The Ruin of Original Films by Prequels: The Examples from 'Alien' and 'Star Wars'

Prequels often present an opportunity for filmmakers to explore the origins of beloved franchises, providing fans with additional context and backstory. However, in some instances, these prequels can end up destroying the integrity and enjoyment of the original films. Take, for example, the Alien and Star Wars franchises, where prequels were far from a remedy but more of a liability.

The Alien Franchise: From Good to Bad Via Prometheus and Alien: Covenant

The Alien franchise began as a masterpiece, offering a brutal and thrilling tale of a space station attacked by an alien creature. However, the film's success led the creators to take unnecessary risks with follow-ups. Prometheus seemed like a promising continuation, but regrettably, it strayed off the beaten path. While it offered moments of excitement, especially in the action sequences, the decision to go in a different direction to prepare for more prequels ultimately undermined the film's cohesiveness.

Alien: Covenant took things a step further, nearly eradicating the continuity established in the original films. The ending of Covenant was particularly egregious, as it took a sharp turn for the worse. Instead of building on the established mythology, it deviated from it, making it difficult for viewers to follow the narrative. This decision not only damaged the franchise but also diminished the impact of the original Alien and Alien: Resurrection.

Star Wars: A Disastrous Shift from Naboo to Alderaan

Step into the Star Wars saga, where the introduction of prequels brought massive changes to the original films. One of the most controversial changes was the portrayal of Jabba the Hutt. In the original trilogy, Jabba was a menacingly cell model operated by humans, but in the prequels, he was transformed into a CGI creature. The transition was poorly executed, and the CGI Jabba looked starkly different and less convincing than the original. For instance, Han Solo's walk on Jabba's tail in The Empire Strikes Back and The Return of the Jedi seemed smoother and more natural than the one depicted in the prequels. The transition to CGI was so jarring that it tarnished the magic and realism that made the original Jabba such a memorable antagonist.

Additionally, the introduction of minority characters, such as Jar Jar Binks, was seen as another misstep. His presence in the prequels was often awkward and led to a less immersive experience for viewers. The prequels might have aimed to diversify the franchise, but the execution was far from perfect, ultimately detracting from the enjoyment of the original films. Imagine Jar Jar Binks as a floating hologram instead – it would have been more acceptable and less distracting than the heavy reliance on CGI and unnecessary over-the-top dialogue.

Conclusion: Prequels Should Enhance, Not Ruin, Original Art

Prequels can become a boon or a bane for movie franchises. While they offer new insights and enrich the overall narrative, they should not come at the cost of the original films' integrity and audience enjoyment. The Alien and Star Wars franchises were good enough on their own. The introduction of prequels should have enhanced these stories rather than detracting from them. Filmmakers need to strike a delicate balance, ensuring that they respect and stay true to the original vision while providing novel experiences for new audiences.

When it comes to creating prequels, it's crucial to remember that they are meant to build upon and complement the original work, not overshadow it. By learning from the experiences of these franchises, we can better understand the importance of maintaining a consistent and coherent narrative that honors both the past and the new elements being introduced.

Remember, a prequel is a supplement, not a replacement. Let's strive for prequels that enrich the franchise while maintaining the essence of the original works. After all, the best prequels should stand the test of time and add value to the overall narrative rather than diminishing it.