What Movies or Books Do You Wish Had Sequels or Spin-offs?
The subject of sequels and spin-offs is an unlikely topic for an essay assignment, but it would be hard to ignore it. "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" hit the jackpot at the box-office, dispelling doubts that a sequel to a fantasy adventure film, which was released twenty years ago, couldn't connect with the current generation of moviegoers. Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black, who played the characters in the video game, may have on-screen chemistry. They are hard to dislike as well. Readers who remember Chris Van Allsburg's children book, which the original film was adapted from, have liked the fact that there were no adults in the book. No parents in particular. In this regard, the stand-alone sequel seemed more faithful than the first film.
It's possible to write a paper on sequels and spin-offs, as long as you follow the rules in literary criticism (e. g. Are all sequels/spin-offs relevant?). It might seem impossible to cite a historical reference, which is the usual case with popular titles in Modern literature, yet it can reveal a universal truth on a particular genre. For instance, Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events" would illustrate that political correctness is the enemy of comedy. The turbulent state of affairs of Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire would become darker and more outrageous as the series progressed, with multiple references to literary characters. (The female patients of Heimlich Hospital included Emma Woodhouse.) Brad Siderling's celluloid adaptation seemed too comprehensive to those who were familiar with the series, not giving justice to Handler and the other characters who were more memorable than Aunt Josephine. Perhaps Netflix should be handed an Emmy. Not all sequels and spin-offs are that lucky, though.
The subject of sequels and spin-offs make a good conversation on a weeknight, when there are no looming deadlines. There may not be any examinations (to prepare for). It might turn out to be a break from Reading Week. This topic can prompt you to look at the coursework lightly, which can be a good thing. Creativity doesn't need to restrict itself to a serious (or comic) tone.
Through The Decades: What Makes These Title So Popular
The Chronicles of Narnia. Chris Van Allsburg once said (in an interview) that the absence of adults would make the adventures of his young characters more exciting and unforgettable as long as they would live. C. S. Lewis could be thinking along that line of thought while writing "The Chronicles of Narnia". It won't be difficult to trace the Biblical origins of the stories, but readers (or most of them) couldn't get enough of the sallies of the Pevensie siblings. For instance, there were several chapters in "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" that glimpsed into the early years of the remote isles. Lewis wouldn't mind a spin-off, which should give more details on these lesser-known lands. The same thing could be said of the northern parts. Your professor would be intrigued by such a thought.
Doctor Who. Fairy Tales. Heroes and Monsters. The possibilities are limitless, and BBC wouldn't object to a (spin-off) series of this popular British TV show.
The Haunting of Hill House. The final page in Shirley Jackson's hair-raising Gothic novel would leave readers guessing on the fate of Eleanor Vance. Was she the specter roaming the abandoned Hill House? Was she able to see the violent history of the home? Could it be a product of a troubled mind? The fact that Miss Vance was a shy individual would suggest that a probable sequel should revolve around another shy woman who had similar circumstances as Eleanor's. Jackson might not like the premise, but the Horror genre never loses its appeal.
James and the Giant Peach. James Henry Trotter found a new home in the Big Apple (of all places), and he couldn't done with it without the humongous peach (and the seagulls carrying it across the Atlantic). Roald Dahl wouldn't object to a sequel, which should describe the adventures of James in East Coast. You're not a student of literature if you don't know the insects that become the young lad's travel buddies. It might require another sequel.
Planet of the Apes. Pierre Boulle once thought that "Planet of the Apes" was unfilmable, but 20th Century Fox and Franklin J. Schaffner proved him wrong. The big-screen adaptation of the novel, part science fiction, part satire, part commentary on the evolution of the human species, didn't have the intellectual musings and thought-provoking theses that turned Boulle's book into a classic, but it made up for the post-apocalyptic terror. (The final scene became an iconic image in the history of cinema.) The French author would be against the idea of sequels and spin-offs, but it should be hard to shake it off. The book, which was first released in 1963, would be more relevant than ever. The early history of Betelgeuse.could be seen in recent history. It might be a coincidence, though.
Why Do Some Classics Stand Alone?
Classics like “Catcher in the Rye” would lose its appeal if there would be a sequel, but it didn't discourage one fan from penning an unauthorized sequel. (J. D. Salinger came out from recluse and publicly disclaimed the book.) Many titles have stories that don't need to retold or continue (because it would make a huge impact on the readers.). It should make an interesting essay topic, though.
You can argue about the merits of the books, which are the reasons behind its enduring appeal. If you agree with it, then you must stick to your own beliefs (and no one else). If you disagree with it, then cite another popular work. You don't need to be a dutiful (or lazy) student by sticking to the short list of recommended titles. This post should give you lots of possible titles.
