Sequel Year: Iconic Films Returning As Franchises In 2026

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2026 is shaping up to be the year of the sequel, with returning favorites like Star Wars, Scream, Toy Story, and Spider-Man. While many of these continuations are predictable, and others are revivals of older series, a surprising number of franchise films are generating both excitement and doubt within the movie industry.

Several well-loved films that many thought were complete stories are getting sequels this year, sparking a lot of discussion. Two of the most anticipated sequels for 2026 are Ready or Not 2 and The Devil Wears Prada 2. The success of Ready or Not 2 shows that sequels aren’t always a bad idea – if the filmmakers are inventive, they can be surprisingly good, and that’s a hopeful sign for the new Prada film as well.

The most eagerly awaited movie of 2026 is likely Aaron Sorkin’s follow-up to The Social Network, titled The Social Reckoning. Jeremy Strong, known for his role in Succession, will be taking over the part of Mark Zuckerberg, previously played by Jesse Eisenberg. Given Sorkin’s writing style, the film promises quick, clever dialogue, packed with details, and sharp observations about society.

I’m really excited for the new movie, and it feels like it’s been ages since we’ve had something with that same quick, clever writing style. Until it comes out, I found a film from 21 years ago that’s been hitting the spot for me in the meantime.

Thank You For Smoking Follows A Big Tobacco Publicist

In Jason Reitman’s film, Thank You For Smoking, Aaron Eckhart plays Nick Naylor, a tobacco company lobbyist. As the Vice President of the Academy of Tobacco Studies, Nick’s job is to persuade the public that smoking isn’t harmful. He does this by presenting research in a positive light and skillfully misleading audiences during television appearances, all while using his charm to win people over.

He’s one of three friends working in industries often linked to harm – they jokingly refer to themselves as the ‘merchants of death.’ Maria Bello plays Polly Bailey, who promotes alcohol, and David Koechner is Bobby Jay Bliss, a gun salesman. Nick faces backlash for his attempt to downplay the dangers of smoking to teenagers, arguing that the tobacco industry actually benefits from keeping smokers alive, as that’s good for business.

Nick is working hard to be a good dad to his son, who admires him. However, his ex-wife, and the boy’s mother, doesn’t approve of his career or how he raises their son. William H. Macy also gives a fantastic performance in Thank You For Smoking, playing the role of anti-tobacco senator Ortolan Finistirre.

The Protagonists Of Both Movies Are Smooth Talkers

If the new film is anything like its previous one, we can expect a lead character who’s a fast and persuasive talker, using a lot of specialized language and witty remarks. Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal of Zuckerberg in The Social Network was captivating because he spoke rapidly and delivered a constant stream of explanations. While the new character doesn’t talk quite as fast, he’s an even more polished and persuasive conversationalist, similar to Aaron Eckhart’s character in Thank You For Smoking.

If you enjoyed The Wolf of Wall Street, you’ll likely appreciate Thank You For Smoking too. The film highlights how Nick Naylor justifies his work – if he can make tobacco seem appealing despite its dangers, he can promote anything. This willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed, and his skill at manipulation, are reminiscent of characters like Jordan Belfort and Mark Zuckerberg as portrayed in their films.

Thank You For Smoking Also Explores Corporate Greed

Nick Naylor isn’t acting on his own; he’s a product of a system where companies prioritize profit over people’s health. Like the sharp insights in The Social Network, the film reveals what drives Nick, even if the conclusion feels a bit off-message.

Whether or not you find the characters believable, Thank You For Smoking doesn’t hold back when it mocks the world of big business. The film cleverly shows just how lacking in morals everyone is through scenes like Nick’s arguments with Senator Finistirre, company meetings, and dealings with Hollywood. The Social Network does the same thing, sharply exposing the greed that drives people in the corporate world.

Both Movies Culminate In A Courtroom Session

Aaron Sorkin began his career as a writer with his play and subsequent film, A Few Good Men. Throughout his successful career, he’s often returned to courtroom dramas, and even won an Oscar for The Social Network, a film that tells the story of Facebook’s beginnings through the lens of a legal battle. While the movie jumps around in time, it largely culminates in a courtroom showdown.

Both Thank You For Smoking and The Social Network feature courtroom scenes where the main characters act arrogant and avoid taking responsibility. While both films handle these scenes differently, The Social Network does a better job of showing Mark Zuckerberg’s weaknesses. In contrast, Nick Naylor in Thank You For Smoking stays overly confident throughout, which makes the film feel out of touch, despite tackling a significant moral issue.

Thank You For Smoking’s Dialogue Is Reminiscent Of Sorkin’s Work

Aaron Sorkin’s movies are known for their rapid-fire dialogue, often making them feel like live plays where characters seem to be performing for each other—and sometimes for us, the audience. This style immediately came to mind while watching the character Nick Naylor, whose internal thoughts are delivered with such a poetic rhythm, it’s like listening to someone recite verse.

Aaron Sorkin often examines flawed characters, and while Thank You For Smoking uses a lighter, satirical tone compared to his dramatic work, it shares a similar approach to conflict. Seeing Thank You For Smoking now, knowing it came out five years before The Social Network, makes me think it deserves more attention. Its themes remain relevant, and it’s a clever dark comedy – a genre that’s very popular with audiences today.

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2026-04-27 17:11