Past and Upcoming Reboots and Remakes

Using Reboots and Remakes To Your Advantage

As discussed in my previous blog, The Power Of Reboots And Remakes, there is a significantly higher chance of success for branded marketing campaigns in this type of media. Using the built up anticipation of viewers to your advantage, you can help improve your brand's reputation. 

In this blog, Hollywood Branded will look into past and upcoming film and TV reboots, so your brand can jump on these lucrative opportunities.

The Rise Of Reboots And Remakes

What’s the difference between a reboot and a remake? A reboot is a TV show or film that’s storyline is being picked back up where it was left off years before. A remake is a reimagined version, or redone version, of the original storyline, which often involves changing the plot. Both methods of content remaking have grown to be monetarily successful over decades of practice.

Now, movie remakes are more successful than ever, bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars more than the originals. Because of their success, TV show reboots are on a recent rise. Especially since 2021, more and more reboots have been announced. And with these new announcements come dozens of lucrative business opportunities.

Whether the film or show is a success or failure, your brand is guaranteed to be seen by millions of eyes on screen. That type of exposure is hard to come by, and is only possible with content like reboots and remakes. 

Recent, Successful, Reboots And Remakes

To give you some examples of reboot and remake success stories, here are a few that have already been released. 

TV Shows

Arrested Development (2003-2013) (2018-2019)

The original series of Arrested Development attracted a niche audience who appreciated the dry and unusual humor that the show had to offer. When it was rebooted, excitement was in the air for fans and new watchers alike. Season 5 received mixed reviews but was certainly on the radar for many Netflix subscribers. The final season received a B- rating from IndieWire and 67/100 on Metacritic.

Fuller House (1987-1995) (2016-2020)

Full House was the original prequel to Fuller House. It grew a large family-friendly following over the decade that it aired in the 80’s and 90’s. When Fuller House was announced in 2015, fans globally were tweeting and sharing their excitement and sharing their childhood nostalgia. The show’s ability to bring back almost all of its original cast contributed to its eventual success in 2016 when the first season was released.

The Hills (2006-2010) (2019-Present)

The Hills was a popular reality TV show in the early 2000’s that was responsible for the rising fame of stars like Lauren Conrad, Brody Jenner, and Kristin Cavallari. The series followed the lives of the Los Angeles socialite cast members as they navigated their early 20’s. After 4 years, the show’s creator, Adam DiVello, felt that the story had been told and that it was time to end the series. The Hills: New Beginnings was announced at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2018 as a reboot of the original show. Fans were floored and ready for exactly what the show was offering, a look at the new beginnings for the old cast members.

American Idol (2002-2016) (2018-Present)

If you were watching live TV in the early 2000’s, you knew that American Idol was THE show for singing competitions. Anyone who wanted to become a singing star wanted to audition for the show. After 14 years and 15 seasons, the show came to an end in 2016 due to dropping ratings. However, it came back with a vengeance in 2018, just two years after its finale.

Will & Grace (1998-2006) (2018-Present)

The original series of Will & Grace followed two best friends sharing an apartment in New York City and navigating their bumpy lives. The finale season of the show in 2006 averaged 18 million viewers per episode.

Gilmore Girls (2000-2007) (2016)

For young women and teenage girls in the early 2000’s, Gilmore Girls was a fan favorite. After 7 years, the show ended in 2007 due to salary disputes among the cast and crew. There had been talk of an eighth season for years. Then, in 2016, almost all of the original cast returned to make Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life. The single season reboot was meant to give old fans a look back into their favorite character’s lives years later.

Queer Eye (2003-2007) (2018-Present)

Who can resist the Fab 5? Not many. Which is why when the beloved original series was canceled in 2007, many fans were eager for a reboot. Queer Eye blends reality TV with a design and makeover show, to deliver the perfect piece of content to a wide audience. The reboot was announced in 2017 by Netflix, and was instantly more successful than the original series.

Movies:

Star Wars (1977-2005) (2015-2019)

We all know that Star Wars is one of the most famous film franchises of all time. However, until 2015, the series was thought to have ended. When Disney bought the rights to the episodic series, they created the first sequel in over a decade; The Force Awakens. The new films grossed far more at the box office than any of their prequels. For comparison, the first episode in 1977 grossed around $775 Million Dollars, while the ninth episode in 2019 grossed around $1.1 Billion Dollars.

Baywatch (2017)

The 2017 Baywatch film was a unique spin-off based on the popular TV series from the 80’s and 90’s. To increase its popularity even more, the film featured famous stars like Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, and original cast member, Pamela Anderson. The film grossed $177.9 Million Dollars at the box office.

Batman (2022)

Beauty And The Beast (2017) 

This classic fairytale first became a box office success back in 1991 when it was animated by Disney. The film grossed $440 Million Dollars and became one of the movies in the Disney Princess line-up. In 2017, the film was re-made into a life-action romantic drama, starring Harry Potter star, Emma Watson. The remake grossed a whopping $1.3 Billion Dollars at the box office.

The Lion King (2019)

Much like Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King started as an animated Disney classic in 1994. It grossed $1.1 Billion dollars and was raved about so much that it was adapted into several Broadway musicals. In 2019, the film was remade into a more life-like animation with a star-studded cast. It included stars like Beyonce, James Earl Jones, Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, and more. The remake grossed $1.66 Billion Dollars at the box office.

A Star Is Born (2018) 

A Star Is Born is one of the more unique films in the remake business. This film has been remade a total of 4 times in under 100 years. The first film was released in 1937 and grossed around $2 Million Dollars. The second remake starred Judy Garland (from The Wizard Of Oz), and James Mason, grossing around $6 Million Dollars.

The third remake was much more popular, starring singer and actress Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson. That version grossed around $80 Million Dollars. Finally, the film was remade once more in 2018, starring actor Bradley Cooper and singer Lady Gaga. This version was the most successful, grossing a staggering $436 Million Dollars.

Ocean's 8 (2018) 

The Ocean’s series has had a history much like A Star Is Born. The original Ocean’s 11 was released in 1960, starring some of Hollywood’s biggest names at the time. Names like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, among others. The film grossed $5.5 Million Dollars at the time.

Almost exactly 40 years later, the film was remade starring, once again, some of Hollywood’s biggest names. George Clooney and Brad Pitt led the new entourage in the remake, and helped the film gain a cult following. The 2001 version grossed $450 Million Dollars. In the next 6 years, the film gained two more sequels, Ocean’s 12 and Ocean’s 13, which were both just as successful.

Then, in 2018, the film gained a fourth sequel, which followed the same storyline as the trilogy from the early 2000’s. This time, the plot followed Ocean’s sister, Debbie, played by Sandra Bullock, as she grows to be much like her brother. Ocean’s 8 grossed $297 Million Dollars.

Upcoming Reboot And Remake Opportunities

Getting excited about product placement and brand integration opportunities in reboots and remakes? Well, there’s some good news—there are still several in development. Here is a list of TV show and movie reboots that have been recently announced and are coming in the next 5 years. 

TV Shows:

1. Sex And The City

Original cast members, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon have already been spotted filming an upcoming 10-episode reboot of their iconic show, Sex And The City. Although this reboot is already filming, a second season may be in their future and offer opportunities for product placement and brand integration.

2. Frasier

Kelsey Grammer confirmed back in November of 2019 that his former show was getting a revival. He teased that it would be set in a different location and show a new chapter for his character. The show's development was likely put on hold, as COVID-19 hit shortly after its announcement. As of May 2021, there have been no new updates. 

3. Pretty Little Liars

The Pretty Little Liars cast already had one reboot, so now they're adding a sequel of sorts. This new reboot will feature an entirely new cast of characters who experience similar A-related threats years after the original mystery came to an end. The photo above features three of the newly confirmed cast members; Bailee Madison, Chandler Kinney, and Maia Reficco. 

4. The Proud Family

This ABC reboot will not only revisit the beloved Proud Family’s storyline but will also introduce two mixed-race characters and new challenges for the family. The series will be available on Disney+ and will be produced by Bruce W. Smith who also produced The Princess And The Frog back in 2009. Despite the show being animated, there are still opportunities for brand integration using animated products, or for sponsorship of events associated with the show’s release.

5. How I Met Your Father

How I Met Your Mother was always one of those classic beloved shows, like Friends and Seinfeld. Now, it’s coming back to introduce a new storyline set in the future. Hillary Duff, well known for her Disney Channel original show Lizzie McGuire, will play the lead. This multi-camera spinoff will likely have several product placement and branded integration opportunities.

6. Dexter

Dexter is back, and…different than ever? The spinoff-reboot will be a 10-episode limited series showing the life of main character, Dexter Morgan, as he leads a solitary life as a lumberjack. The series is set to begin filming soon and will likely need the help of outdoor brands and products used to make the set feel realistic.

7. Bewitched

This oldie classic will be back with a vengeance in the next couple of years. This time, Kenya Barris from Black-ish will be re-writing the show to feature a single, black mother, and an interracial family. With this modern take on the narrative, the show will likely be open to several product placement and branded integration opportunities to make it feel like real life.

8. The Jetsons

Like Bewitched, The Jetsons is another oldie classic that is set to come back to screens in the next couple of years. However, this reboot will be a live-action adaptation of the original series, and it will be filmed in front of a live studio audience. This series will have opportunities for products to be evolved into faux-future versions of what exists today, creating a deeply integrated brand partnership. 

Movies:

1. Grease

This 70’s classic musical film is being remade to introduce new and old struggles that modern high schoolers can relate to. The remake will likely only be able to utilize products or services which were available back in the 1950’s as well as today. So, it’s a perfect opportunity for brands like that to shine on screen.

2. Clueless

This 90’s fashionista-classic is getting a sequel with a new spin. This time, the film will be focused on Dionne’s character following Cher’s mysterious disappearance. According to the writers and producers, the plotline will also take on a modern, 2020, LA-type vibe. With the film being set in present day, it will likely have similar product placement and brand integration opportunities to the reboot of Gossip Girl.

3. Gremlins: Secrets Of The Mogwai

Gremlins took the world by storm back in the 1984 when the first film came out. Then, a sequel came out in the 1990 which furthered the fame of those little furry characters. Now, Warner Bros. will explore the origin story of Mr. Wing who sold the first Gremlin to the Peltzer family in the 1984 film.

4. Power Rangers

Is it a remake or a reboot? It's actually both. The Power Rangers franchise is introducing a new film and associated TV series which are both soon to come. There are not many released details on what these new releases will look like, but there will likely be many opportunities to come. 

5. Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Following the plotline of the original films, Ghostbusters: Afterlife will explore the story of two children who realize they are related to the original Ghost-busting crew. This film will draw a crowd, of new and old fans alike, to see original cast members Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, and Annie Potts, return in the sequel.

6. Top Gun: Maverick

Back in the day, Top Gun influenced fans to purchase Ray Bans, motorcycles, and leather jackets. Now, it’s sequel will offer that same opportunity on a higher level. Top Gun: Maverick has been highly anticipated following the pandemic. It is expected to have great box office success. Despite the fact that the film has already been shot, there are still branded sponsorship opportunities for this film’s events and commercials.

7. The Matrix 4

Almost 20 years after the last installation to the trilogy, The Matrix is getting another sequel. Not much is known about the plot of the fourth film, but producers have confirmed that it will star Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss despite their interpreted deaths at the end of the third film. This film will offer great branded integration and product placement opportunities for brands.

8. Avatar

Avatar fans have been waiting for a sequel since the original CGI animated film came out in 2009. Back in the early 2010's, Director James Cameron announced that there would be 4 sequels, totally 5 movies. Since then, Cameron has been fighting to get them produced and shot.

Production was delayed during COVID but has started back up this summer, according to producer Jon Landau. Even though the film is set in a hyper-realistic, non-human world, there are still product placement and brand opportunities for the scenes that cross into the human world, and for events associated with the film. 

Use Reboots and Remakes To Your Advantage

Those were just some of the hundreds of reboots and remakes that will come in the next 10-20 years. All you have to do, is create a partnership strategy to benefit from them. 

Starting a product placement or brand integration campaign is not easy, and requires valuable connections in the industry. That is where an agency comes in. Agencies like ours have been working in the industry for decades and have the expertise to help your brand navigate the tricky world of media. 

There are a few things you should consider before jumping right in and hiring an agency. First, you need to have a clear idea of who your audience is, and what type of media would best reach them. Second, you need to have an idea of how much you are willing to spend on a partnership, this will determine the length and amount of integration. Once you have thought about both of these aspects, you can start discussing opportunities. 

Keep in mind, product placement and brand integration partnerships take a lot of planning, and a lot of patience before real results can be seen in your sales or overall brand awareness. All good things come to those who wait.

Benefit Your Business Strategy With Branded Marketing

Now that you know a little bit more about brand integrations and product placement partnerships, you might be ready to add something new to your marketing strategy. If you want to know more about both types of branded marketing strategies, check out some of our other agency blogs. 

• Product Placement Versus Brand Integration Explained
• How Much Does Product Placement Cost
• 4 Product Placement Case Study Sales Success Stories
• 10 Surprising Reasons Why Brands Do Product Placement
• James Bond Product Placement: The Definitive Timeline Of Brands In Bond

If you're thinking more seriously about incorporating a product placement partnership to your business, check out our infographic. We have more than 25 years in the industry and a lot of information to offer you.