There are many cases where sequels do not do justice to the films they follow. But some hold their own and are better than the original films in the series. In any case, memorable characters tend to produce sequels that lend credibility to bad movies and amplify the already strong product. Here’s a look at some of the better characters featured in film sequences and originals in chronological order. We have taken some liberties with that.
Young Vito Corleone (“The Godfather II,” 1974)
In this successful sequel in New York City, Robert De Niro portrays the legend Don Vito Corleone as he assembles a family business empire. We meet the character in the original for the first time with the legendary Marlon Brando in the role. Even if Lando cannot always be trusted (at least not in his first appearance in the film), he is a reliable customer. He won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his sensational performance.
It’s a shame he doesn’t have a six-pack waiting for Han Solo and co. When they land in Cloud City.
Lando Calrissian (“The Empire Strikes Back,” 1980)
The original owner of the Millennium Falcon, Lando, was hired by the sinister Darth Vader to capture Han Solo. We meet Lando in the special edition of A New Hope, but in the original version of the trilogy, we don’t get to see him in Empire. The brightest moment of Lando comes in Return of the Jedi when his character is responsible for destroying the Death Star.
Boba Fett (“The Empire Strikes Back,” 1980)
So Han takes revenge in Return of the Jedi. While Boba Fett doesn’t say much about the characters, he exudes a villainous coolness and has become a favorite of Star Wars diehards over the years. We learn more about him and his upbringing in Episode II: Attack of the Clones from 2002. Another less popular character featured in the sequel is Yoda.
Yoda (“The Empire Strikes Back,” 1980)
Jedi Master, who trained a young Luke Skywalker, is a respected general in the Clone Army and one of the most brilliant men in the Star Wars franchise. Because of his age (he died as a Jedi at the age of 900) and small stature, Yoda is a powerful character in a galaxy far, far away, and fearless.
Khan Noonien Singh (“Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” 1982)
One of the sequels most Star Trek fans agree on was better than the original 1979 Star Trek movie. There is much to like about the character of Khan, a villain reinforced by Ricardo Montalban, who seems more interested in wrestling down a James T. Kirk than anything else. Khan remains one of the most memorable sci-fi villains ever.
Bishop (“Aliens,” 1986)
It takes a little while for heroine Ripley to get used to and trust the android Bishop (Lance Henriksen). In the end, it’s the bishops “sacrifice that saves Ripley and her childhood friend Newt. There are many great characters in Aliens, but Bill Paxton as the big-mouthed Hudson is one, and his overall contribution to the plot makes him a must-have on this list.
Leo Getz (“Lethal Weapon 2,” 1989)
Mel Gibson and Danny Glover had a good time in the first part of this buddy action-comedy. Throw a guy like Joe Pesci into the mix, and things get even better. Joe Pesci’s Getz is a vulnerable federal witness, and though the two main characters are annoying and obnoxious, we expected Pesci’s role to shine.
T-1000 (“Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” 1991)
We don’t know if he looks exactly like the original Sarah Connor, who was crushed in the first. This version is much more advanced and deadly than its current opponents and has the compassion to protect rather than kill. He turns out to be a handful for Schwarzenegger’s T-800 Sarah (John Connor). He’s unstoppable, at least we thought. While Sarah Connor has been linked to Terminator Robert Patrick, this sequel version seems to be even deadlier.
Death (“Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey,” 1991)
This is one of the creepiest and deadliest action movies of all time. It is essential never to take the story of Bill and Ted too seriously. The Melvins are playing a family game, so Bill and Ted’s interactions are ridiculous and hilarious. If someone knocked on their door and they had to retrieve their souls, it would be even more humorous.
