Guy Ritchie, master of the one-and-done franchise

Guy Ritchie has repeatedly launched films that promise franchise potential but rarely lead to follow-ups. King Arthur: Legend of the Sword was announced as the first of a six-movie cycle yet grossed less than half of Tom Cruise’s The Mummy and ended on an unfinished Round Table; The Man from U.N.C.L.E., released just before King Arthur, built a cult audience around Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer but never became an ongoing series.

Even after a billion-dollar Aladdin remake that seemed to open a path to sequels, Ritchie moved on without a follow-up, and his Sherlock Holmes pairing with Robert Downey Jr. stalled after one sequel as Downey’s commitments shifted toward Marvel. What distinguishes Ritchie is his knack for giving audiences a satisfying experience while leaving them wanting more.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

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