Hollywood is leaning hard into familiar stories again, and two recent releases are showing why. “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and “Scary Movie” are setting the pace for a noticeable shift in studio strategy, where older franchises from the 2000s are returning to theaters with strong audience attention and steady box office results.
The industry trend centers on revisiting established hits instead of betting on completely new concepts. “The Devil Wears Prada 2” brings back the original creative direction of David Frankel and writer Aline Brosh McKenna, along with a full return of key characters.
Meryl Streep returns as Miranda Priestly, Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs, Emily Blunt as Emily Charlton, and Stanley Tucci as Nigel Kipling.
The response has been strong. The film, produced on a $100 million budget, has reached $643 million globally, surpassing the original film’s theatrical performance. Critics and audiences have also responded positively, with a Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Box Office Signals from Familiar Titles
Performance data shows clear momentum behind legacy sequels. “Scary Movie 6” continues that pattern, bringing back major cast members including Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Anna Faris, and Regina Hall.
Early tracking places its opening around $40 million, with projections stretching close to $50 million if audience response holds steady. The production sits at an estimated $30 million budget, keeping profitability within reach despite weaker critical reception.
While “Scary Movie” may not match the scale of “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” it still reinforces the financial appeal of revisiting recognizable comedy franchises.
Mixed Results Across Other Reboots
Not every revival is landing the same way. Industry comparisons show a clear divide between successful 2000s-based sequels and weaker returns from older franchises. “Masters of the Universe,” tied to the 1980s He-Man character, is expected to underperform. “The Running Man,” featuring Glen Powell in a reboot of the 1987 film, also struggled with both critical response and box office results.
At the same time, studios continue expanding 2000s-era franchises. “Focker-in-Law,” the fourth entry in the “Meet the Parents” series, is scheduled for a November release, signaling continued investment in familiar intellectual property.
The current box office pattern points toward a clear studio direction. “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and “Scary Movie” highlight how 2000s franchises are now outperforming many older reboots from the 1980s.
As studios respond to reliable audience turnout and recognizable characters, more sequels and revivals from that era are likely to shape upcoming release calendars.
