12 Major Problems With Today's Blockbuster Movies
5. Planning Too Far Ahead
Dracula Untold was supposed to be the initial launching point for what is now Universal's 'Dark Universe', but it under-performed at the box office and was quietly swept under the rug. Lionsgate claimed that this year's Power Rangers was to be the start of a 'five or six' film series. It bombed, and probably won't get a sequel. King Arthur: Legend of the Sword was the kick-off for an interconnected Knights of the Roundtable franchise. It absolutely tanked, and definitely won't get a sequel
Do you see a pattern emerging here?
Franchises tend to build up brand recognition over the course of several movies, which leads to increased box office profits and more money for the studios. However, the current trend of planting seeds for future installments without knowing if the first entry is going to be a success is a risky, and often stupid move.
Based on the critical reception to The Mummy, the Dark Universe may be dead on arrival yet again. Sony's plans for a series of Spider-Man movies went to sh*t. Without a hint of irony, Paramount set up a Transformers 'writer's room'. Columbia set up an entire production division dedicated to Ghostbusters before Paul Feig's reboot killed the franchise.
Why not focus on making your movie the best it can possibly be, first and foremost? If its good, people will pay to see it and want more of the characters and mythology instead of blatantly signposting that your project is only telling part of a complete story, one that may not even see the light of day. Its a simple mantra; take it one movie at a time.