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The Story Must Walk On: 3 Crucial Challenges In Making a Great Sequel

Sequels. Hard to avoid, even harder to get right.

By Art-Peeter RoosvePublished 6 years ago 5 min read
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'John Wick: Chapter 2' [Credit: Summit Entertainment]

A good story deserves to be continued. Or perhaps it deserves to be left alone. Whatever one's opinion on the matter, it's safe to say that in nowadays film industry, it will most likely be continued in form of a sequel. And, well, it's not such a bad thing, since we have gotten many worthy continuations of some beloved stories thanks to it. However, needless to say that it has also delivered a fair share of misguided attempts to cash in on a known property, highlighting just how full of perils a quest to make a worthy sequel can be.

So, let's explore this fascinating storytelling challenge by taking a look at three obstacles one must overcome to create a great sequel.

3. Offering What We Loved VS Delivering Something New

'The Hangover Trilogy' [ Warner Bros. Pictures]

Arguably the most common criticism many sequels get is that they're essentially the same movie, just in a slightly altered context (The Hangover Part II) or that they bank too heavily on nostalgia (Jurassic World). Then again, it's also rather common for a sequel to be critcised because it veered too far from the original concept (ironically enough, The Hangover Part III). So, a great sequel has to be something familiar but also new, which can be rather tricky to pull off.

Now, the key here is to understand that offering more of the same shouldn't be taken quite so literally. Thing is, it's really not about recapturing certain story beats or key moments. It's about understanding the themes, ideas, and the spirit of the previous one and then taking it all to new places.

Tears in the rain... again.

'Blade Runner 2049' [Credit:

Sony Pictures Releasing]

A great recent example of it would be Blade Runner 2049. You see, on the one hand, it does its own thing and has its own story to tell. Yet, this sequel also seamlessly continues the first film's exploration of humanity and stays true to its overall tone. In other words, the filmmakers clearly understood the underlying themes of the first one, which in turn gave them the confidence to do something new without the fear of alienating the fans of the original.

On a side note, this need to understand what's really underneath the surface also applies to character development. Otherwise, you're bound to get what I like to call "The Jack Sparrow effect"—a situation where a fascinating character is gradually reduced to a caricature of its former self due to only focusing on the character's trademark quirks.

2. Bigger Isn't Always Better

'The Mummy Returns' [Credit: Universal Pictures]

Another common issue that bugs many sequels (especially action films) down is this false idea that in order to justify its existence, it needs to be bigger and have higher stakes. And, well, while upping the ante is not inherently a bad thing, it can end up producing an oversaturated mess that lacks the style and spirit of its predecessor (The Mummy Returns).

A truly ambitious sequel, however, is the one that dares to go smaller and more personal instead. Simply put, as the universe and characters have already been set up, why not take advantage of it and explore them in a more focused manner. Take Ip Man 3 for example. Following the first two excellent and action packed stories, the third one doesn't even try to out-do them on the action department. Instead, it firmly places the focus on Ip Man's personal struggles and makes the still great action serve it. That, in turn, gives us the most emotionally compelling entry in the series (which is saying something considering it's the third movie).

1. Setting The Sequel Up VS Telling An Alonestanding Story

'Fantastic Four' [Credit: 20th Century Fox]

Often, a sequel is doomed before it's even made, as it can quickly become apparent that there really isn't anything left to explore. Now, the logical way to combat this issue is of course to set the sequel up already within the first movie. However, that can easily backfire, as the filmmaker could lose sight of what should always be his or her's first priority: simply making a good movie. It's a flaw we see more and more of these days and, ironically enough, a guaranteed way to ensure that no sequel will be green-lit (Fantastic Four).

So then, how can one lay the foundations for a potential sequel without sacrificing the integrity of the story that proceeds it? Well, the key here is subtle world-building a'la the John Wick franchise. You see, while the first film simply tells a straightforward revenge story, it also seamlessly introduces us to the hierarchy and rules of the assassin's underworld. Now, what's crucial here is that it never feels as if the filmmakers are trying to set up a sequel. It is simply a way to make the film's universe feel as alive and vibrant as possible. Yet, rather brilliantly, this approach also lays the groundwork for an equally great sequel without even trying.

To Sum Up

'Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult' [Credit: Paramount Pictures]

Filmmaking is essentially an act of capturing lightning in a bottle. Therefore, it makes sense that studios bank so heavily on sequels, as they are proven concepts. However, the reason we flock to see them despite it often going against our better judgement is because of the love, knowledge, and passion we have towards certain properties. And, well, as long as the one's making the sequels share that same passion and put it into a good use, there's a shot at greatness for even the most misguided of studio cash grabs.

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About the Creator

Art-Peeter Roosve

So, to put it simply (and slightly cheesily) I'm fascinated with life. And, well, writing about films, TV shows, video games, music, travelling, philosophy and Formula 1 among other is a fun way to explore it.

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