Requels & Legacyquels: The Art of Franchise Reinvention
- Raul Minotti
- 6 minutes ago
- 4 min read
In today's dynamic audiovisual market, a global trend is making waves: franchise reinvention. We're no longer just talking about straightforward sequels. The terminology for classifying these new chapters of beloved stories has expanded, and grasping the distinctions between a 'requel,' a 'legacyquel,' a 'revival,' or even a 'threequel' is fundamental for navigating production and marketing strategies. For us at Bendita Filmes, who live and breathe the reality of sets and writers' rooms, this distinction isn't just nomenclature; it's about the project's soul and how it connects with its audience.
The Evolution of Narrative Universes
What used to be a direct continuation, a simple 'story continues,' now unfolds into more complex strategies. A 'requel,' for instance, is a project that resurrects an older franchise but introduces new characters and plots that dialogue with the original work, often ignoring or reinterpreting intervening films. Think of a movie that places the current generation at the center of the action, while the heroes of yesteryear appear as crucial mentors or supporting characters. It's like bringing back a childhood classic but with a new protagonist taking the lead, updating the narrative for today's world.
The Legacy That Inspires: Legacyquels and Revivals
A 'legacyquel' goes a step further, explicitly embracing the legacy of the original films. Here, a new generation of characters takes the helm, but the connection to the originals is even more visceral, and often, they actively coexist within the narrative. It's the continuation that brings back the characters we love but with a renewed focus on newcomers, ensuring the torch is passed. This strategy is being applied across numerous projects, demonstrating an audience appetite for stories that honor the past while building the future.
A 'revival,' on the other hand, is the triumphant return of a dormant series or franchise, usually after a long hiatus. It's not a direct sequel but a resumption of the narrative, as if the series had merely taken an extended break and returned in full force. Sometimes, a 'revival' can evolve into a 'requel' or 'legacyquel' if new characters are introduced prominently, but its essence is the return of something fans have missed.
The Market and New Opportunities
We are in a fertile period for exploring these approaches. Support structures and funding initiatives are encouraging project diversity, and film festivals are opening space for innovative works. The rise of global and local streaming platforms also creates fertile ground for productions that might not fit the traditional cinema model but find their audience online.
A Practical Example: We were recently involved in a script discussion for a project aiming to revive a classic animated series. The initial idea was a direct 'sequel,' but after much analysis and considering market trends, we shifted to a 'legacyquel' concept. The proposal now is to bring back the original characters, now adults in secondary roles, to introduce and guide a new generation of heroes. These new heroes will have their own journeys and dilemmas, reflecting current youth challenges. The trade-off was investing in younger animation styles and a more modern visual aesthetic while retaining the iconic visual identity of the veteran characters. The bet is that this duality between nostalgia and novelty will attract both long-time fans and a younger audience, seeking not just a film, but an experience that spans generations.
Nuances and Challenges for Independent Producers
For independent producers, understanding these nuances offers a competitive edge. It's not just about replicating Hollywood formulas but adapting these concepts to our local reality, our stories, and our audiences. A 'requel' of a classic comedy from decades ago, for example, can resonate deeply with a segment of the audience by exploring the social and cultural shifts that have occurred over time.
The significant challenge, and where many newcomers falter, is succumbing to empty 'fan service.' A successful 'legacyquel' doesn't just rely on nostalgic references; it needs to present interesting new characters, an engaging plot, and relevant contemporary themes. It's like baking a cake: you can use your grandmother's classic recipe, but you must ensure the ingredients are fresh and the execution is flawless for everyone to enjoy, regardless of whether they know the origin. The temptation is to use many elements that 'remind' people of the original, forgetting that the new audience needs to connect with the story on its own merits.
The audiovisual market has the potential to shine by creating its own reinterpretations and expansions of narrative universes. Whether through experimental short films, streaming series, or feature films, the key lies in conscious, strategic audiovisual production that, above all, tells stories that touch the heart and mind of the audience, honoring the past without fear of embracing the future.
About Bendita Filmes
Bendita Filmes is a full-service video production company and agency based in São Paulo, Brazil, specializing in:
Corporate Videos · YouTube Production · Instagram & TikTok · Advertising Campaigns · Event Filming · VFX & Animation · Live Streaming · AI Video Production · Photography
