The emergence and decline of two-part films: a closely examined Hollywood trend
The movie industry has embraced a developing trend: the two-part film. They are always looking for new ways to fascinate spectators and maximize earnings. With franchises like "Harry Potter" and "Avengers," this format—which tells the same tale in two separate films—has proven successful. However, recent disasters like "Horizon: An American Saga" and "Rebel Moon" are seriously casting doubt on its viability.
The lackluster box office performance of "Horizon: An American Saga" and "Rebel Moon" underscores a possible issue with the two-part movie structure, even if 2024 has seen some incredible hits like "Inside Out 2" and "Deadpool & Wolverine." Despite having a lot of pre-release buzz and well-known actors, these Movies didn't connect with viewers, which made many people wonder if this kind of storytelling would work for fresh IPs.
The Problem with Two-Part Movies: A Dangerous Formula for Upcoming Franchises
There are hazards associated with the two-part movie format, particularly for new series. "Horizon" and "Rebel Moon" were effectively introducing viewers to whole new worlds, thus it was a huge order for both to rely so much on the audience's ability to quickly identify with their own universes and characters. Part of their box office disappointments stemmed from the strain to deliver a captivating story in the first part without the advantage of an existing fanbase.
It's important to keep in mind that "Dune" was based on a well-known and cherished science fiction novel, even though Movies like "Dune: Part Two" have demonstrated that the two-part model can be successful. Because they were already familiar with the characters and universe, audiences were more open to a multi-part story. This demonstrates the key distinction between trying to introduce new franchises using this format versus using it to already-established ones.
The Attraction of Two-Part Films: Financial Gains and Story Ambition
There are various reasons why the two-part movie trend has become more popular. In particular, if the first film does well, studios see it as a means to double their box office returns and maximize profits. The format also enables filmmakers to tell more ambitious and complex storylines by dividing them into smaller, more manageable segments that can be thoroughly examined.
This method is also thought to be a suitable manner to wrap up enduring series, as demonstrated by "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning." It would be practically difficult to fit a decades-long story into a single film, therefore a two-part conclusion would be a sensible and gratifying resolution for viewers. However, the popularity of the franchise and the audience's willingness to commit to a multi-part climax will determine how well this strategy works.
Success of a Two-Part Film: When It Works, It Really Works
Two-part films can succeed when done right; the "Avengers" franchise is proof of this. Though not officially marketed as such, "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Avengers: Endgame" work together as a seamless story that spans two movies. A number of things contribute to this success, such as the existing fan base, the unique styles of each film, and the completion of a ten-year cinematic universe.
In a similar vein, the "Harry Potter" franchise skillfully concluded its long saga with a two-part climax. Even if it meant dividing the series' climactic tale into two movies, viewers were eager to see the resolution due to the show's widespread appeal and devoted fan base. This demonstrates the importance of having an already-existing fan base for two-part films.
Failure of a Two-Part Film: When the Formula Backfires
Some franchises have found considerable success with the two-part movie format, while others have found it difficult to maintain. Although the "Fast & Furious" and "Mission: Impossible" franchises have tried to use this style, their outcomes have been inconsistent, demonstrating that even well-known series can have trouble with it.
The most important lesson is that the two-part film format necessitates thoughtful deliberation and calculated preparation. Filmmakers are able to tell more expansive stories that can be completely explored in numerous installments, which works best for franchises with established universes and devoted fan bases. However, there are considerable dangers involved with the two-part movie format for new IPs, so studios should think twice before deciding to go this route.
The Prospects of Dual-Part Films: A Juggling Act of Peril and Gain
Due to the ambition to tell expansive, multi-layered storylines and the possibility of higher earnings, the two-part movie trend is probably here to stay in Hollywood. Nonetheless, the film industry and studios need to take a lesson from "Horizon" and "Rebel Moon." The capacity to consistently produce an engaging story in each chapter, the audience's expectations, and the particular franchise are all crucial factors in this format's success.
The two-part movie format's survival depends on striking a careful balance between reward and risk. Although this strategy can be an effective tool for box office performance and storytelling, studios need to be careful not to use it just for financial advantage. In the end, the creative vision, meticulous organization, and audience involvement that each production brings to the table will determine how successful the two-part movie structure is.
