The Looming “Souvenir Bucket” Effect: How Franchise Protection is Killing Originality in Horror
The box office numbers for Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 are likely to be…fine. That’s the problem. Fine is enough. The sequel, a film seemingly constructed from a checklist of fan service and IP recognition, exemplifies a growing trend in horror – and entertainment more broadly – where protecting the franchise outweighs the pursuit of genuine artistic merit. We’re entering an era where the idea of a movie, fueled by pre-existing brand loyalty, is often more valuable than the movie itself, and the consequences for creative storytelling could be chilling.
The Perils of Lore-Heavy Reliance
The original Five Nights at Freddy’s tapped into a potent vein of youth culture, built on the intricate lore of its video game origins. But translating that lore to the screen, as the sequel demonstrates, doesn’t automatically equate to compelling cinema. Instead, we get a film bogged down in exposition, tangential plotlines (a science fair? Really?), and a baffling disregard for basic narrative coherence. This isn’t a case of a bad movie; it’s a case of a movie actively avoiding being a good movie in favor of ticking boxes for dedicated fans.
This phenomenon isn’t unique to Freddy’s. Look at the current state of many legacy horror franchises. Reboots and sequels often prioritize replicating the “feel” of the original – the jump scares, the iconic villains – over developing genuinely new and frightening concepts. The result is a diminishing return on scares, and a growing sense of fatigue among audiences.
The AI-Generated Aesthetic: When References Replace Substance
Critic Mark Kermode astutely observed that Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 feels like it was inspired by an “AI-generated summary” of other horror classics. This is a particularly insightful point. The film throws in nods to Jurassic Park, Scream, and even A Nightmare on Elm Street, but these references feel hollow, lacking the thematic depth and innovative filmmaking that made those films iconic. It’s homage without understanding, imitation without inspiration.
This reliance on pre-packaged nostalgia is a symptom of a larger problem: a risk-averse studio system that prioritizes guaranteed returns over creative risk-taking. Why invest in developing new intellectual property when you can simply dust off an existing one and rely on a built-in fanbase? The answer, unfortunately, is often financial expediency.
The Rise of “Eventized” Content and Declining Originality
The success of franchises like Five Nights at Freddy’s is inextricably linked to the rise of “eventized” content – films designed not to be enjoyed as standalone works of art, but as social experiences and fodder for online discussion. YouTube reactions, TikTok trends, and Twitter debates become integral to the marketing strategy, often overshadowing the quality of the film itself.
This shift has profound implications for the future of horror. If the primary goal is to generate buzz and engagement, rather than to tell a compelling story, then originality and artistic integrity are likely to suffer. We may see a continued proliferation of sequels, reboots, and shared universes, all designed to maximize franchise potential, even at the expense of creative innovation. A recent report by The Wrap highlights a significant decline in original screenplays being produced by major studios, further illustrating this trend.
The Impact on Emerging Filmmakers
The dominance of franchise filmmaking also creates a significant barrier to entry for emerging filmmakers with original ideas. Studios are less willing to take risks on unproven concepts, making it increasingly difficult for new voices to break through. This stifles creativity and limits the diversity of perspectives in the horror genre.
Beyond the Jump Scare: The Future of Fear
So, what does the future hold? Will horror become increasingly dominated by franchise fatigue and hollow nostalgia? Not necessarily. There’s still a hunger for genuinely frightening and thought-provoking horror, as evidenced by the success of independent films like Talk to Me and Hereditary. These films demonstrate that audiences are willing to embrace originality and complexity, even if it means venturing outside the comfort zone of established franchises.
The key to revitalizing the horror genre lies in empowering filmmakers to take risks, prioritize storytelling over brand recognition, and embrace the power of genuine artistic vision. We need to move beyond the “souvenir bucket” mentality and rediscover the true essence of fear – the ability to tap into our deepest anxieties and explore the darkest corners of the human psyche.
What are your predictions for the future of horror? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
