that remakes are the new 'in' thing. studios have finally realised that they can no longer milk sequels endlessly, and have had the original idea that remaking* things endlessly instead will go a little better.

http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/166239/55_movie_remakes_currently_in_the_works.html

* a caveat, i have no problem with remaking things that did badly the first time around, but what's the point of remaking popular films other than milking the franchise for money.