2. A Main Character Will Die
Blockbuster film series seem to frequently have at least a three film structure. Lately this has changed somewhat, but some the biggest films have come as part of a trilogy. The Martix is a trilogy. The Dark Knight Rises ended the story of a brand new Batman Trilogy. Star Wars likes trilogies so much, they're going to do a third one, to complete the trilogy of trilogies. The first film sees the spectacular set-up and gathering of characters while the third guarantees a climatic showdown. What, then, should the second film do? It should do everything in it's power to put the heroes in a negative position. Have them lose, so that we return for the final instalment to see them return triumphant. When the first trailer for Into Darkness appeared, we of course were looking for any hints at all that could mean new, serious details. In the ends, maybe the most interesting part of the trailer is not hidden at all. We hear Cumberbatch's character ask Is there anything you would not do for your family? while a red light flashes across Kirk's face and two hands meet on opposite sides of some glass. This almost certainly alludes to a Wrath of Khan-like scene, where we originally saw Spock sacrifice himself and you know what that means. Somebody's going to die and it's going to be a game-changer.