11 Exciting Movie Reboots Coming in 2025: Superheroes, Classic Monsters, and More

Express Tribune

28-01-2025

2025 is shaping up to be a big year for movie reboots, with 11 highly anticipated films set to hit theaters. From live-action adaptations of animated classics to superhero revamps and monster remakes, the year promises something for every moviegoer.
But when it comes to reboots, the challenge lies in doing it well. When done right, remakes can breathe new life into beloved stories, but when done poorly, they risk tarnishing the original.
Let's take a look at the reboots heading your way in 2025, and explore what makes a reboot successful — and when they just fall flat. The Rise of the Reboot Trend
Reboots have become an essential part of the movie industry, with studios increasingly relying on familiar stories to guarantee box office success. Disney's live-action adaptations of animated classics are a prime example, having grossed more than $5 billion since Cinderella in 2015.
While these remakes are often criticized for lacking originality, they've found massive success, proving that when done well, reboots can be a huge financial win.
Take, for instance, The Lion King live-action remake, which retained the heart of the original while adding stunning visuals and new technology to make it more appealing to modern audiences. But not all reboots achieve this balance.
Films like The Mummy (2017), intended to launch Universal's "Monsters Universe," received poor reviews and failed to hit the mark, a cautionary tale of when reboots go wrong.
Now, let's dive into the upcoming reboots of 2025 and see which ones could live up to expectations — and which ones might fall into the trap of lacking the magic of their originals. 1. Wolf Man (January 17)
Universal's attempt to revive its "Monsters Universe" continues with Wolf Man , starring Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner. This reboot draws inspiration from the 1941 film and follows a man who is cursed by a werewolf while visiting his childhood home in Oregon. While the film's premise has potential, Universal's recent struggles with reboots (remember The Mummy ?) might make this one a hit-or-miss. 2. Verona's Romeo & Juliet (February 14)
Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet has been reimagined countless times, but this new adaptation sets itself apart as a modern, pop musical version. With Jamie Ward and Clara Rugaard as the iconic star-crossed lovers, it's safe to say that this will be a visually stunning take on the timeless tale of love and tragedy. However, whether it can surpass Baz Luhrmann's 1996 version remains to be seen. 3. Snow White (March 21)
Disney's live-action Snow White is poised to hit theaters with a twist. The new version, starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, reimagines the classic tale with a stronger, more independent heroine. If the film can avoid controversy (like that surrounding The Little Mermaid ), it has the potential to follow in the footsteps of its predecessors, The Lion King and Mufasa , which made over $500 million each. 4. The Wedding Banquet (April 18)
Before Ang Lee became a household name with films like Brokeback Mountain and Life of Pi , he directed the romantic comedy The Wedding Banquet . Now, it's getting a remake with a diverse cast, including Bowen Yang and Lily Gladstone. Set to capture the essence of the original while updating it for modern audiences, this reboot has strong potential, though it will have to navigate expectations set by the original. 5. Lilo & Stitch (May 23)
Who could forget Lilo & Stitch ? Disney's 2002 animated classic is getting a live-action treatment with CGI Stitch voiced by Chris Sanders, the original voice actor. With a stellar cast, including Maia Kealoha and Sydney Agudong as the leads, this reboot could rekindle the magic of the original — if it can match the charm of the beloved animated film. 6. How to Train Your Dragon (June 13)
DreamWorks is jumping on the live-action remake bandwagon with How to Train Your Dragon , which grossed over $1.4 billion across three movies. Directed by Dean DeBlois, the film will bring the story of Hiccup and Toothless to life in a new way. With Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick, this one's sure to spark nostalgia, though it faces the challenge of living up to the original's success. 7. Superman (2025)
After years of box office misfires, DC Studios is hoping to turn things around with a fresh take on Superman . Directed by James Gunn, this reboot stars David Corenswet as the iconic hero and Nicholas Hoult as his nemesis, Lex Luthor. The success of this reboot will depend on whether Gunn can deliver a Superman that feels both fresh and faithful to the character's roots. 8. The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 25)
Marvel's first reboot of The Fantastic Four is set to introduce the iconic team to the MCU. With Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby playing Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman, and a host of other big names joining the cast, fans are hopeful that this reboot will finally do justice to the beloved superheroes. However, given the history of Fantastic Four reboots, expectations are mixed. 9. The Bride! (September 26)
Maggie Gyllenhaal is set to direct The Bride! , a reimagining of Frankenstein 's "The Bride of Frankenstein." This 1930s-set adaptation promises to be a unique take on the classic tale, starring Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale. If Gyllenhaal can balance the Gothic themes with a fresh approach, this could be a standout reboot. 10. The Running Man (November 7)
Based on Stephen King's 1982 novel, The Running Man is getting a reboot with Glen Powell taking on the role originally played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Set in a dystopian future where contestants must survive a deadly game show, this remake has Edgar Wright at the helm, which could add a much-needed dose of creativity to the original's cheesy charm. 11. Frankenstein (TBD)
Guillermo del Toro is tackling another Frankenstein adaptation for Netflix, with rising stars Jacob Elordi and Mia Goth playing the titular monster and Victor Frankenstein. Del Toro's knack for creating captivating monster movies could give this reboot the edge it needs to be both thrilling and emotionally powerful.