Profit or Creativity?

Over the past decade, movie and television show remakes and reboots have become a regular presence in the film industry. All-time favorite screenplays have regularly been turned into fascinating stories linked to the original version, usually encompassing a modern twist and casting famous actors of the 21st century. Although the majority of these remakes and reboots have proved to be successful with a worldwide audience, critics have questioned the film industry’s ability to create fresh new content.

Sci-fi action phenomenon The Matrix has its reboot set to be released in 2020. The reboot stars Michael B. Jordan instead of Keanu Reeves, who played the iconic protagonist of Neo in the original movie. Audiences did not expect a reboot to take place–especially after 18 years, but many are already anticipating it. Conversely, critics question whether or not the remake would be another addition to Hollywood’s countless unoriginal movies, or simply an intent to make a steady profit within the film industry.

Considering popular remake films, there are other ways that films can be rereleased or reintroduced to fans and viewers. Many filmmakers and producers adapt book storylines into screenplays; as a result, the author of the book earns a lot of money for the copyright purchases of their original book idea. Famous best-selling authors such as thriller-suspense author Stephen King and romantic author Nicholas Sparks have had many of their books turned into movies, including the recent Pet Sematary by King and The Choice by Sparks. Since the books are already well-known, a target audience is created that will likely want to watch the movie version. This tactic also ensures that the movie will make enough money; if filmmakers undertake projects that are risky, they risk a smaller audience, resulting in the movie-making less profit.

In truth, audience members would rather go watch a movie where they have a basic understanding of the plot, instead of a brand-new film that may turn out to be a waste of time. Considering this, producers and filmmakers have integrated this preference as a way of increasing profit and attracting consumers. But the question is: will Hollywood continue to stick to its comfort zone of profit-ensured movies or will it start creating something new?

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