Why Are Sequels and Remakes More Popular Than Original Stories in the Film Industry?

Disney, famous for its original storytelling, has recently ventured into remaking and re-sequencing their classic tales. This raises the question: why do movie studios, particularly Disney, keep making sequels and remaking older stories instead of creating entirely new narratives?

The Evolution of Disney's Storytelling

Long before they adapted popular fairy tales and classic Disney characters, animated films were not immune to rehashing old stories. Movies like Snow White, derived from the Brothers Grimm tale, were recast time and again, often with minor revisions to spark new interest. Similarly, Disney's modern-day animated films, such as The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin, are all adaptations with varying degrees of success.

Now, Disney has embraced live-action remakes and sequels, using advanced CGI and technology to enhance the storytelling. However, it is essential to recognize that even Disney's initial films were not born in a vacuum. They too were reimaginings and reinterpretations of existing tales, albeit presented in a more accessible and visually appealing format.

The Business Case for Sequels and Remakes

The reasoning behind the preference for sequels and remakes is rooted in financial viability. As a profit-oriented business, Disney understands that sequels and remakes carry a lower risk of financial failure. Many of their biggest hits are sequels and remakes such as the Moonlight franchise, the Star Wars saga, and the Frozen movie, which have consistently attracted audiences and generated significant revenue.

On the other hand, numerous original films from Disney have flopped. For instance, Nutcracker and the Four Realms, A Wrinkle in Time, and The Black Cauldron were major disappointments at the box office. This reality supports the argument that sequels and remakes are less risky and more likely to succeed. However, it is crucial to note that Disney has recently released a higher number of original films like Onward, New Mutants, and The One and Only Ivan in the past year, indicating a shift towards original content.

Shifting Industry Trends

The financial success of sequels and remakes is not exclusive to Disney. Many movie studios are wary of taking risks, especially after a decade of financial losses. Remakes and sequels provide a sense of familiarity and lower the bar for box office success, thus ensuring a safer investment.

Disney's Live-Action Transformation: Part of Disney's strategy involves remaking classic animations and live-action adaptations. However, the outcomes of these projects have been mixed. While some, like Beauty and the Beast, have been successful, others, such as The Black Cauldron, have not. This inconsistency raises the question of why Disney continues with a strategy that has yielded both hits and misses.

The Question of Writer and Producer Quality: Critics often point to the quality of writers and producers as a reason for the failures. The assumption is that these professionals are less competent or that the stories are problems that can be fixed with better marketing or editing. However, many original stories fail, and the quality of the writers and producers should not be solely blamed for this outcome.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach

While it is understandable why studios, including Disney, prefer sequels and remakes due to their financial certainty, it is not an absolute choice. It is clear that both original content and existing franchises have their place in the film industry. Movie studios should seek to balance the creation of new narratives with the audience's familiarity for a more diverse and engaging market.

Disney's continued focus on live-action remakes and sequels is a testament to their business acumen. However, to remain innovative and relevant, they must also invest in original stories, even if there is more inherent risk involved. This balance is vital for both the success of individual films and the long-term health of the industry.