Walt Disney's Unwavering Stance Against Sequels: A Legacy of Innovation That Studios Need To Embrace Now More Than Ever
In today's cinematic landscape, sequels have become a staple of the movie industry. Studios regularly churn out follow-ups to successful franchises in pursuit of financial gain. However, there was a time when one of the most iconic figures in filmmaking, Walt Disney, staunchly opposed the idea of sequels. Walt's commitment to innovation and the creation of new worlds set him apart, making his perspective on sequels all the more intriguing.
In 1966, Walt Disney articulated his thoughts on sequels, revealing a perspective that was deeply rooted in his creative principles. He famously stated, "I'm a born experimenter. To this day, I don't believe in sequels. I can't follow popular cycles; I have to move on to new things. There are many new worlds to conquer."
Walt's disdain for sequels can be seen as a reflection of his pursuit of creativity and originality. He was a pioneer in the animation industry, introducing groundbreaking techniques and innovations that forever changed the way we experience storytelling. From the creation of the first synchronized sound cartoon, Steamboat Willie, to the groundbreaking achievement of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Walt Disney was consistently at the forefront of animation.
One of Disney's most beloved classics, "Mary Poppins," exemplified his commitment to unique storytelling. Released in 1964, the film was a critical and financial success, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. It’s one of my mom’s all-time favorite movies. Yet, even with the potential for a lucrative sequel, Walt Disney firmly declared, "Right now, we're not thinking about making another Mary Poppins, we never will."
Walt understood that the allure of a sequel, while tempting from a financial perspective, could stifle creativity and compromise the integrity of the original work. He just wanted to venture into new territories and explore uncharted storytelling waters. He was not content to rest on his laurels or rehash old ideas; instead, he believed in pushing boundaries and taking calculated risks.
In his own words, Walt Disney acknowledged, "Perhaps there'll be other ventures with equal critical and financial success. But we know we cannot hit a home run with the bases loaded every time we go into play. We also know the only way we can even get to first base is by constantly going back and continuing to swing."
Walt Disney's stance on sequels was not a rejection of the idea of revisiting beloved characters and worlds. Instead, it was a reaffirmation of his commitment to evolving and innovating within the realm of storytelling. His legacy is one of continuous experimentation and a dedication to creating fresh, captivating narratives that transcend generations.
Today, the Walt Disney Company may have embraced the concept of sequels and remakes. Still, it's crucial to remember the visionary who laid the foundation for this entertainment empire by always seeking new horizons and never losing sight of the importance of originality. Walt Disney's belief in the power of storytelling, coupled with his dedication to innovation, continues to inspire generations of filmmakers and creatives, reminding us all that there are indeed many new worlds to conquer.
Unfortunately, the heads of these big studios don’t share the same vision as Walt Disney. It’s a shame because there are so many awesome original ideas out there to play with! So many exciting and thrilling new stories that could be brought to the big screen! But, studios continue to play it safe and rehash the same stories over and over again with sequels and remakes.
Hollywood needs a major overhaul if they want to keep audiences coming to theaters!