Hollywood is betting big on the familiar. A wave of sequels is bringing beloved hits back to the screen in 2026, led by the much-anticipated return of The Devil Wears Prada. With Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway reprising their iconic roles, the sequel headlines a slate of revivals that underscore the industry’s enduring strategy: when in doubt, return to what audiences already love.
Runway royalty returns
The most buzzed-about sequel is a fashion-world reunion. The Devil Wears Prada 2, directed by David Frankel and based on the novel Revenge Wears Prada, reunites Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. The return of the beloved 2006 hit’s stars has generated enormous anticipation, tapping deep nostalgia for the original.
Franchises reload
Action brands are back too. Mortal Kombat 2 arrives with returning cast members Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee and Mehcad Brooks, while Karl Urban joins as fan-favorite Johnny Cage. The video-game franchise’s continuation reflects Hollywood’s reliance on established intellectual property to draw built-in audiences.
Why sequels rule
Familiarity is a safer bet. Sequels and revivals come with built-in recognition, loyal fan bases and ready-made marketing hooks, lowering the risk of launching something untested. In an expensive, crowded market, the comfort of beloved characters and stories offers studios a more reliable path to box-office returns.
Nostalgia sells
The past is a powerful draw. Reviving hits from years past appeals to audiences who grew up with the originals while introducing them to new viewers. The emotional pull of seeing favorite characters return — especially with original stars attached — is a proven engine of anticipation and ticket sales.
Drama behind the scenes
Not all the headlines are about the films. Hollywood’s off-screen sagas, from high-profile legal battles to feud rumors swirling around stars and sequels, keep the industry in the spotlight. The mix of on-screen revivals and behind-the-scenes drama fuels constant attention and conversation.
Why it matters
The sequel surge shapes what gets made. Studios’ reliance on revivals influences greenlighting, casting and marketing, prioritizing proven properties over original ideas. The trend reflects both the financial logic of the modern box office and audiences’ appetite for the comfort of the familiar.
The bottom line
Hollywood’s sequel surge is bringing back beloved hits in 2026, headlined by The Devil Wears Prada 2’s reunion of Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway and franchise returns like Mortal Kombat 2. Powered by nostalgia and built-in audiences, the revival wave underscores the industry’s bet on the familiar. The favorites are coming back.
