Déjà Vu: A 20-something’s Childhood Returns

“Finding Nemo” (2003)/“Finding Dory” (2016)

Pixar’s “Finding Nemo” takes fans under the sea to a journey of self-discovery between sea creatures. Each character in the movie goes on a personal journey, and fans can identify with at least one of the main characters’ stories.

For sophomore Laura Ullom, Dory’s struggle with self-confidence is most relatable.

“I really relate the most to Dory,” Ullom said. “I can be really scatterbrained and really forgetful about things. But Dory knows that about herself, and she is willing to work through that. She focuses on helping others despite her insecurities.”

Ullom said she hopes the spinoff “Finding Dory” (expected June 17, 2016) will pick up the character development where the first movie left off.

“I’m hoping that they will use the same characters we know to tell a new story that we fall in love with,” she said.

“Full House” (1987-1995)/“Fuller House” (2016)

At one point or another, most of today’s 20-somethings wanted to be a part of the Tanner family with all of their quirks and laughter. This ABC sitcom followed the non-traditional Tanner family as widower Danny Tanner (Bob Saget) raises his three daughters with the help of his brother-in-law, Jesse (John Stamos), and best friend, Joey Gladstone (Dave Coulier). Throughout the series each character goes through big moments, such as uncle Jesse getting married, and simpler moments like DJ’s (Candace Cameron Bure) first kiss.

“My favorite memory of ‘Full House’ was on my 13th birthday,” junior Amelia Walker said. “The first thing I did was turn on ‘Full House’ and it was the episode of DJ’s 13th birthday. At the end of that episode she got her first kiss, and I was so excited because I totally thought that would happen to me.”

Dedicated fans of the show eagerly anticipate being reunited with these beloved characters. The spin-off, “Fuller House,” is a Netflix original series and will follow the life of DJ Tanner and her three sons. Season one of “Fuller House” hits Netflix Feb. 26, 2016.

“Gilmore Girls” (2000-2007)/ “Gilmore Girls” (date unknown)

The struggles and triumphs of Lorelai and Rory resonated with many young girls during this CW drama’s lifetime. “Gilmore Girls” follows the lives of Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and her daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel) as they make their way through life in the small town of Stars Hollows. Senior Allison Sapp said “Gilmore Girls” gave her a solid female role model while she was growing up.

“Rory was my hero,” Sapp said. “She was quiet, and she was smart. She wasn’t like every other girl on television who was boy crazy. She wasn’t even concerned with it for a very long time.”

Fans are anticipating the “Gilmore Girls” revival in hopes that they will receive some long-awaited answers to their burning questions. The series finale left fans questioning the romantic fates of both Lorelai and Rory. Will Lorelai and Luke (Scott Patterson) finally get married? Who will Rory choose?

“I need Lorelai and Luke to be together,” Sapp said. “Lorelai needs Luke to balance her out. He’s more cautious, and she’s just all over the place. So, they just need to be together.”

Filming began in February 2016 for the Netflix return series of “Gilmore Girls,” but no official release date has yet been stated.

“Harry Potter” Series (1998-2007)/Book 8: “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” (2016)

J. K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series carries fans off into a world of magic and adventure. The books follow young Harry’s journey as a wizard destined to be great, but soon an eighth book will be released picking up a storyline 19 years after that of the seventh novel.

Though not a traditional book, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” is set to be released July 31, 2016, as the script of the stage play opening the day before in London, England.

Junior Alathea Westbrook said that since the eighth novel is a “script book” that will be a collaboration of Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, she is nervous the series’ original voice may be lost.

“I’m excited because I have heard about the play and want to see how the story progresses,” Westbrook said. “I’m a little apprehensive about whether it is going to feel the same or feel different.”

Rowling’s ability to create both complex and realistic characters was what drew Westbrook to the series.

“This series had three-dimensional characters – the good guys aren’t always good,” Westbrook said. “They were able to show friends that struggled at different points. Not all the friends were always friends with each other, but they were able to work through that.”

“Boy Meets World” (1993-2000)/“Girl Meets World” (2014-2016)

Fans of this Disney-ABC Domestic Television sitcom grew up alongside the show’s lead Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) as he navigated his way through middle school, high school, college and married life. The show follows Cory as he learns everyday life lessons from his family, friends and beloved history teacher, Mr. Feeny.

After the series’ end with Cory and Topanga (Danielle Fishel) happily married and headed to New York, dedicated fans were left wondering what new adventures awaited them. However, all the questions were soon answered in June 2014 when the Disney Channel released the series sequel “Girl Meets World,” which follows the story of Cory and Topanga’s daughter Riley.

“The show brings back a lot of the original characters for the dedicated fans,” sophomore Laura Ullom said. “They actually get into the changes in middle school, which is a really murky area.”

“Girl Meets World” has been praised for taking on controversial issues such as faith, gender roles and politics.

“They almost preach to the audience in a way, yet they really leave it up for the audience to decide for themselves,” Ullom said. “One episode deals with politics, and it really gets into even students’ responsibility in politics. Even though we can’t vote, we can still be involved and start forming our opinions now.”

“Girl Meets World” will wrap up its second season March 11, 2016.

“My Big Fat Greek Wedding” (2002)/“My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” (2016)

Everyone seems to be able to relate to Toula Portokalos’ (Nia Vardalos) feelings of embarrassment when it comes to family. HBO Films’ “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” tells Toula’s story as she attempts to develop a relationship with Ian, a non-Greek, while keeping her large, proud Greek family happy. The Portokalos’ eccentric behavior and quirky personalities gave fans many quotable one-liners – from believing in the healing powers of Windex to eating no meat.

The sequel will follow Ian and Toula’s daughter as she prepares for the wedding of her dreams. Junior Amelia Walker, a fan of the original film, said she is apprehensive that the sequel will be too similar to the original story.

“I (am) worried that it will be the same girl marries a non-Greek and the family freaks out (storyline),” Walker said. “Either way it will still be funny, because the original cast will be back.”

“My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” hits theatres March 25, 2016.

Emily Day is a junior journalism major and arts & entertainment editor for Cedars. She is an avid reader, runner and is a general Disney enthusiast.