Controversial Franchise Reboots That Divided Loyal Fanbases

Reboots let studios update well-known stories for today’s viewers. They often try to appeal to fans of the original while also bringing in a new audience. But changing popular characters or the overall feel of a series can cause a lot of discussion – and sometimes disagreement – among fans. Here are a few examples of reboots that have sparked the most debate.

‘Ghostbusters’ (2016)

Paul Feig reimagined the classic paranormal comedy with a new film starring an all-female cast. Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig played scientists who start a ghost-hunting business in New York City. Even before the movie came out, there was a lot of debate about the decision to switch the genders of the main characters. While many critics enjoyed the cast’s chemistry, others felt the humor wasn’t as good as the original films.

‘Star Trek’ (2009)

J.J. Abrams brought fresh life to the Star Trek story by creating a new timeline, separate from the original. The films focused on the early days of James T. Kirk and Spock as they trained at Starfleet Academy and faced a threat from a Romulan who could travel through time. This allowed the filmmakers to reimagine the classic characters without ignoring the previous series. While many fans enjoyed the fast-paced action, some felt it came at the cost of the thoughtful themes that had always been central to Star Trek.

‘Man of Steel’ (2013)

Zack Snyder kicked off the DC Extended Universe with a darker, more realistic take on Superman’s beginnings. Henry Cavill played the iconic hero as he learned about his past and defended Earth from the villain General Zod. The movie caused a lot of discussion because of its serious mood and the widespread destruction shown in the final battle. Viewers disagreed about whether Superman was justified in using deadly force to save people.

‘RoboCop’ (2014)

José Padilha reimagined the classic action film with a toned-down, PG-13 rating and updated special effects. Joel Kinnaman played Alex Murphy in a version that emphasized disturbing body imagery and explored the moral questions surrounding the use of drones. Compared to the 1987 original, this remake removed much of the sharp social criticism and extreme violence. Many fans felt this cleaner approach diminished the raw, intense feel that director Paul Verhoeven created.

‘Fantastic Four’ (2015)

Josh Trank aimed to create a realistic and dark origin story for the Fantastic Four. However, the movie faced problems during production, including disagreements with the studio and many required reshoots. It leaned more into science fiction horror than the typical superhero action fans were hoping for. Ultimately, critics and audiences didn’t like the film because it felt inconsistent and moved too slowly.

‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ (2014)

This live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, produced by Michael Bay, gave the turtles a very realistic and muscular look using computer effects. The plot included a complicated backstory linking April O’Neil to the substance that turned the turtles into mutants. While the movie made money, many fans didn’t like how the turtles were designed – specifically, the addition of nostrils and lips. Critics also found the action too frantic and the film lacked the fun, lighthearted spirit of previous versions.

‘The Mummy’ (2017)

This action movie, starring Tom Cruise, was Universal Pictures’ attempt to start a new series of monster-themed films. The story follows a mercenary who unintentionally revives an ancient Egyptian princess. However, the film focused more on introducing potential sequels than on creating a satisfying story on its own. Many viewers didn’t like Cruise in the role and felt it strayed too far from the adventure-horror style of the earlier films starring Brendan Fraser.

‘Hellboy’ (2019)

Neil Marshall’s reboot of the film aimed for a darker tone, staying closer to the original comic books. David Harbour replaced Ron Perlman as the lead, sporting a more intense and gory makeup look. However, the movie was criticized for its confusing story and excessive violence. Many fans who enjoyed Guillermo del Toro’s previous films were upset that his planned ending to the story was scrapped in favor of this new beginning.

‘Charlie’s Angels’ (2019)

Elizabeth Banks wrote and directed this new installment, essentially restarting the series with a fresh take. The film features a new team of international spies working for the Townsend Agency. While the marketing highlighted feminist ideas, some viewers felt these messages were too forceful. Ultimately, the movie didn’t perform well in theaters, failing to attract either new audiences or longtime fans.

‘Men in Black: International’ (2019)

Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson teamed up again for this new installment, bringing the story of the alien-fighting organization to London. The movie centers on a rookie agent who joins forces with a seasoned pro to find a traitor inside the agency. However, it didn’t quite capture the cleverness and special connection that Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones had in the original films. Many viewers and critics thought the story was predictable and the jokes weren’t very memorable.

‘Ghost in the Shell’ (2017)

Rupert Sanders directed this live-action movie based on the famous Japanese manga and anime. Scarlett Johansson played the Major, a soldier with cybernetic enhancements, in a futuristic city. The decision to cast a white actress in the lead role quickly caused controversy, with many criticizing it as ‘whitewashing’ by Hollywood. While the movie’s visuals were applauded for closely resembling the original, the story was considered too simple and didn’t capture the deeper philosophical themes of the source material.

‘Death Note’ (2017)

For the Netflix adaptation of the famous manga, director Adam Wingard shifted the story’s location from Japan to Seattle. The plot centers on a high schooler who discovers a mysterious notebook with the power to kill people simply by writing their names. However, changes to the characters’ reasons for acting and how the notebook worked upset many longtime fans. Critics also felt the movie transformed a suspenseful, mind-bending thriller into a typical teen horror film.

‘Cowboy Bebop’ (2021)

Okay, so I checked out the live-action Cowboy Bebop on Netflix. It was based on the anime I grew up with, and honestly, it looked amazing – they really put a lot of money into recreating some of the iconic scenes. John Cho was a solid Spike, but the show just didn’t quite click for me. The anime was great at mixing serious, moody stuff with goofy humor, and this version felt kinda uneven. Sadly, it got canceled pretty quickly after it came out, and I guess the mixed reactions and how expensive it was to make played a big part in that.

‘Dragonball Evolution’ (2009)

James Wong directed this movie, which was inspired by the famous manga and anime series Dragon Ball by Akira Toriyama. Justin Chatwin starred as Goku in a story that took the martial arts action and set it in an American high school. However, the film made so many changes to the original story and characters that it’s widely considered a failure, and is often used as an example of a bad anime adaptation.

‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ (2010)

This remake of the classic slasher film featured Jackie Earle Haley as Freddy Krueger, with filmmakers aiming for a more genuinely terrifying portrayal by stripping away the humor the character had gained in subsequent movies. However, the realistic and gruesome makeup, intended to depict burn victim injuries, ended up disturbing many viewers instead of scaring them. Ultimately, fans felt the film didn’t capture the creative and surreal dreamlike quality that made the original, directed by Wes Craven, so memorable.

‘Halloween’ (2007)

Rob Zombie’s take on the classic horror film delved into the troubled childhood of Michael Myers, attempting to explain the origins of his violence. While some appreciated the expanded story, longtime fans felt that revealing too much about his past diminished the character’s frightening mystique. The film is notable for its intense violence and gritty visual style, which proved divisive among viewers of the original, more suspenseful movie.

‘Friday the 13th’ (2009)

This reimagining of the Friday the 13th story, directed by Marcus Nispel, combined plot points from the original three movies into one film. Jason Voorhees was portrayed as a quick and clever killer, a departure from the slower, more monstrous version seen before. The movie delivered a lot of violence and classic slasher elements. Despite being a box office success, many critics found the characters unappealing and the film lacked genuine tension.

‘Child’s Play’ (2019)

Mark Hamill provided the voice for Chucky in a new version of the story where the doll isn’t brought to life by voodoo, but by a glitch in its artificial intelligence. The film explored the potential risks of smart home devices and our culture of buying things. Some longtime fans were divided because the original creator, Don Mancini, was also making a TV show that continued the classic Chucky storyline. The doll’s new robotic appearance also sparked debate among horror fans.

‘Poltergeist’ (2015)

Gil Kenan’s updated version of the classic haunted house story uses modern technology to create scares. When the Bowen family moves into a new house, their youngest daughter is taken by restless spirits. While the remake follows the original film’s plot, it depends a lot on computer effects. Many viewers found it didn’t have the same emotional impact or truly frightening atmosphere as the original, directed by Steven Spielberg and Tobe Hooper.

‘Point Break’ (2015)

This action movie, directed by Ericson Core, updates the original story by swapping surfing for other thrilling sports. Edgar Ramírez and Luke Bracey stepped into the roles previously made famous by Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves. While the film boasted great stunts, it didn’t capture the meaningful connection between the main characters, and many critics felt it was a visually impressive but ultimately empty remake that missed what made the 1991 film so beloved.

‘Red Dawn’ (2012)

This action movie, starring Chris Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson, features a North Korean invasion of the United States. To avoid losing Chinese audiences, the studio changed the enemy forces from Chinese to North Korean during editing. The story centers on a group of teenagers who fight back using guerilla tactics. However, critics found the film overly nationalistic and felt it didn’t have the same emotional impact as the original Cold War movie it was based on.

‘Ben-Hur’ (2016)

This new film is a reimagining of the novel that was famously adapted into the blockbuster 1959 movie. It centers on the troubled relationship and eventual forgiveness between two brothers living in Jerusalem under Roman rule. While the film featured extensive computer-generated imagery for a chariot race, many viewers felt it didn’t compare favorably to the impressive practical effects of the original. Ultimately, the movie was a financial failure and didn’t resonate with audiences.

‘Conan the Barbarian’ (2011)

Jason Momoa starred as the barbarian warrior in this action-packed fantasy movie. It tried to be more faithful to the original stories by Robert E. Howard than the earlier film with Arnold Schwarzenegger. While Momoa gave a strong performance, critics found the story and visuals lacking. Those who enjoyed the 1982 movie missed its grand music and the unique direction of John Milius.

‘Planet of the Apes’ (2001)

Tim Burton’s version of this story featured amazing makeup effects created by Rick Wahlberg. The film follows an astronaut who crashes on a planet ruled by intelligent apes. It’s best known for its twist ending, which was quite different from the original 1968 movie, and while the makeup was well-received, many felt the plot and overall mood didn’t quite work.

‘Godzilla’ (1998)

In this big-budget disaster film, Roland Emmerich reimagined Godzilla, bringing the monster to New York City. However, the creature’s appearance was significantly altered, looking more like a large iguana and proving less resilient than the original Japanese version. Many fans were upset that the monster was defeated using standard military weapons. The negative reaction was so strong that the Japanese company that owned the rights to Godzilla ultimately gave this version of the monster a new name: Zilla.

‘Mulan’ (2020)

Niki Caro’s live-action version of the story left out the songs and the dragon, Mushu, opting for a more dramatic and realistic feel inspired by Chinese martial arts films and the original folk tale. The production faced some criticism regarding where it was filmed and statements made by the lead actress, Liu Yifei. Many viewers who loved the original animated Disney movie felt that it was missing the fun and musical elements they remembered.

‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023)

Rob Marshall directed the new live-action version of The Little Mermaid, starring Halle Bailey as Ariel. Before the movie even came out, the casting choice sparked a lot of discussion – and disagreement – online, particularly about race. Some viewers also found the designs of Ariel’s animal friends, Flounder and Sebastian, to be realistic but lacking in personality. While the film did reasonably well, it didn’t receive the same widespread praise as the original animated movie.

‘Jem and the Holograms’ (2015)

Jon M. Chu directed this live-action movie based on the popular 1980s cartoon. Instead of a futuristic sci-fi story, the film updated the tale of a rock band to focus on the realities of becoming famous on YouTube. It left out key elements from the original show, like the holographic character Synergy and the competing bands. Unfortunately, the movie performed very poorly in theaters and wasn’t well-received by fans, leading to it being removed from cinemas after just two weeks.

‘Baywatch’ (2017)

This R-rated action comedy, starring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron, was based on a well-known TV show. Like the Jump Street movies, it playfully poked fun at itself. While some fans enjoyed the humor, others felt it clashed with the lighthearted charm of the original series. Critics also found the storyline about a drug operation predictable and the special effects unconvincing.

‘CHiPs’ (2017)

Dax Shepard was behind the scenes and in front of the camera for this comedy, which was inspired by a popular family TV show. However, the movie drastically changed the tone, becoming a much more adult and risqué film that barely resembled its source material. Larry Wilcox, a star of the original TV series, publicly disapproved of the movie, feeling it damaged the show’s reputation. Ultimately, the film wasn’t successful with audiences and didn’t earn back the money it cost to make.

‘Velma’ (2023–Present)

Mindy Kaling created this animated series for HBO Max, geared towards adults. It’s a fresh take on the Scooby-Doo characters, giving them diverse backgrounds and more realistic, sometimes critical, personalities – and notably, it doesn’t include Scooby himself. The show’s humor often poked fun at classic Scooby-Doo storylines and the expectations of its fans. However, audiences didn’t respond well, and the show received very low ratings, likely because the new version of the main character wasn’t very appealing.

‘She-Ra and the Princesses of Power’ (2018–2020)

Noelle Stevenson created this updated animated series for Netflix, giving it a unique and contemporary visual style. The show centers on the complicated connection between Adora and her childhood friend, Catra. While reviewers appreciated the show’s diverse characters and well-developed personalities, some longtime fans weren’t happy with the new character designs, which differed from the more glamorous look of the original 1980s series.

‘Teen Titans Go!’ (2013–Present)

The show reimagined the franchise as a fast-paced, comedic series, moving away from its dramatic roots. Characters received a cute, simplified redesign and were given over-the-top flaws. Many episodes playfully acknowledged and even responded to the frustration of longtime fans who preferred the earlier, more serious version. Despite ongoing criticism, the show became a huge success for Cartoon Network.

‘Thundercats Roar’ (2020)

Cartoon Network revived the classic action series, but updated it with a simpler, cartoonish animation style and a focus on comedy. While the opening credits kept the feel of the original, many longtime fans disliked the new, sillier character designs and the lack of dramatic tension. The show was ultimately cancelled after only one season because of this strong negative reaction.

‘Power Rangers’ (2017)

Dean Israelite’s film reimagined the classic heroes with a darker, more realistic tone geared towards young adults. The movie focused heavily on developing the characters and their teenage struggles before they actually transformed and fought. The new designs for the suits and giant robots were unique, looking more alien and biological, but viewers were split on whether they liked this change. Some enjoyed the deeper character work, while others missed the energetic martial arts action of the original TV series.

‘Tomb Raider’ (2018)

Alicia Vikander played Lara Croft in this movie, which was based on the 2013 reboot of the video game. This version of Lara Croft was more realistic than previous portrayals, moving away from the flashy guns and acrobatic moves seen in the Angelina Jolie films. While the story borrowed ideas from the game, it didn’t quite create any truly unforgettable action sequences. Viewers had mixed reactions, with some preferring this tougher, more survival-focused Lara Croft to the bolder, more confident action hero of earlier films.

‘Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City’ (2021)

Johannes Roberts’ reboot blends the storylines of the original two video games. After the action-focused films by Paul W.S. Anderson, the creators aimed for a more accurate horror experience. However, some fans were disappointed with how iconic characters like Leon Kennedy and Jill Valentine were portrayed, likely due to casting and budget limitations. The movie also felt rushed, attempting to cram too much backstory into its runtime.

‘Mortal Kombat’ (2021)

This R-rated movie, directed by Simon McQuoid, features a new main character named Cole Young. While it delivered the brutal finishing moves fans love, many viewers were unhappy that the story focused on setting up a tournament instead of actually showing it, and that it introduced a brand new lead instead of using established characters. Notably, popular game character Johnny Cage doesn’t appear in the film, disappointing many longtime fans.

‘Hitman: Agent 47’ (2015)

Rupert Friend starred as the assassin in this second movie based on the popular stealth video game series. Unlike the game, which focuses on quiet strategy and disguise, the film became a typical, action-packed blockbuster with lots of explosions. Critics felt it missed what made the original game so appealing, and it didn’t succeed in starting a film franchise, quickly fading from public memory.

‘Max Payne’ (2008)

Mark Wahlberg played the detective in this movie based on the popular video game. While the film borrowed the game’s signature slow-motion effect, it also included mythical Valkyrie demons. Many fans were unhappy with Wahlberg in the lead role and felt the PG-13 rating softened the game’s intense violence. The movie also missed a key element of the character: his tough, inner thoughts.

‘The Karate Kid’ (2010)

This remake, starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan, shifted the story’s location from California to Beijing. While the original film focused on karate, this version featured kung fu. The movie was successful in theaters and the lead actors received positive reviews. However, longtime fans didn’t feel it captured the same magic as the classic connection between Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi.

‘Annie’ (2014)

Will Gluck’s new version of the classic musical takes place in present-day New York City. Quvenhané Wallis stars as the main character, and Jamie Foxx plays a generous supporter. Instead of a traditional orchestra, the movie uses auto-tuned pop music. Some critics and fans of the original felt that updating the story and setting lost the heart and emotional impact of the original’s Great Depression era background.

‘The Powerpuff Girls’ (2016–2019)

Cartoon Network brought back the popular superhero team with a fresh look and new voice cast. However, the reboot removed the character Ms. Bellum and featured less violence than the original. The show faced criticism due to mistakes in production and episodes that some viewers felt dealt with difficult subjects poorly. Many fans believed the show suffered in quality because the original creator, Craig McCracken, wasn’t involved.

‘Bob the Builder’ (2015–2018)

Mattel updated the preschool series with modern computer animation and gave the characters more realistic bodies. The main character’s classic round face and overalls were replaced with a typical construction worker outfit. Many parents and longtime fans were disappointed, missing the unique appeal of the original stop-motion style. They felt the new look was bland and didn’t improve the show.

‘Star Wars: Battlefront’ (2015)

DICE revived the popular shooting game series with incredibly realistic graphics and sound. However, the initial release only included a few maps and didn’t have a story-driven single-player mode, leaving many players who remembered the original 2005 game feeling let down by the limited content. The next game in the series sparked even more criticism due to its use of loot boxes, which players felt negatively impacted the experience.

‘DmC: Devil May Cry’ (2013)

Ninja Theory revamped the popular action game series, giving its main character, Dante, a completely new appearance. They traded his iconic white hair for a short, dark, and edgy style. While the gameplay was made simpler to attract more players, some longtime fans felt this made the game easier and less challenging. Many fans also disliked the change in the game’s overall feel and felt the developers were dismissive of what the original fanbase enjoyed.

‘Thief’ (2014)

Eidos Montréal brought the classic stealth series back to life after it had been inactive for ten years. However, the new game featured a different voice actor for the main character, Garrett, and changed his personality. Some players criticized the levels for being too straightforward and not as open as those in previous games. Many longtime fans also felt the reboot made the intricate stealth gameplay, which defined the series, too simple.

‘Saints Row’ (2022)

Volition tried to revitalize their open-world crime series with a fresh group of characters representing millennials. Unlike previous games that leaned into exaggerated gangster tropes, this installment aimed for a more realistic story focusing on issues like student debt and the importance of friendships. Unfortunately, the game was plagued with technical problems at launch, and many players found the writing awkward. This negative response ultimately played a role in the studio’s closure.

Okay, so I’ve been seeing a lot of talk about reboots lately, and honestly, some of them really deserve the criticism they get. But I also think a few were judged way too harshly! I’m curious to hear what everyone else thinks – which reboots do you think really flopped and deserved the hate, and which ones were unfairly criticized? Let’s discuss in the comments!

2026-01-27 10:22