyears ahead of its time. Now that Lohan is having her own renaissance, and Banks has been lingering in the spotlight herself, bringing the divas back for a sequel would be iconic. Eve navigating adulthood could offer important commentary on why it’s important to protect our whimsy.
Twitches
Starring real-life twins Tia and Tamera Mowry, “Twitches” and “Twitches Too” was the first to give us Black girl magic. The twin witches balancing normal life and their magical destiny allowed a generation of Disney kids to believe more deeply in their intuitive capabilities. A modern installment with the original actresses, maybe even raising some magical daughters of their own, would be everything. It’s been a long time since Tia and Tamera acted across from each other, which would be healing for everyone involved.
Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century
The “Zenon” movie series was far more than just a Disney Channel movie; it was a cultural phenomenon. How could you watch that movie and not dream of living in space? Kirsten Storms and Raven-Symoné embodied Y2K futurism, an aesthetic that audiences would love to see brought back to the big screen. Witnessing Proto Zoa give another futuristic pop concert in space would be the millennial fever dream we all deserve.
The Cheetah Girls
Few Disney Channel movies had the cultural impact on girls of “The Cheetah Girls.” Raven-Symoné, Adrienne Bailon, Kiely Williams, and Sabrina Bryan served music, fashion, and the importance of friendship over fame. While we did get a “Cheetah Girls 3,” many chose not to acknowledge it due to Raven’s absence. Bringing all four original girls back together for a fourth installment would be everything the world needs to heal. Bonus: have Missy Elliott produce the soundtrack and it might be an precedented blockbuster mega hit.
Bring It On
“Bring It On” changed the game for cheerleading movies with its ability to mix comedy and competition with commentary on cultural appropriation. There are countless iterations of this movie, though they seemingly stopped being made in 2009. It’s clearly time to bring it back with the original cast, as Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union are still at the top of their game. Them maintaining tension as rival coaches would be nothing short of legendary.
Roll Bounce
With a star-studded cast led by Bow Wow, Meagan Good, and Nick Cannon, “Roll Bounce” was a classic roller disco comedy. Set in the late ’70s, it was stylish, soulful, and full of heart. There aren’t nearly enough roller skating movies being made today, and it’s time to change that. Bringing back the original cast for a modern sequel would be so exciting, witnessing them pass roller rink culture down to the next generation while vibing to both classic and modern tracks.
Get a Clue
Before Lindsay Lohan became a household name, she starred in the Disney Channel spy mystery “Get a Clue” alongside Brenda Song, a flick that perfectly captured early 2000s fashion. Let’s be honest, we’d just want to see it remade for the potential looks. It was a cult favorite for millennials, mainly because its starring teens were wearing some of the most incredible outfits imaginable. Imagine the kind of couture they’d sport as modern-day adults in New York?
John Tucker Must Die
This teen comedy is culturally critical. The high school drama starred Jesse Metcalfe as John Tucker alongside an all-star female cast, including Brittany Snow, Ashanti, Sophia Bush, and Arielle Kebbel. Equipped with witty one-liners, the movie would translate beautifully to modern times, as it’s all about sisters sticking together rather than fighting over a man. A sequel with the original cast would be everything. Imagine John Tucker as a grown man still stuck in his player ways, facing his past when the women he wronged reunite.