15 Prequel Movies No One Wanted — But They Happened Anyway

Prequel movies often dive into the backstories of beloved characters or worlds, aiming to deepen our connection to the originals. Sometimes, they hit the mark, but other times, they feel like unnecessary additions that dilute the magic of what came before.

I’ve rounded up 15 prequel films that left audiences scratching their heads, wondering why they were made. From ill-fated origin stories to redundant expansions, these movies arrived despite little demand, often failing to capture the spark of their predecessors.

The Thing (2011)

This prequel to John Carpenter’s sci-fi horror classic ‘The Thing’ (1982) takes us to the Norwegian camp before the events of the original. It follows a team discovering an alien creature, with predictable chaos ensuing.

The film leans heavily on CGI, losing the practical effects that made the original so chilling. It rehashes familiar beats without adding fresh ideas, making it feel like a hollow echo of a masterpiece. I wanted more of the original’s eerie mystery, not a retread that explained too much.

Hannibal Rising (2007)

‘Hannibal Rising’ explores the early life of Hannibal Lecter, the iconic cannibal from ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. It traces his descent into darkness after a traumatic childhood during World War II.

Despite Anthony Hopkins’ shadow looming large, this film struggles with a sluggish pace and a less compelling lead in Gaspard Ulliel. I found it hard to care about a backstory that demystified a character who thrives on enigma, leaving the film feeling flat and unnecessary.

The Scorpion King (2002)

Spun off from ‘The Mummy Returns’, ‘The Scorpion King’ dives into the origins of Dwayne Johnson’s warrior character. It’s a sword-and-sandal tale of rebellion against an evil king, packed with action but light on depth.

The film feels like a cash grab, with little connection to the charm of the ‘Mummy’ series. I wished for more of the wit and adventure that made the originals fun, but this prequel delivers generic battles instead.

Monsters University (2013)

This Pixar prequel to ‘Monsters, Inc.’ takes us back to the college days of Mike and Sully, showing how they became friends. It’s a lighthearted romp filled with campus antics and monster humor.

While it’s fun enough, the film lacks the emotional punch of the original. I enjoyed the laughs but felt the story didn’t add much to the duo’s journey, making it a pleasant but skippable chapter.

Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ chronicles young Han Solo’s rise from street thief to smuggler, complete with his first encounters with Chewbacca and Lando. Alden Ehrenreich steps into Harrison Ford’s iconic role.

The film tries hard but can’t replicate Ford’s charisma or the mystery that made Han compelling. I found it watchable but unnecessary, as it answers questions I never had about a character better left enigmatic.

Cruella (2021)

‘Cruella’ reimagines the origin of Disney’s villain from ‘101 Dalmatians’, portraying a young Cruella de Vil as an aspiring fashion designer with a rebellious streak. Emma Stone delivers a bold performance.

Yet, the film’s attempt to humanize a cartoonish villain feels forced, and the fashion-world plot strays far from the original’s charm. I wanted a tighter connection to the classic story, not a bloated rebrand of a villain.

A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)

This prequel to ‘A Quiet Place’ shows the first day of the alien invasion in New York City, focusing on new characters played by Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn. It’s tense but familiar.

The film doesn’t expand the lore in meaningful ways, and I missed the Abbott family’s emotional core. It’s a decent thriller, but I’d have preferred a continuation of the main story over this detour.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006)

This prequel to the 2003 ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ remake delves into Leatherface’s early days and the Hewitt family’s descent into madness. It’s a gruesome slasher with plenty of gore.

But explaining Leatherface’s origins strips away the raw terror of the original. I found it redundant, as the mystery of his monstrous nature was scarier than this formulaic backstory.

Leatherface (2017)

Another stab at Leatherface’s origin, this prequel to the 1974 ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ follows a young Jedidiah Sawyer escaping a mental institution. It’s a violent, chaotic take on the iconic killer.

The film feels disconnected from the original’s gritty horror, and its attempt to reframe Leatherface’s story falls flat. I wanted the unsettling ambiguity of the classic, not this messy retelling.

Pan (2015)

‘Pan’ reimagines the origins of Peter Pan and Captain Hook, presenting them as allies in a fantastical Neverland adventure. Hugh Jackman’s Blackbeard adds some flair to the mix.

Sadly, the film’s convoluted plot and lack of connection to J.M. Barrie’s tale make it forgettable. I hoped for a story that set up their iconic rivalry, but this feels like a different universe entirely.

Minions (2015)

This ‘Despicable Me’ spin-off follows the yellow Minions serving various masters through history before meeting Gru. It’s a silly, slapstick-filled adventure aimed at younger audiences.

While the Minions are fun, their backstory doesn’t add depth to the main series. I found the humor repetitive and wished for more focus on Gru’s story instead of this fluffy side trip.

The Hobbit Trilogy (2012-2014)

Peter Jackson’s ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy expands J.R.R. Tolkien’s slim book into a sprawling prequel to ‘The Lord of the Rings’. It follows Bilbo Baggins’ quest with dwarves and Gandalf.

The films are visually stunning but bloated with filler that dilutes the original’s charm. I loved the Middle-earth visuals but felt one tighter movie would’ve been enough for this tale.

Prometheus (2012)

Ridley Scott’s ‘Prometheus’ serves as a prequel to ‘Alien’, exploring humanity’s origins through a space mission uncovering ancient beings. It’s ambitious with striking visuals.

Yet, it strays far from the claustrophobic horror of ‘Alien’, leaving me wanting more xenomorphs and less philosophical tangents. The mystery of the original didn’t need this much explanation.

Alien: Covenant (2017)

Following ‘Prometheus’, ‘Alien: Covenant’ continues the prequel saga, blending origin stories with classic xenomorph horror. Michael Fassbender’s android performance steals the show.

Still, the film feels like a compromise between prequel lore and fan demands for monsters, satisfying neither fully. I craved the raw terror of the original over this muddled expansion.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

This prequel to ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ follows young Furiosa, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, on her path to becoming the warrior from the original. It’s packed with intense action.

While visually gripping, it lacks the relentless energy of ‘Fury Road’ and feels like an unnecessary dive into a character already complete. I wanted more of the original’s chaotic thrill, not a slower origin tale.

Which prequel do you think missed the mark the most, or is there one I overlooked? Drop your thoughts in the comments!