This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
Sequel (from English sequel) is a continuation of an existing story in a book, movie, series, game, or other work. Its purpose is to develop the plot, characters, or world that was previously presented.
For example, if in the first movie the hero experienced certain adventures, the sequel shows what happens after those events. This can be a direct chronological continuation (for example, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets after The Philosopher's Stone), or an expansion of the universe with new characters, but in the same reality.
Thus, a sequel is a continuation of the story that develops what was laid out in the previous work.
There are also prequels — works that show events that occurred before the original story.
The term "sequel" (English sequel) has Latin origins — from the word sequi, which means "to follow" or "to go after." In literature and drama, the word sequel has existed since the 17th century, but in a rather narrow sense — as a further development of the previous narrative.
However, in the sense in which we use it today — that is, as the title of a separate work that is a continuation of another (particularly 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 the 1920s–1930s, Hollywood already saw the emergence of sequel films, but they were not often called "sequel" at that time.
In the 1950s–1960s, the term gradually entered usage in film reviews and criticism.
In the 1970s and 80s — after the commercial success of films like Jaws (1975) and Star Wars (1977) — sequels became a mass phenomenon, and the word sequel became commonly used in culture.
In the 1990s and 2000s, it also spread in the world of books, video games, and even music albums.
Sequels can be both artistic (conceived by the author) and commercial (created due to the success of the first part). They often have a number in the title (for example, Terminator 2), but not necessarily.
Artistic sequels — continuations created out of a creative need to develop the story or characters:
- "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" (2002) — a continuation of "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) — a logical continuation of the book series by J.K. Rowling.
- "Before Sunset" (2004) — a continuation of "Before Sunrise," filmed 9 years later with deep changes in the characters' lives; conceived as part of a creative dialogue between the director and the actors.
- "Toy Story 2" (1999) — although the Disney/Pixar studio could have made a sequel for profit reasons, the film itself deeply develops the themes of friendship, identity, and the fear of being forgotten.
Commercial sequels — created mainly due to the financial success of the first part:
- "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" (2007) — the third film made after the insane popularity of the first parts, focusing on scale and box office.
- "F9" (2021) — part of the hugely successful franchise, where the plot takes a back seat compared to effects, stunts, and branding.
- "Final Destination 5" (2011) — a continuation built on repeating the same formula for stable profit.
- "Minions" (and their sequels) — a spin-off from "Despicable Me," created primarily for merchandise, toys, and marketing purposes.
Most sequels have both creative and commercial motives, but their balance can vary greatly. An artistic sequel is usually deeper, more logical, and has a creative justification. A commercial one, on the other hand, often aims to repeat success, even if the plot seems contrived.
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