Sequelitis: The Rise and Fall of the Hollywood Franchise
In recent years, Hollywood has become increasingly reliant on sequels and franchise films to bring in box office revenues. A sequel, or a film that continues the story of a previous film, has become a common way for studios to capitalize on the success of a hit film. However, this practice has not always been successful, and many film franchises have experienced what has been termed “sequelitis.”
What is Sequelitis?
Sequelitis is a term used to describe the phenomenon in which a film franchise experiences diminishing returns with each subsequent installment. This can manifest in a variety of ways, such as declining box office numbers, negative critical reception, or a general lack of interest from audiences. Sequelitis can occur for a number of reasons, including creative fatigue, audience fatigue, or simply the fact that the original film was a one-off success that cannot be replicated.
The Rise of the Hollywood Franchise
The rise of the Hollywood franchise can be traced back to the success of films like “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” in the 1970s and 1980s. These films proved that there was a massive market for big-budget blockbuster films with well-known characters and established universes. This led to a wave of sequels and franchises in the following decades, with studios churning out film after film in popular series like “Harry Potter,” “The Fast and the Furious,” and “Marvel Cinematic Universe.”
The Fall of the Hollywood Franchise
However, as more and more sequels were released, audiences began to grow weary of the constant barrage of franchise films. Critics and audiences alike began to notice a decline in quality with each subsequent installment, leading to a backlash against Hollywood’s reliance on sequels. This backlash culminated in a number of high-profile franchise failures, such as “Ghostbusters” (2016) and “Terminator: Dark Fate” (2019), which failed to live up to the success of their predecessors.
The Impact of Sequelitis
The impact of sequelitis has been felt across the industry, with studios reevaluating their reliance on sequels and franchises. Many studios have begun to focus more on original films and smaller-scale projects, in an effort to diversify their portfolios and avoid the pitfalls of sequelitis. Additionally, filmmakers and actors have become more wary of signing on for sequels, knowing the risks that come with treading familiar ground.
Navigating Sequelitis
Despite the risks of sequelitis, there are still ways for studios and filmmakers to navigate the treacherous waters of the Hollywood franchise. One key strategy is to focus on quality over quantity, ensuring that each sequel is as well-made and engaging as the original film. Another strategy is to take risks and explore new directions with each sequel, rather than simply rehashing the same formula over and over again.
In conclusion, sequelitis is a real and present danger in the world of Hollywood franchises. While sequels can be a lucrative business for studios, they also come with inherent risks that can lead to diminishing returns and audience fatigue. By being mindful of these risks and taking steps to avoid them, studios and filmmakers can continue to create successful and engaging franchise films for years to come.