A number of new movies are expected to come out this year, especially after so many were postponed last year, and familiar characters should be expected with some major sequels and prequels.

Eddie Murphy is coming to America – again, 33 years after the original. The sequel to the 1980s comedy classic starring the longtime New Jersey resident is set to stream on Amazon Prime in March.

"Most Americans are familiar with the brand name associated with these films, so I'm sure that they will generate interest just in that level,” says Al Nigrin.

Nigrin is a Rutgers film professor and founder of the New Jersey International Film Festival. He says sequels in popular franchises such as Top Gun: Maverick, starring Tom Cruise, later this summer could help studios and movie theaters bounce back from COVID-19 related losses.

One of the most anticipated prequels in years, the Sopranos prequel, "The Many Saints Of Newark", which was shot largely in New Jersey, is scheduled for streaming and theatrical release in March.