In the current state of Hollywood, it feels like every major movie studio is riding the wave of sequels, reboots, and spin-offs. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with revisiting beloved stories, the industry’s reliance on recycling old ideas is starting to take a toll—not just on the creative landscape but on the future of the entertainment industry itself. Legendary director Quentin Tarantino, a prominent voice in cinema, exemplified this sentiment when he openly expressed his reluctance to watch Toy Story 4. His reason? The third installment already offered the perfect conclusion.
Speaking on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, Tarantino explained, “In the case of Toy Story, the third one is just magnificent… You literally ended the story as perfect as you could, so no, I don’t care if it’s good. I’m done.” This captures the essence of Hollywood’s current dilemma. When a story reaches its natural conclusion and is revisited solely for the purpose of capitalizing on its existing audience, it often feels redundant and uninspired. So, what’s the solution? Hollywood needs to start taking risks on new IPs—stories that not only resonate with audiences but also have the potential to grow organically over time.
The Sequel Trap: More for the Pockets, Less for the People
The announcement of Toy Story 4 was met with both excitement and skepticism. After all, Toy Story 3 was widely seen as the perfect send-off for Woody, Buzz, and the gang. The ending was heartfelt, emotional, and satisfying. Bringing the story back after that felt unnecessary to many, including Tarantino. And while Toy Story 4 was a commercial success, it left some fans feeling that it diluted the impact of the previous film’s poignant farewell.
This points to a broader issue in Hollywood—rather than focusing on new ideas or narratives, studios are often content with sticking to what’s “safe.” A sequel guarantees built-in audiences, established marketing strategies, and higher chances of financial success. But is this really what audiences want? Or are we simply being served reheated leftovers because it’s easier to market an old favorite than take a gamble on something fresh?
The Missed Opportunity: Long-Form Storytelling
While Toy Story 4 might have been a financial hit, it could have taken a different path—a more thoughtful, long-term approach that considered the audience’s investment in these characters. Instead of providing an unnecessary sequel, Disney and Pixar might have explored new ways to engage with the Toy Story universe, such as a long-form series or even successful video game adaptations. While attempts were made with a Toy Story game, it received mixed reviews, failing to add meaningful value to the franchise. Had the game been a success, it could have catapulted the IP to new heights and explored new storylines without undoing the beautiful ending of Toy Story 3.
This is where Hollywood could learn from examples like Star Wars and Pokémon—franchises that have navigated the waters of long-form storytelling with varying degrees of success. Star Wars has had its share of hits and misses, but through shows like The Mandalorian, it has shown that long-form narratives allow for rich world-building, character development, and creative expansion beyond the boundaries of the original films.
And then there’s Pokémon, the world’s largest IP, valued at over $100 billion. What makes Pokémon such a juggernaut is its adaptability. The brand continues to thrive by evolving into new forms—whether through games, animated series, or merchandise—while still respecting its core identity. The consistent release of new games, new stories, and new characters keeps fans invested for the long haul.
Learning from the Titans: Taking Risks on New IPs
Hollywood’s obsession with milking franchises for all they’re worth may pay off in the short term, but it’s not a sustainable strategy for the future. Audiences are growing tired of reboots and sequels that don’t offer anything new or meaningful. If studios want to avoid the grim future of layoffs, budget cuts, and box office flops, they need to start thinking long-term.
This doesn’t mean abandoning established franchises altogether. Rather, it’s about balancing the scales. Hollywood can learn from the success of Star Wars and Pokémon by investing in new IPs that have the potential to grow and evolve over time. Instead of producing one-off sequels, studios should focus on building interconnected universes, layered narratives, and long-form series that allow for deeper character exploration and storytelling. These are the kinds of projects that will keep audiences coming back for years, if not decades.
Putting Creativity First
At the heart of this shift needs to be a return to creativity. When studios prioritize innovation over profit margins, they foster environments where new stories can thrive. The risks may be higher, but so are the rewards. Audiences are craving fresh content that resonates with them, and Hollywood is more than capable of delivering that—if they are willing to take the chance.
The future of the entertainment industry doesn’t have to be grim. By investing in new IPs and focusing on long-form strategies that keep the audience’s desires at the forefront, studios can not only secure their own futures but also reignite the passion and excitement that has been missing from the movie-going experience. The success of films, series, and games rooted in beloved, culturally rich stories proves that audiences are ready for something new—something meaningful.
Hollywood, it’s time to stop playing it safe. The industry can either continue pumping out endless sequels that wear thin over time or take a leap of faith and deliver something that matters. The latter path is undoubtedly riskier but infinitely more rewarding for both creators and audiences alike.