A great film musical can truly stand the test of time, although this will only happen if the audience really wants the film to be a musical, unlike what happened with the highly controversial release of Joker: Folie à Deux. The commercial failure of Joker: Folie à Deux proved that not all viewers will respond well to a musical film sequel and that this is a big risk with a significant chance of backfiring. With that in mind, it’s interesting to look at the films that would benefit from the musical sequel and imagine how they could successfully carry on the series’ legacy.
The best movie musicals have captured the hearts of viewers who connect deeply with over-the-top theatrical narratives, beautiful renditions of soulful ballads, and magnificently choreographed dance routines of awe-inspiring wonder. Turning a non-musical film into a musical for its sequel won’t work for every release, but if they managed it, it could be spectacular. While studios may be wary of musicals after the lackluster response to Clown sequence, All of these movie music ideas have the power to be something amazing.
10
Deadpool (2016)
A Deadpool musical could satirize the divisive response to Joker: Folie à Deux
THE Dead Pool The franchise has never been afraid to poke fun at the conventions of the superhero genre, as Ryan Reynolds’ incredible characterization of Wade Wilson’s impeccable intelligence made him a favorite among his Marvel colleagues. With two sequels already made, like Deadpool 2 and Deadpool and Wolverine continued to take the character in hilarious new directions. This is one of the few superhero franchises that could get away with a musical sequel.
Wouldn’t it just be hilarious to see Reynolds show off his musical talent, as he previously did in the Christmas musical comedy Witty in 2022, but it would also be the logical next step for the character. As Deadpool has continually satirized other superhero filmsmaking a Dead Pool sequel to a musical would be a conscious reference to the backlash against Joker: Folie à Deux and a unique way of commenting on the divisive nature of Todd Phillips’ film. If done well, a Dead Pool musical sequence would be the perfect antidote to the disappointment of Joker: Folie à Deux.
9
Planet of the Apes (1968)
A Planet of the Apes musical would be a bold new direction for the franchise
There have been numerous cases of The Simpsons predicting the future, but a famous fake film that has not yet come true was the Planet of the Apes musical starring Troy McClure, featured in the season 7 episode “A Fish Called Selma.” While this may seem ridiculous initially, upon further reflection, it can actually work. The campy satire of the 1960s version was already packed with tongue-in-cheek humor, and a modern throwback to the early films in the form of a musical sequel would be a lot of fun.
Instead of featuring the state-of-the-art CGI from the recent reboot series, this musical sequel could harken back to the franchise’s early days and feature real people in monkey costumes. continued the story of Dr. Cornelius and his encounter with the intelligent human astronaut George Taylor. While monkey-based musicals may seem outrageous, the recent Robbie Williams biopic Better manwhich replaced the Take That singer with a motion-captured chimpanzee, proved it could work.
8
Drunk Love (2002)
A musical sequel to Punch-Drunk Love would be an effective way to continue the story
Although director Paul Thomas Anderson has avoided making sequels to any of his acclaimed films, a unique idea for a sequel would be a musical sequel to Drunk love. This unconventional romantic comedy starring Adam Sandler told the story of the lonely and socially awkward bathroom supply salesman Barry Eganwhose love for his sister’s co-worker, Lena, was compromised when he became the victim of extortion. With an incredible soundtrack by Jon Brion and effective use of “He Needs Me” from the film by Robert Altman Popeye musical film, a sequence full of songs from Drunk love could work very well.
The cinematic world created by Anderson already has a kind of heightened realism that would lend itself well to a musical sequence. As a deeply emotional and surreal film, a sequel focused on Barry and Lena’s ongoing relationship could lean into the dreamlike nature of the original film, as the music could add to the anxiety, anger, and love that Barry feels in a way that traditional dialogue cannot. Anderson has always played with the conventions and tone of cinema, and a Drunk love the musical sequence feels like a natural progression of his cinematic tendencies.
7
The Simpsons Movie (2007)
A Simpsons musical movie could make this sequel feel like an extended episode of the series
The Simpsons Movie It was a critical and popular success and felt like a true cinematic event that paid homage to the long-standing legacy of Springfield’s most infamous family. While this film did feature memorable musical moments, like Homer’s spider-pig song or Green Day doing their own version of The Simpsons theme song, a sequence could build on the show’s musical history and, in the process, differentiate it from the feel of an extended episode of the TV show still on the air.
The Simpsons has never shied away from featuring music in the TV show, so it makes sense that the heightened expectations of a movie sequel could totally turn into a musical. This would certainly not be unprecedented, as The movie Bob’s Burgers 2022 did just that and showcased a lot of incredible music. Having already been responsible for classic songs such as “Do the Bartman”, “See My Vest” and “We Put the Spring in Springfield”, one Simpsons movie musical could be the perfect way to finally conclude the longest-running animated comedy of all time.
6
Groundhog Day (1993)
Groundhog Day has already shown its musical potential with a Broadway show
The fantasy comedy Groundhog Day has become so iconic that the phrase itself has entered the popular lexicon as shorthand for endlessly repetitive circumstances. Telling the story of Bill Murray as a cynical weatherman forced to relive the same day over and over again, Groundhog Day was a comedic triumph made all the better by its hilarious and original premise. The film has already shown its musical potential as Broadway show with music and lyrics by Tim Minchinwhich debuted to great success in 2017.
Now that this story’s musical potential has been proven, it would be a great time for Bill Murray to reprise his role in a movie musical sequence that sees Phil Connors once again trapped in an endless time loop. Having faced this situation before, there is endless potential for catchy songs that capture the horror, hilarity and hopelessness of their unfortunate circumstances. Groundhog Day It already had a lot of fantastical elements, so a musical sequence would seem like a natural progression for the series.
5
Shrek (2001)
A Shrek musical sequel would be a natural progression for this animated franchise
From the iconic opening song of Smash Mouth’s “All-Star” to the Fairy Godmother’s unparalleled performance of “Holding Out for a Hero,” the Shrek the franchise has never shied away from musical endeavors. However, Shrek never fully embraced his musical style with a full-length musical. This would be a natural progression for the series, and if it managed to capture the culmination of the best musical moments from the previous episodes, it could secure its place as the best sequence in the entire series.
The last Shrek feature film was Shrek Forever After in 2010, and after such a long break, audiences will be excited to return to the swamp for the release of Shrek 5 in 2026. Coming out a quarter century after the first film, the fifth Shrek it should break with conventions to be a complete musical. This would signal the excitement of having such an iconic franchise back and differentiate it from previous films in a natural and exciting way.
4
Home Alone (1990)
A Home Alone musical sequel could be a chaotic triumph
Alone at home has maintained its place as an undisputed holiday classic for over three decadesand its beloved sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New Yorkit was an equally effective follow-up. While these first two films made Macaulay Culkin a star and became annual viewing for countless families, the same cannot be said for the rest of the franchise. In the following years, Alone at home the series has had several lackluster sequels that simply retread the same premise as the original with disappointingly diminishing returns.
One way to inject some energy back into the Alone at home the series would have a musical sequence, as the chaotic action of its carefully prepared traps would lend itself wonderfully to theatrical songs and dance numbers. Macaulay Culkin may even return to reprise his role as the older Kevin McCallister, as he has already showcased his musical talents with his comedy rock band, The Pizza Underground. There are so many directions that a legacy sequence of Alone at home could go, as Kevin’s cunning nephew could prove equally talented at stopping the bad guys through music.
3
Kill Bill (2003/2004)
A third volume of Kill Bill could adopt musical styles in the same way the original did with kung fu
The intricate choreography of martial arts films and musicals have a lot in common, as the intense battles of sword fighting scenes require many of the same skills as an over-the-top dance number. For this reason, it would be incredible if Quentin Tarantino finally decided to return for a third volume of Kill Bill with a kung fu musical like the world has never seen before. Uma Thurman once showed off her dancing skills while dancing with John Travolta in pulp FictionSo this wouldn’t be an unprecedented development in the Tarantino-verse.
The consecutive releases of Kill Bill Vol.1 and Vol. 2 in 2003 and 2004 they already mixed many genres by paying homage to kung fu, westerns and action films. With a world categorized by a heightened sense of reality, this long-awaited sequel could benefit from some emotional musical numbers as it continues the story of the Bride and her now-adult daughter. This would be new territory for Tarantinobut if anyone could do it, it would be him.
2
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)
A Scott Pilgrim musical sequel would perfectly match the aesthetic of the original
While Scott Pilgrim vs. the World may have flopped at the box office, it also earned its place among the most enduring cult classics of the 2010s. Directing the visionary Edgar Wright and starring a perfectly cast Michael Cera, this quirky romantic comedy had a unique aesthetic that embraced video game sensibilities with an idiosyncratic sense of humor. With lots of music, as the characters were taking part in a battle of the bands competition, a great idea for a sequel would be to embrace its musical nature and become a full-fledged musical film.
ONE Scott Peregrino the musical sequence could give more time to Scott’s role as bassist for the unsuccessful indie garage band Sex Bob-Omb. It would also be fascinating to hear more from Scott’s ex-girlfriend’s rock group Envy Adams, The Clash at Demonhead, or even Crash and the Boys, the band behind “I’m So Sad, So Very, Very, Sad.” and “We hate you, please die.” With a cinematic world already populated by several rock bands, one Scott Peregrino musical seems like a no-brainer.
1
The Princess Bride (1987)
The Princess Bride lends itself perfectly to a film musical sequence
Of all the non-musical films in the world that lend themselves to a musical sequence, none works better than The princess bride. With an incredible mix of comedy, fantasy and romance, The princess bride was a thrilling fantasy adventure and a cult favorite from director Rob Reiner. Like a delightfully postmodern fairy tale, The Princess Bride Unique blend of swashbuckling adventure, heartfelt romance, and damsel-in-distress narrative could only be improved by the inclusion of catchy musical numbers and foot-stomping dance sequences.
As one of the best films of the 1980s, if The princess bride returned for a long-awaited sequel, a musical sequel would be the perfect way to build on it. It appears the musical potential of this story has already been considered, as Disney Theatrical Productions announced a stage musical version in 2013 (via Broadway), although that project has not yet premiered. While audiences excitedly await that stage show, a musical film sequel could help bridge the gap and please fans who have been waiting decades for more The princess bride.
Source: Broadway