This summer, audiences have returned to the theaters as the major Hollywood studios rolled out 34 new theatrical releases. However, nearly a third of these films were linked to existing franchises. From sequels and prequels to spin-offs, studios have been anxious to resurrect beloved characters. This recycled content strategy is far from a purely creative decision; it is a profitable financial strategy, too, with three of this year’s five films crossing the billion-dollar mark.
The Success of Sequels in Cinema
On the big screen, sequels are driving extraordinary box-office success. Spider-Man: Brand New Day became the third highest-grossing film of all time, generating over $2 billion. Even The Devil Wears Prada 2, whose predecessor came out 20 years earlier, has generated almost $700 million, becoming the sixth highest-grossing film of this year. The financial success of these films has shown that studios no longer need to take creative risks, with nostalgia being the ultimate safety net.
Sentimentality in StreamingÂ
It isn’t just Hollywood studios clinging to existing IP; streaming platforms have been quick to cash in by creating their own reboots of beloved childhood television shows and movies. In July, Netflix released a Little House on the Prairie reboot, which drew in millions of viewers in its first several days. Similarly, HBO has announced a reboot of Harry Potter as a series premiering this December. Executives have displayed a strong sense of confidence in both series, renewing them for a second season before both series’ premiers. An unfortunate consequence of the rise of recycled content in streaming is the siphoning of resources and funding from original, innovative projects.
Why We Long For the Familiar
Studios keep creating recycled content because of their proven profitability, which leaves us with a bigger question: why are we so eager to consume this recycled content? The simple answer is nostalgia. In an era of frightening headlines, it is easy to crave the joyful and carefree world of our childhoods. The well-known figures from our childhood invite us back into a time when the world didn’t feel so scary. Additionally, the rising cost of movies forces us to be more selective about which films we choose to spend our money on. When selecting what tickets to buy, a familiar character or setting can feel like a safer choice. It can be harder to trust in a new movie’s ability to entertain us, and old content, which has entertained us in the past, feels like a safe bet.Â
Reclaiming Originality
Ultimately, Hollywood’s reliance on reboots and sequels is a reflection of our viewing habits. With audiences prioritizing comfort over originality, executives continue greenlighting media with familiar IP. If we want to break this rehash cycle, we must pursue original media. Whether it’s trying out a new series, supporting student filmmakers, attending local film festivals, or championing indie films, we must make a financial investment into novel content. If we want to see original media, we have to show executives it is worth the investment.