Back in 2015, Hollywood had a standout year, leaving a massive impact on pop culture that still resonates a decade later. It was such a pivotal time that many studios find it difficult to move beyond the era’s nostalgic revivals and blockbuster franchises. As we gear up for another Jurassic World, yet another Superman reboot, and the Fantastic Four’s return, you have to wonder how long Hollywood can survive on its past successes.
The year 2019 felt like the conclusion of a cinematic chapter. We all remember what followed in early 2020, but 2019 also seemed to mark the end for giant franchises like Game of Thrones, the MCU, and Star Wars… or so we thought. Despite some credible efforts to ignite new movie and TV franchises, challenges like the pandemic, economic uncertainty, and a hesitation to break new ground have left Hollywood falling back on familiar, marketable hits until they’re completely worn out.
Let’s be real, a mega-success is never gone for long. This pattern has been common for ages, but when the buzzword ‘saturation’ gets thrown around today, it refers to an overload of something people once adored. The fast-paced production and rollout mean ample room for error. Just glance at the recent feedback surrounding Marvel Studios or the lukewarm reception of Star Wars, despite a few hit series on Disney+.
Take some recent examples: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, the first-ever Mad Max spinoff, didn’t spark the fervor that Fury Road did back in 2015. Similarly, 2023 saw Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny barely register in pop culture because the new generations aren’t really invested in the character. The Flash floundered, heavily banking on the return of a version of Batman that doesn’t resonate with today’s youth. Appealing to a more mature audience or hardcore fans isn’t the ticket to box office success.
Nonetheless, nostalgia still cashes in big time. Jurassic World: Dominion, despite terrible reviews, raked in over a billion dollars, motivating Universal to fast-track a ‘new era’ for the franchise without much of a breather. Is burnout inevitable? Well, returning to roots might just work. After fans weren’t too thrilled with Colin Trevorrow’s daring twists after 2015’s Jurassic World, embracing familiar themes might just pay off again. After all, audiences do dig dinosaurs, and a touch of novelty did the trick for 2022’s Alien: Romulus.
Marvel Studios is also banking on nostalgia with its Fantastic Four reboot, coming ten years after the last failed attempt to revive the franchise. As Disney faces challenges in getting the MCU back on track—despite recent wins with Deadpool & Wolverine, largely due to nostalgia—this reboot carries high expectations. Its retro alternate-universe Space Race setting holds dual significance, particularly as the newer, more progressive Marvel characters haven’t quite hit the mark, potentially pointing to a new direction post-Multiverse Saga by 2027.
Elsewhere, we’ve got the live-action How To Train Your Dragon adding to the mix of much the same, with Disney likely offering similar takes for Snow White and Lilo & Stitch. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning looks to wrap up Ethan Hunt’s storyline but probably not the franchise, and the Minecraft movie lands quite tardily over a decade late. These aren’t isolated cases. Though not every release will flop, this is what people mean by the ‘slop era’ where existing IPs rule the roost. Sure, you can still find fresh ‘ingredients’ elsewhere, but truly unique blockbusters are rare.
In this jumble, James Cameron’s third Avatar installment might be considered ‘fresh,’ as it sidesteps rehashing worn-out IP or awkward adaptations of games or comics. Yet, with the original Avatar turning 16 by the sequel’s release, even these films tap into nostalgia now. Personally, I adore these movies and appreciate the unique efforts to make them stand out, but nostalgia has undeniably crept in.
I won’t hide my excitement; I’m eagerly awaiting many releases, probably for different reasons—hoping creative minds will revitalize stories and worlds that used to captivate us. It’s a stance that often pays off for me, being the optimist I am. Still, I crave surprising blockbusters that defy expectations, akin to Jordan Peele’s work or Ryan Coogler’s Sinners.
Oddly enough, the Predator franchise is branching out with fresh tales while pleasing long-time fans, as seen in 2022’s Prey and the upcoming Badlands. There’s even a glimpse of hope for Star Wars, with forward-thinking ideas like a post-Skywalker Saga movie led by Rey or a prequel exploring the Jedi Order’s origins. Until these bold concepts materialize, expect more familiar X-wings and Imperial scuffles.
As we tread further into the decade amid global uncertainties, people might flock to movies and TV for comfort and diversion. This has always been the essence of popular entertainment. Still, it’s crucial that these mediums not shy away from current issues and instead aim to gradually lead us toward a brighter future.
Right now, it feels like we’re afloat, uncertain if we’re more intimidated by the past or the future. As for the folks financing these big productions, their strategy seems clear-cut. The next move is in their hands.
