In a time when popular original movies come slowly, old fans share their opinion on anticipated sequels of their favorite cartoons.
In 2024, big movie companies like Disney announced or debuted many fan-favorite movie sequels. Popular movies like Inside Out, Moana, Toy Story, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Kung Fu Panda and Megamind all received a movie or series to continue their story. Now, fans are split between anticipating a continuation of their favorite franchise or dreading a possibly unnecessary sequel. Students share their thoughts on the mixed reception.
Sequels tend to have a bad reputation because people see their poor story quality as a consequence of the company seeing the movie as more of a money maker than a story.
“Movies probably continue for the money or because it has a really high consumer interest,” said Sara Venginickal, a freshman.
Part of the reason why many fans dread a movie sequel is because they love the original work, and they worry that the continuation will ruin an element they enjoyed in the original movie.
“For most movies, the original plotline is fine, and sequels kind of mess with it. Most of the sequels aren’t done well.” junior Sanika Zarkar said.
Sequels are not always received badly. In Toy Story’s case, sequels could further expand the world the characters live in. For students like Zarker, not only would the sequel stabilize the existing world, but it would also give fans more content about their favorite character.
“I am excited for Moana 2 because I really liked the original. And for Inside Out 2, I think there is room for a sequel since Riley is growing. That would be cool to see” Zarkar said.
Sequels are necessary because the original movie either did not have enough time for another arc or actually set aside another arc for a future continuation. In cases like Inside Out 2, there is definitely an opportunity for a completely different story that rightfully uses the same character and setting.
“I think sequels are only necessary if there’s more to a story the writer didn’t have time to write. If you create a sequel where someone else takes the mantle of the protagonist, it should be a different movie,” Junior Jacob Cary said.
Movie sequels can also be seen as stand-alone. Although it will definitely help to watch the preceding movie, each has its own arc to explore. Older movies may be uninteresting to the younger generation as time passes.
“I guess [sequels] are nicer for the younger people like me to see because they probably didn’t see the first one,” Venginickal said.
In writing and producing a continuation of a well-known movie, companies could bring in new fans and introduce them to interesting, already-established characters.
Necessary movie sequels, while it is a constantly discussed topic, can be equally accepted and disagreed upon amongst long time fans.