Cressida, Eloise, Hyacinth: Who Is Bridgerton’s Next Lady Whistledown?

The following contains spoilers for Bridgerton season 4. One of the most unexpected twists in Bridgerton season 4 was Penelope’s decision to retire as the infamous Lady Whistledown. Her decision makes a certain amount of sense, if only because she’s so happily settled in her own personal life. But the ton abhors a vacuum, and […]

The post Cressida, Eloise, Hyacinth: Who Is Bridgerton’s Next Lady Whistledown? appeared first on Den of Geek.

Hollywood often bets big on a single film, hoping it will ignite a long running franchise. Some movies deliver solid performances, memorable characters, or iconic visuals, but fail to spark sequels or shared universes. Reasons vary. Poor box office returns, creative disagreements, or bad timing can all squash the “next” MCU. These films leave behind glimpses of potential, sometimes cultivating cult followings or inspiring fan speculation about what could have been. The movies below represent ambitious launches that didn’t evolve into multi-part sagas, serving as a reminder that even promising beginnings don’t always guarantee a cinematic legacy. Even if it has super heroes.

Sky High (2005)

A teen superhero comedy with a unique premise and likable characters, originally planned to start a Disney superhero franchise that never materialized.

cnx.cmd.push(function() {
cnx({
playerId: “106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530”,

}).render(“0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796”);
});

The Golden Compass (2007)

Despite high production values and a popular book series, controversy and lukewarm reception halted plans for a trilogy.

John Carter (2012)

Disney’s epic adaptation of a classic sci-fi novel was intended to kick off a franchise, but poor box office returns ended further installments.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013)

Targeted at young adult audiences, it was meant to start a film series, but underperformance and production issues stopped the saga.

Jupiter Ascending (2015)

The Wachowskis’ ambitious space opera was positioned as the beginning of a franchise, yet mixed reviews and box office struggles prevented sequels.

The Last Airbender (2010)

Based on a beloved animated series, it was intended to launch a trilogy, but critical backlash ended franchise plans.

Green Lantern (2011)

A DC Comics adaptation that aimed to start a superhero universe, but poor reception and financial losses cancelled follow-ups.

Cowboys & Aliens (2011)

A genre-blending blockbuster meant to open a franchise, yet it failed to gain traction with audiences and critics alike.

Eragon (2006)

The adaptation of the popular YA fantasy book series was intended to be the first in a film series, but the disappointing reception ended those plans.

Fantastic Four (2015)

Rebooted to launch a new cinematic universe, this version’s critical and commercial failure prevented sequels and franchise expansion.

R.I.P.D. (2013)

Based on a comic book series, this supernatural buddy-cop movie was intended to start a franchise, but underwhelming box office numbers ended the plans.