Back in 2015, Hollywood experienced a landmark year, leaving a lasting impact that resonates even a decade later. The landscape of this era was so influential that many studios find themselves anchored in its nostalgia, with blockbusters from that time period still dominating. As we anticipate the next Jurassic World, a fresh Superman reboot, and yet another iteration of the Fantastic Four, it raises the question: how long can the film industry sustain itself on the echoes of the past?
The year 2019 stood as a close to an era. We all vividly recall what came in early 2020, but the concluding year of the 2010s also marked the perceived curtain call for legendary franchises such as Game of Thrones, the MCU, and Star Wars. Yet, that wasn’t exactly the end. A mix of pandemic aftershocks, market instability, and an industry hesitant to embrace the new has led Hollywood to cling to tried-and-true formulas. This reliance suggests they might ride these waves until the well truly runs dry.
In truth, what’s beloved rarely fades away entirely when it has once tasted major success. This cycle isn’t new, and as discussions about ‘oversaturation’ of intellectual properties increase, they highlight an inundation of once-loved narratives, now risking fatigue. With faster production and distribution schedules, the chances of missteps also rise. Consider the recent blows to Marvel Studios’ credibility or the collective shrug towards the Star Wars universe, even with a few D+ series managing to strike a chord.
Consider the first Mad Max spinoff, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, released last year. It didn’t quite ignite the sparks Fury Road did back in 2015. Similarly, 2023’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny passed almost unnoticed, not resonating with younger audiences who largely aren’t enamored by Indiana Jones. The Flash had a similar fate, heavily leaning on nostalgia with a nostalgic Batman, but that meant little to younger viewers. These days, appealing solely to older fans and niche crowds just doesn’t pack theaters.
Yet, nostalgia often delivers, like the 2022 release of Jurassic World: Dominion raked in over a billion dollars despite poor reviews. This financial success fueled Universal’s quick leap into a ‘new era’ for the franchise. The strategy? Strip it back to familiar territory, particularly after some Jurassic fans found Colin Trevorrow’s bold directions beyond 2015 a bit overwhelming. Will it work again? Quite possibly, since audiences still revel in dinosaurs, and the ‘old mixed with a taste of novelty’ approach has seen success, as proven by last year’s Alien: Romulus.
Enter Disney and Marvel Studios with the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot. Arriving a decade after the last attempt, this project is a priority following Disney’s acquisition of Fox’s library. Third time’s the charm, they say, but Disney’s betting heavily on this, especially since the MCU struggles to regain its previous glory even after the notable success of the nostalgic Deadpool and Wolverine return. Set against a retro alternate-universe Space Race backdrop, it might signal the way Hollywood plans to navigate post-Multiverse Saga by 2027, moving past today’s polarizing progressive characters.
Elsewhere in the cinematic universe, projects like How To Train Your Dragon’s live-action remake seem to offer little that’s new, while Disney apparently prepares to repeat its strategies with live-action versions of Snow White and Lilo & Stitch. Meanwhile, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning attempts wrapping up Ethan Hunt’s saga, albeit likely not the franchise itself, and a Minecraft movie is surprisingly on the horizon, more than ten years post-its initial buzz. Collectively, these reflect the ‘slop era’—where intellectual property (IP) trumps innovation. You can hunt for new concepts, but high-concept originals are working in thin air these days.
James Cameron is a different story with the third Avatar film underway. Standing out for not relying on an out-of-steam IP or second-hand adaptation, Avatar seems fresh. Yet, remember, by the time the sequel drops, the original Avatar will be 16 years old itself, hinting at nostalgia’s creeping hold. Love them or not, credit where it’s due—Cameron and his team craft these films with a vision that makes waves.
Many of us are, admittedly, eagerly awaiting these releases, for varied reasons—the hope that creativity might breathe fresh life into narratives that have faded over time. It’s a mindset that often yields little delights, blending optimism with realism. Yet, there remains a yearning for unforeseen triumphs, those unexpected gems like Jordan Peele’s projects or Ryan Coogler’s Sinners.
Surprisingly, Predator is poised for exciting storytelling, courtesy of 2022’s Prey and the intriguing potential of Badlands. Star Wars might still have hope with innovative ideas like a post-Skywalker saga led by Rey, or exploring the very genesis of the Jedi Order and the Force. Until then, expect more epic space dogfights with X-wings and Imperial debris.
As we move forward in this challenging global climate, it’s likely people will increasingly seek the escapism films offer. But as much as they provide solace, these narratives mustn’t shy away from addressing current realities or from pushing the envelope incrementally towards a more promising future.
The dilemma now is whether Hollywood is navigating its way forward cautiously or backing away from both past and future shadows. For now, it seems those footing the bills in pop culture have their strategy—but perhaps it’s time for a change. Your move, Hollywood.
