In the zombie movie "28 days later" (2002), the film's main characters reflect on the fact that they live in a post-apocalypse where they "will never see a movie that is not already recorded". 2025 has made the dystopia a reality. No angry zombies, but a cinema selection dominated by already existing titles. Here are some of the summer's "new-old" movies:
"28 years later"
A so-called "soft" reboot of "28 days later" and "28 weeks later", about a zombie virus that isolates the United Kingdom from the rest of the world. Has some references to previous movies, but with new characters, environments and a setup for more sequels – with the same old zombies.
Premiere: In theaters now.
"Superman"
"Hard" reboot that starts a new superhero universe with the Man of Steel. Heroes like Green Lantern, Hawkgirl and Mr Terrific are included as part of a broader world from the film company DC and a preparation for future movies.
Premiere: In theaters now.
"Jurassic World: Rebirth"
A standalone sequel – or "spiritual legacy sequel" – that takes place years after the events of the latest dinosaur movies, but thematically ties in with the other six movies in the series.
Premiere: In theaters now.
"Smurfs"
After several Smurf movies, the concept has been given a new animated reboot that disregards previous installations. This time with Rihanna in the voice role as Smurfette.
Premiere: In theaters now
"I know what you did last summer"
"Legacy reboot" – a sequel, reboot and remake in one. Five friends accidentally kill a pedestrian and move on with their lives, until a killer with a fishing hook stalks them. The plot is identical to the first movie from 1997 and has the same title. Additionally, actors Freddie Prinze Jr and Jennifer Love Hewitt reprise their roles.
Premiere: July 18
"Fantastic Four: First steps"
The third reboot of the superhero movie Fantastic Four. Kicks off "phase 6" in Marvel's cinematic universe. Pedro Pascal in spandex and a retro-futuristic 1960s is expected to wash away the stench from the previous failed movies.
Premiere: July 23
"Naked gun"
"Legacy" sequel with reboot potential that ties in with the classic "Naked Gun" movies but presents new characters, mainly Liam Neeson in the role of Frank Drebin Junior. Original director David Zucker has sworn to never see the new version.
Premiere: August 1.
Fact: Remake, reboot and sequel types
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Remake: New recording of a previous movie or series with the same basic plot, modernized in style, technique and sometimes dialogue.
Hard reboot: Complete restart of a movie series where previous events and movies do not exist in the new version.
Soft reboot: Partial restart – retains some elements, characters or events from the original but introduces new interpretations to renew the series.
Sequel: Continuation of a previous movie or series that takes place after the original, with the same characters and world.
Legacy sequel: A sequel that comes many years later, often with the original actors in older roles and the introduction of new characters to take the story further to a new generation. Example "Top gun: Maverick".
Spiritual sequel: A sequel in tone or theme, but not directly connected to the original movie's plot or characters. For example, "10 Cloverfield Lane" in relation to "Cloverfield".
