Why Hollywood Continuously Produces Sequels
In the world of Hollywood, sequels are a dime a dozen. Once a formula for making a hit movie succeeds, the studio's push towards sequels becomes almost automatic. This phenomenon is driven primarily by financial motives, but what about from an artistic viewpoint? This article delves into the reasons behind the endless influx of sequels and explores the financial and storytelling dynamics that drive these decisions.
Why Sequels Are Driven by Money
The primary reason behind the proliferation of sequels is money. It's a simple yet crucial business model. Movie production and distribution studios operate with the goal of maximizing profit, and sequels offer a reliable way to do so. Once a film is successful, the story is often repackaged and repromoted to capture the same audience again.
Consider the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as a prime example. When the first MCU movie, Iron Man, and Thor were big hits, plans for numerous sequels were immediately set into motion. The studios had no established story or pre-arranged lead actors; instead, they leveraged the success of the box office results. This approach is reminiscent of another successful strategy: providing "bread and circuses" to the masses to maintain stability. By fulfilling audience expectations with blockbusters, studios ensure a steady stream of viewers.
The shift from artistic storytelling to commercial blockbuster production began in earnest in recent decades. Classics like Vertigo and Citizen Kane have been supplanted by what audiences now crave: action, special effects, and relatable characters. The modern audience demands sequels because these films provide a familiar story structure, where the characters and premises are already known, allowing for immediate identification and engagement.
Unfinished Stories and Continuity
In addition to financial motivation, sequels often serve to further develop the story that wasn't fully told in the original film. Consider the cult classic Trainspotting. While the first movie left many questions unanswered—what happened to Rent, Begbie, and the others?—a sequel can provide these answers and offer closure to the narrative. Sequels can explore the aftermath and long-term impacts of the original story, creating a richer and more complete arc.
In some instances, sequels continue the story in a straightforward manner, as seen with the original Aliens, which directly followed up the events of Alien. These films build on the established universe, providing detailed continuities and ensuring a seamless experience for the returning audience.
However, some sequels are separate stories that intersect with the original narrative, enhancing the overall franchise. For instance, the sequels to Harry Potter and Star Wars both stand on their own while still contributing to the overarching universe. These films are crafted to appeal to both new and existing fans, ensuring a broader and more loyal fanbase.
Exploring the Limits of Storytelling
Another significant factor driving sequels is the sheer size and complexity of some stories. Films like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, with their extensive narratives and epic world-building, became unwieldy to fit into one movie. Splitting them into multiple installments allowed for a more comprehensive and detailed storyline. Similar strategies are employed in series like Game of Thrones and Star Wars, where the rich continuity and deep character arcs demand multiple films or episodes to do justice to the entire story.
Conclusion
While sequels might be seen as a repetition of the same formulas, they serve important functions in both financial and storytelling terms. From providing a steady stream of profitability to offering a deeper, more complete narrative, sequels are a crucial part of the Hollywood film industry. As long as audiences continue to demand more from their favorite franchises, sequels will remain a staple of cinema.