Why Sequel Movies Often Fail to Explore Characters from the Original Film

Sequels are a popular choice for filmmakers as they provide an exciting opportunity to revisit the world and characters of an already successful movie. However, despite these high expectations, many sequels fall short by completely overlooking important plot threads and character development. This article will explore why some sequels miss the mark, using Rocky 2 and Poltergeist 2 as examples.

Rocky 2: The Omission of Rocky’s Pets

One of the most iconic sequels of all time, Rocky 2, fails to address a significant detail from the original film. In Rocky, Sylvester Stallone introduced viewers to Rocky Balboa's beloved pet dog, Butkus, and his pet fish, Cuff and Links. These pets were an integral part of Rocky's home life, showcasing his affectionate and caring side. An excellent review of the original film highlighted this charm, emphasizing how butkus and cuff and links added to the character's personality.

However, in Rocky 2, these pets are completely ignored. This omission leaves viewers wondering if Rocky, after gaining fame and fortune, simply abandoned his pets, leaving them to suffer. This missed opportunity not only undermines the character development of Rocky but also denies audiences the chance to see how his new success has affected his personal life and the people around him.

Poltergeist 2 and the Oversight of the Older Sister

Poltergeist 2 faced a similar issue in its handling of the older sister in the original film, Carol Ann. In the original Poltergeist, Carol Ann was a significant character, presented as a precocious but wary child, who was overshadowed by her younger siblings. She was introduced to the world as a sensitive and intelligent part of the family. However, in Poltergeist 2, her character was entirely overlooked.

The film's directors and writers had the option to include an explanation for her absence, such as revealing that she had been sent to college or had left town. Yet, they chose to absorb her into a larger family narrative without addressing her fate. As a result, the family dynamic in Poltergeist 2 is left as if the older sister were never part of the story. This neglect of Carol Ann's character not only leaves viewers with unanswered questions but also disrupts the continuity of the narrative.

The Importance of Character Consistency

Characters from the original films serve as anchors, providing consistency and continuity in sequels. Omitting them can lead to a fragmented storyline that feels disjointed and incomplete. In Rocky 2 and Poltergeist 2, the filmmakers could have addressed the absence of these characters by providing an explanation or integrating their stories. This would have enhanced the sequels and provided a more satisfying experience for the audience.

Furthermore, these characters can add depth and richness to the narrative. For instance, Rocky's pets in Rocky 2 could have provided a poignant scene showing how fame and success still have their challenges. Likewise, revealing what happened to Carol Ann in Poltergeist 2 could have tied up loose ends and added emotional weight to the film.

Conclusion: Building a Coherent Sequel Narrative

The success of a sequel depends on its ability to build on the foundation laid by the original. When sequels fail to address important characters from the first film, they risk alienating fans and detracting from the overall story. Filmmakers should consider the impact of such omissions and strive to create a seamless narrative that honors the original characters while introducing new ones.

By including and explaining the fate of overlooked characters, sequels can enhance their storytelling and provide a more satisfying experience for viewers. In the case of Rocky 2 and Poltergeist 2, a few simple explanations could have made all the difference in creating a truly coherent and engaging sequel.