Do TV and Movie Slot Sequels Really Stack Up?

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-05-15

Light & Wonder's new Netflix-licensed Squid Game sequel has gone down a storm with players. It makes you wonder: do branded slot sequels actually improve on the originals? Or do they sometimes feel like cash grabs that just ride the hype? We at VegasSlotsOnline News compared seven pairs of originals and sequels. We looked at RTP, volatility, features, max wins, player appeal, and overall "stack up" factor. Branded slots often focus on immersive themes over raw math. But some sequels up the volatility, add jackpots, or refine bonus structures. Let's dive into two of the most interesting matchups. ### 1. The Mummy vs. The Mummy: Books of Amun Ra Even if you can't name the director of Universal's 1999 blockbuster, the horror-adventure movie itself is unforgettable. Playtech released its licensed slot in 2014. It has 5x3 reels, 25 paylines, an RTP of 96.8%, and medium volatility. From the start, Playtech nailed it with brilliant sound effects, graphics, and animation. The game is packed with movie clips, expanding wilds, free spins, and nine bonus rounds unlocked through a Lost City Adventure. It's cinematic and feature-stuffed, even today. The sequel, The Mummy: Books of Amun Ra, dropped in 2021. It uses a 5x3 grid with ten paylines, an RTP of 95.97%, high volatility, and a max payout of 10,000x. The graphics pull from The Mummy Returns, but the focus is on the "Book of" mechanic. You get five different free spins options plus expanding symbols. **Verdict:** The sequel stacks up well for high rollers chasing big swings. But the original wins for accessibility and variety, plus a better RTP. Players who love Book-style mechanics will prefer the sequel's volatility. ### 2. WWTBAM Megaways vs. WWTBAM Megapays Who Wants to Be a Millionaire's "call a friend" catchphrase became a global way to ask for advice under pressure. The show first aired in the UK in 1998. Big Time Gaming released Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Megaways in 2018. It has 100 paylines, an RTP of 96.24%, high volatility, and a max win of 50,000x. There's no progressive jackpot, but players can still become millionaires. One European winner pocketed $1,204,454.34 from a $0.60 spin in 2023. The sequel, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Megapays, dropped in 2021. It has an RTP of 96.38%, high volatility, and a max win potential of 72,000x-plus. The big addition is four progressive jackpots and a jackpot overlay that spices up free spins. **Verdict:** WWTBAM Megapays stacks up like a dream. The jackpot overlay introduces massive millionaire-making potential without taking away from the base game's fun. And with a slightly higher RTP, it's a clear winner. ### What Makes a Good Slot Sequel? - **Higher win potential:** Sequels often boost max wins, like the jump from 50,000x to 72,000x in the WWTBAM series. - **Refined mechanics:** Adding jackpots or new bonus rounds can freshen the experience. - **Better volatility:** Some sequels up the volatility for high rollers, though this can alienate casual players. But not every sequel improves on the original. The best ones respect what made the first game great while adding something new. Cash grabs feel lazy and dilute the magic. ### Final Thoughts Branded slot sequels can be hit or miss. The Mummy: Books of Amun Ra works well for risk-takers, but the original is more balanced. WWTBAM Megapays, on the other hand, genuinely improves on its predecessor with jackpots and higher RTP. If you're a fan of TV and movie slots, it's worth checking both versions. You might find that the sequel brings the thrill you're looking for.