Looking Forward To 2024: 'Dune: Part 2' To 'Kung Fu Panda 4' - 7 Highly-Awaited Movie Sequels To Watch Out For

Each year, there are hundreds and thousands of movies that release and get lost in the light of Hollywood. But, there are certain movies that leave an impact on you, and you can't get enough of them. Sometimes, you wish for a certain film to have been longer or have a sequel so you can continue to enjoy the narrative, just a bit more. Well, many filmmakers have heard the audiences out. And now, anticipation brews as some of the most highly awaited sequels are preparing to grace the big screens this year. 

Here is a list of the top 7 movie sequels that audiences have been waiting for, ever since their announcements.

'Deadpool 3'

Release Date: July 26

Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Brianna Hildebrand, Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Garner

A sequel to 'Deadpool' (2016) and 'Deadpool 2' (2018), this movie is an official entry of the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This movie is on its way to becoming the biggest superhero comedy of this year. With Ryan Reynolds returning as Deadpool, fans are only getting more and more excited. This will be MCU's 34th movie and will reunite him with his 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' co-star Hugh Jackman. The comedic chemistry between the two characters, who supposedly "hate" each other, would be something to look forward to. 

'Kung Fu Panda 4'

Release Date: March 8

Cast: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Bryan Cranston, Ian McShane, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Ke Huy Quan 

A sequel to 'Kung Fu Panda 3' (2016), Po has now become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. While training a fox named Zhen, who is set to become his successor as the Dragon Warrior, he comes across a new enemy called 'The Chameleon,' who possesses the power to bring back all of Po's enemies. And just for a surprise moment, a glimpse of the famous Furious Five will also be seen. 

'Joker: Folie à Deux' 

Release Date: October 4

Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Zazie Beetz, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Jacob Lofland, Harry Lawtey

A sequel to 'Joker' (2019), this musical thriller will explore the complex relationship between Joaquin Phoenix's Arthur Fleck and Lady Gaga's Harley Quinn. Though there are various movies based on this character, this film intends on be the most realistic take on the backstory of the most-loved villain of all time, shedding light on his encounter with Harley in the Arkham Asylum - which explains the title of the film, meaning "madness for two."

Untitled 'Bad Boys 4'

Release Date: June 14

Cast: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Núñez, Tasha Smith, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Rhea Seehorn

A sequel to 'Bad Boys for Life' (2020), the buddy cops, Lieutenants Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, are back. However, no plot details have been revealed as of now. Director Adil El Arbi said, "What’s going to happen in this one is, I think that there’s going to be way more comedy. The third one had the dramatic tone. With this one, it’s really our purpose to get people laughing and having a good time in the theatres."

'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes'

Release Date: May 24

Cast: Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, William H. Macy, Lydia Peckham, Neil Sandilands

A sequel to 'War for the Planet of the Apes' (2017), it's set almost three centuries after the war, where ape civilizations have expanded and humans have practically degenerated as a society. The movie follows the journey of a mere chimpanzee, Noa, who seeks to break free from one of several simian communities that have gone off track from Caesar's original vision for the ape civilization. Embarking on this quest along with Noa is Mae, a human, who wants to determine the destiny of both apes and humans.

'Dune: Part 2'

Release Date: March 1

Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Zendaya, Charlotte Rampling, Javier Bardem, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Souheila Yacoub 

A sequel to 'Dune' (2021), the narrative will continue the journey of Paul Atreides' messianic rise in Arrakis, with the support of Chani and the Fremen. Only this time, vengeance flows through his veins. He wants revenge against those who ruined his family, while also preventing a terrible future that only he can envision. Whether or not 'Dune' becomes a trilogy depends on the how well this one does.

'Despicable Me 4'

Release Date: July 3

Cast: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin, Miranda Cosgrove, Steve Coogan

A sequel to 'Despicable Me 3' (2017), it's the sixth installment in the overall franchise. Steve Carell, who voices the beloved character of Gru, had explained the plot of the film. He said, "It's a continuation of the story. Gru and Lucy are married; they're a family at this point. It's the next step in their world with the Anti-Villain League and how their kids are included in the whole process." This movie is surely going to giddy up everyone's spirits. 

With a blend of nostalgia and fresh narratives, these sequels will be the reasons why audiences will step outside of their homes and rush to theatres nearby. Even though some movies were postponed due to the Hollywood labour strikes, it's never too late.