(ThyBlackMan.com) Some films get all of the sequels. The X-Men franchise had a ton of sequels, prequels, and companion films. It’s ridiculous to a degree. I always felt that X-Men would’ve made for a dope television series given the films don’t delve into the drama of the comics. Like, the X-Men are the most soap opera-y comic under Marvel.
However, this isn’t about the X-Men. There are five movies that should have sequels or rather “It’s time to release that sequel, already.” Let’s dive in and see what we’re working with.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
It’s 2019 and we don’t have a sequel to Mad Max: Fury Road. We’ve gotten tons of prequel and supplemental content based around Fury Road. The comics rocked, a video game that came out around the time was enjoyable, and there was a black and white version that gave the film a different feel.
Then there was nothing else. I want more adventures of Max Rockatansky. That movie alone was a different spin on the Mad Max franchise and was a great jumping off point for more films or even a television series. It re-created a world, introduced characters, and it was just an awesome film all-around.
Also, the performances were great. Tom Hardy was a good Max, Charlize Theron was great as Furiosa, and both Immortan Joe and Scabrous Scrotus were dope villains.
Now, its draw is another story. While it $228 million and change on top of its budget, that kind of puts it as a risk for studios. It didn’t do Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, or Lord of the Rings numbers. Money was made back but not enough. I can see why we haven’t gotten a sequel for that reason but as a creative piece with a lot to work with and build on, it deserves another entry.
Last Film: Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
The Man with the Iron Fists (2012-2015)
Speaking of films that didn’t make back the money put into it: Man with the Iron Fists. I found it to be a really fun film, RZA as the lead just worked and it was a just a straight up martial arts action film with wuxia inspiration. When I heard there was a sequel, I had to watch it.
While the fight scenes were solid, overall Man with the Iron Fists 2 was in the middle. I don’t expect much from films not released in theaters but I’m often surprised. I’ll sit there like “Wow, that wasn’t bad at all. It was actually good!” Iron Fists 2 wasn’t bad at all but it wasn’t what I’d call “good” and I’m pretty forgiving when it comes to martial arts films.
My main desire for a sequel here is just further adventures of The Blacksmith (RZA). It seems like a franchise that would be appreciated years later as a cult classic in American martial arts films—kind of like our next feature.
Last Film: The Man with the Iron Fists 2 (2015)
Bloodfist (1989-1996)
I’m a sucker for Don Wilson’s Bloodfist series. It’s an old, cult classic series where the acting is baseline—not even decent but not dreadful. It fits the film’s direction. The fight scenes deliver. Don Wilson was on top of it from 1989 to 1996.
One thing that gets me is that after 1990’s Bloodfist II, Wilson played a different character in each film as opposed to continuing the adventures of Jake Raye. It’s weird. I started up Bloodfist III and he’s Jimmy Boland. What the hell? The name doesn’t particular matter but him as Raye is what rocked—even though he played them the same way each time.
Perhaps Bloodfist VIII could bring back Jake Raye but overall I’d like to see this franchise continued whether it’s as a reboot or a straight up sequel. And yes, I know I didn’t really discuss Bloodfist 2050. Like I said before, I’m forgiving with these kinds of films but I couldn’t get down with this one. Who knows, the sequel could start off there and actually be better with today’s advances in filmmaking.
Last Film: Bloodfist 2050 (2005)
Coffy (1973)
This is one of my favorite Blaxploitation films. Coffy had a cool vibe to it that matched the times. It was a street revenge tale with a strong female lead in Pam Grier. By today’s standards, there’s not much to the story but what it had for that period and with the filmmaking techniques of the 1970s, it works perfectly. And that’s from style to pace. Plus, it had a dope soundtrack.
Now, the reason I want a sequel out of this is purely on the ending. Coffy shows up after one horrendous night of misadventure and murder, finds her boyfriend having just splacked a white woman, and shoots him in the groin with a shotgun. The “Oh sh**!!!” I let out when I first saw this was uproarious. Then she just walks down the beach and into the rising sun.
What the hell? That’s the ending? In the 1970s, crime dramas and crime adventure films made on a budget often ended like this. However, I wanted to know what happened next with Coffy. Did she get arrested? She just left a Grand Theft Auto-level of violence behind her.
So, what happens? I would’ve loved a sequel around this time and Coffy could’ve probably made for a strong thrillogy. But then we got Foxy Brown which is like Coffy on crunk. Who knows, Pam Grier could play her now. She’s still got it as she showed in Jackie Brown.
Last Film: Coffy (1973)
The Mexico Trilogy (1993-2003)
Robert Rodriguez is one of my top three favorite directors and the Mexico Trilogy is my favorite series for films. The first film was enjoyable for the budget he worked with but it got picked up for a larger budget with Antonio Banderas as the lead and it was just incredible. It’s just a straight up action/modern western franchise based in Mexico and it works, obviously.
Then it ended with Once Upon A Time in Mexico, the second strongest of the series. There was a TV series that I never caught but the films were enough but at the same time, I needed more. Especially when Machete came along. I’m like “Crossover!” A Machete/El Mariachi crossover would be dope. Also, if you consider how outrageous Machete got and that the main character ties it to Spy Kids, I’d say throw in From Dusk Till Dawn.
I mean, a few characters play multiple characters in another franchise but ultimately, I’m here for another Mexico film.
Last Film: Once Upon A Time in Mexico (2003)
Staff Writer; M. Swift
This talented writer is also a podcast host, and comic book fan who loves all things old school. One may also find him on Twitter at; metalswift.