Want some examples? Here’s a list of ten big franchises that have moved on from their original heroes – and sometimes even their entire casts – to introduce new main characters. The reasons for these changes differ from series to series, as we’ll discuss, but they often boil down to two things: rising costs and storylines that have become predictable. These factors can lead to quick shifts for well-known franchises.
Disney has shown it can successfully reimagine its animated classics. The 2015 live-action Cinderella wasn’t just good – it was truly magical. It honored the original film while improving upon it with beautiful visuals, sincere acting, and a stronger emotional impact. If Disney can recapture that same approach, a live-action version of Tangled could be the princess movie that wins audiences back.
Director Benjamin Flaherty, drawing from his own experiences with alcohol recovery, investigates the exploitative world of recovery homes, particularly in South Florida – a hub for addiction treatment. His film, Shuffle, offers a personal, though sometimes lengthy, look at how vulnerable people seeking help are taken advantage of for profit. Through the stories of individuals who have spent years cycling through numerous sober living facilities, Flaherty reveals the dark side of a healthcare system already known for its issues.
It’s interesting to compare this situation to a story from the Untold Tales of Spider-Man comic book series. Kurt Busiek and Pat Olliffe wrote new stories that took place during Spider-Man’s high school years, building on the original work of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Later comics revealed that Mary Jane Watson actually knew Spider-Man was Peter Parker back then. Busiek cleverly explored what that would have been like in a particularly memorable issue, showing Mary Jane keeping that secret.
Universal is developing a movie based on the popular Mattel toy line, Monster High, as part of a broader effort to create new franchises. The film will be directed by Gerard Johnstone, who previously directed M3GAN, and will feature the brand’s well-known monster-themed dolls. The project was first revealed in 2024, and Johnstone joined the team in mid-2025.
In a recent interview, actor David Mazouz, known for his role in The Bourne Ultimatum, revealed he wrote a detailed 120-page outline for a follow-up to the series Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist. The planned sequel, titled World Warrior, would have centered around M. Bison’s criminal empire and his famous martial arts tournament.
He most recently appeared in the 2025 film Karate Kid: Legends, where he worked alongside Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han to mentor Li Fong (Ben Wang), a promising new karate student. Critics gave the movie mixed reviews, with a 58% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, audiences loved it, giving it a 90% score – the highest of any film in the Karate Kid series.
Larry Ellison is suing Warner Bros., demanding they reveal the financial terms of their $83 billion agreement with Netflix. Despite Ellison’s ongoing efforts to challenge the deal, both companies remain committed to the merger. Ellison explained his concerns in a letter to Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders, stating:
It’s safe to say that the show 9-1-1 is facing a difficult time. The controversial decision to remove the character Bobby has disappointed many longtime viewers. While the show’s creators, led by Tim Minear, are trying to move the story forward with the 118 team, it’s been a challenge. Despite recent difficult storylines, there have been some positive developments, and another one is on the way.
As a huge Zelda fan, I’ve been following all the rumors about how Nintendo might celebrate the series’ 40th anniversary, and the one I really wanted to be true was a remake of Ocarina of Time. It’s easily the best Zelda game, and it’s such a classic from the N64 days – the 3DS version in 2011 just proved how amazing it still is. But unfortunately, I just saw a response from a reliable insider, Nate the Hate, on X, and it doesn’t sound like that remake is happening anytime soon. It’s pretty disappointing news!