Over winter break, theaters were bombarded with the latest movie sequels and prequels. Mufasa, Moana 2 and even Sonic the Hedgehog 3 premiered as people flocked to see the next installment in their favorite series. Similarly, live-action remakes have been populating the ever-growing pool of movies. However, despite their perceived popularity, these tired attempts at new stories simply leech off of the emotional attachment viewers have to old characters.
With seemingly never-ending series, such as Toy Story and Spiderman, producers are showcasing their lack of new ideas. Although ideas are constantly being reused, production companies are still generating millions of dollars off of their desperate attempts to extend a franchise. Even when a series should have ended long ago, supposedly ‘fresh’ additions to old storylines are constantly being added. Toy Story 5, for example, is slated to be released in June of 2026, the next issue in a more than 20-year-old series that has simply gone on for too long.
These tired films continue to hook audiences, not because they actually contribute anything valuable to the plotline, but because viewers cannot resist the urge to see what else is happening in their beloved characters’ lives, and, without new movie releases, people are left salvaging the remains of past successes from what used to be their favorite movie production companies. Each film release provides the opportunity for a dedicated fan to catch up with the adventures happening in the world of Pixar and Dreamworks, and it is an escape from regular life. For older movies, modern remakes offer a feeling of nostalgia, evoking memories of childhood bliss and freedom.
Nevertheless, filmmakers’ insistence on trying (but failing) to revitalize memorable movies leaves the viewer feeling unsatisfied. The series is devalued, and the message is blurred; instead of a singular film emphasizing a certain lesson in the style of Aesop’s fables, a parade of inconsistent narratives confuses audiences who have trouble discerning what the true moral of the story is. Additionally, although they might not recognize it, younger generations’ lack of strong standalone films means that they will have nothing unique to sentimentalize as they grow older.
Some films remain impactful even as they are remade or added to, but the vast majority would benefit from a clear ending. It’s time for production companies to create new movies with original storylines and stop reaching for the same, exhausted movie personalities who have ceased to inspire audiences and now only bore them. Everyone would be thankful — avid movie-goers and weary characters alike.
