This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
Sequel (from English. sequel) — it continuation an already existing story in a book, film, series, game or other work. Its goal is — to develop the plot, characters or world that was introduced earlier.
For example, if in the first film the hero experienced certain adventures, then the sequel shows what happens after those events. This can be as a direct chronological continuation (for example) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets after Philosophical stone), and the expansion of the universe with new characters, but in the same reality.
So, the sequel — is a continuation of the story that develops what was laid in the previous work.
There are also prequels — works that show the events that took place before the original story.
Term "sequel" (eng. sequel) is of Latin origin — from the word sequi, which means "follow" or "go after". In literature and drama, the word sequel it existed since the 17th century, but in a rather narrow sense — as a further development of the previous story.
However, in the sense in which we use it today —, that is, as the name of a separate work that is a continuation of another (in particular, in films, series, books, video games) —, the word "sequel" became widely used in the 20th century, especially with the development of the film industry.
IN 1920–1930s sequel films were already appearing in Hollywood, but were not often referred to as "sequel" at the time.
IN 1950–1960s the term is gradually coming into use in film reviews and criticism.
IN 1970s and 80s <TAG1> after the commercial success of films such as Jaws (1975) and Star Wars (1977), — sequels became a mass phenomenon, and the word sequel <TAG1> commonly used in culture.
IN 1990s and 2000s it is also distributed in the world of books, video games and even music albums.
Sequels are both artistic (conceived by the author) and commercial (created due to the success of the first part). Often they have a number in the name (for example) Terminator 2), but not necessarily.
Artistic sequels — a sequel created from a creative need to develop a story or characters:
- "The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers" (2002) — sequel to The Fellowship of the Ring, based on Tolkien's literary work; conceived as a single epic story in several parts.
- "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" (2002) — logical continuation of the book series J. K. Rowling.
- "Before sunset" (2004) — sequel "Before Dawn", filmed 9 years later with profound changes in the lives of the characters; conceived as part of a creative dialogue between the director and the actors.
- "Toy Story 2" (1999) — although Disney/Pixar might have made a sequel for profit reasons, the film itself develops deeply the theme of friendship, identity and fear of being forgotten.
Commercial sequels — are created mainly because of the financial success of the first part:
- "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" (2007) — is the third film made after the wild popularity of the first parts, with an emphasis on scale and box office.
- "Fast and Furious 9" (2021) — is part of an ultra-successful franchise where the plot takes a back seat to effects, stunt tricks and branding.
- "Final destination 5" (2011) — continuation built on repeating the same formula for a stable return.
- "Minions" (and their sequels) <TAG1> is a side branch of "Despicable Me" created mainly for the sale of goods, toys and marketing purposes.
Most sequels have both creative and commercial motives, but their balance can be very different. An artistic sequel is usually deeper, more logical and has a creative justification. Commercial is often aimed at repeating success, even if the plot looks far-fetched.
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