I would be fine without a full-on open world, maybe a bit more content and larger maps than in VTMB (I always thought the Santa Monica map could have been larger and more expansive).
The writing, world-building and ambience must be top notch in a sequel to VTMB.
It’s no open world. But there are hubs, often there are multiple ways to finish a quest and there are quest lines that are limited by your skill and clans selection.
Supposedly the first studio failed to make a fun game and they had to restart with The Chinese Room (Dear Esther, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs, Still Wakes the Deep).
I think they are on track with it, but we got to wait longer.
I only watched the first 2 movies back in the day. They were OK, but I never felt the need to watch them again (or the desire to watch the later ones).
IANAL, but IMO there is no confusion between an MMO guild management game and a marvel comic book concept. But then again, I would never trust an American court in such situations.
I am biased, but an Underground 3 (with no MTX) with a well written storyline but with lots additional open world gameplay would be a return to form for NFS.