Expanding the lore of the movie's universe.
Analysis videos, theory threads on Reddit, and character-driven trends on TikTok.
The shift toward streaming services has only intensified the way movies drive entertainment. Platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Max use high-budget films as "loss leaders" to gain subscribers. Once a user is on the platform for a movie, they are fed a diet of:
Platforms that succeed in this space are those that understand the multiplicity of devices. They optimize for the small screen as much as the big one. This adaptability is crucial for maintaining engagement in a world where attention spans are shrinking.
However, there is a tension. As movies drive entertainment content, they have become increasingly reliant on existing IP (sequels, prequels, reboots). Original screenplays now struggle to penetrate the noise. This has led to a bifurcation in the industry: