12 So-Called Movie Sequels With No Original Cast Members

A Christmas Story 2 (2012)

It only took almost 30 years for this “official sequel” to finally be made. Wait, what are we saying? Why would they do this? Sure, the original is great, but without the same actors, this film serves no purpose but to shoot our childhood’s eye out. If a sequel to this classic film sounds like a good use of your precious time, check out the trailer below and try not to cringe.

Son of the Mask (2005)

Do you love Jamie Kennedy but hate Jim Carrey? Well, first of all, what the hell is wrong with you? But secondly, this movie is right up your alley. Other than the fact that it has the same mask from the original “The Mask” film in it, this sequel is otherwise completely different, revolving around all new characters and, strangely enough, Norse mythology. A story about a mask that gives you the powers of Loki, the god of mischief, couldn’t be less funny if it tried.

American Psycho 2 (2002)

You could say this film picks up where the previous film left off, but it wouldn’t be true. This sequel is basically just a slasher film with none of the originality of its predecessor and an unconvincing killer (Mila Kunis). The only ties this film has to the previous installment is that Kunis’ character is the only surviving victim of the previous film’s killer, whom she kills at the beginning of the movie. However, the previous film’s killer, Christian Bale, is played by a body double and not the actor himself. But even a Bale cameo wouldn’t be able to resuscitate this stinker.

Road House 2: Last Call (2006)

This is yet another direct-to-DVD sequel where the original main character is killed off (a popular trend with this list). Even the plot of the original “Road House” is pretty ridiculous, so to call this a bad sequel might be a bit harsh. Let’s just say, if you liked “Road House” but weren’t crazy about Patrick Swayze, this film might be more your speed.

Ace Ventura Jr.: Pet Detective (2009)

This film kills it. And by “it,” we mean "the character of Ace Ventura." And the entire “Ace Ventura” film franchise, for that matter. That’s right, this film follows the adventures of Ace Ventura’s bastard child (Ace Sr. went M.I.A. in the Bermuda Triangle and is presumed dead, according to the film) as he tries to track down the stolen pets of his classmates. It stars little turd actor Josh Flitter, who was born in 1994; the year the original “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” was released. So he probably didn’t even know who Ace Ventura was, prior to starring in this abomination of a direct-to-DVD sequel, which explains why his take on the character’s son is so god-awful.

Daddy Day Camp (2007)

Remember when Cuba Gooding, Jr. won an Oscar? Yeah, those days are long gone. He’s now the guy who takes over already horrible Eddie Murphy franchises and basically just keeps up the good work. Credit goes to this film for at least keeping it centered on the same characters, just played by new actors. This film centers on, you guessed it, a daddy day camp instead of a daddy day care. And from there, the material writes itself … poorly.

The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000)

When Rick Moranis is too good for a sequel — even after appearing in every “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” continuation besides the TV series — it’s gotta be good! Technically a prequel (another popular trend among starless sequels), this one follows Fred, Barney, Wilma and Betty on their first trip together to Vegas. If you love “rock” jokes, better tape your sides up now to keep them from splitting later.

Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House (2002)

Yes, technically there was also a “Home Alone 3” with no original actors either, but it doesn’t segue as well into the next slide, or butcher the original as badly. While “Home Alone 3” focused on new characters entirely, this installment brought the story back to Kevin McCallister. However, it divorced his parents and had him living in a mansion with high-tech gadgets. The movie’s biggest star, French Stewart, played Marv (Daniel Stern in the original), only he dressed like Harry (Joe Pesci in the original) and had a new female partner for no reason. This movie was so bad that a proposed TV series based on it was squashed soon after its release to abysmal reviews.

Inspector Gadget 2 (2003)

Thank God the original wasn’t all that good in the first place. But that didn’t stop Disney from producing this hunk of junk to accompany it. Once again, French Stewart lends a hand in driving another film franchise into the ground.

Queen of the Damned (2002)

If you didn’t know this was a sequel, it’s probably because you never saw it, much like everyone else. If you actually have heard of this movie, it’s more likely because it was Aaliyah’s final film, which is more noteworthy than the movie itself. And if you are still wondering, it’s a sequel to “Interview with the Vampire,” a film based on the first of three books in Anne Rice’s “The Vampire Chronicles” series. “Queen of the Damned” revolves around a vampire that becomes a rock star and awakens another vampire with his music. It was a loose adaptation of the last two books in the series — and, to put it into perspective, even Anne Rice herself hated it.