The Perils of Splitting Movies into Two Parts
Examining the potential downsides of the trend of splitting movies into two parts, and the impact it may have on upcoming releases.
Introduction
As movie franchises become more and more expansive in Hollywood, so does the popularity of splitting one story into 'part one' and 'part two'. This trend, while once successful, is now facing scrutiny as it may backfire on upcoming releases. The strategy of splitting movies into two parts has become increasingly popular, especially after the success of major book adaptations like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. However, recent developments have raised concerns about the potential negative impact of this approach on the film industry.
Charlie Hunnam as Kai in Rebel Moon
The decision to split a film into two parts can be seen as necessary in some cases, such as Denis Villeneuve's Dune films. These movies split the story out of necessity and have been rightfully rewarded for that. However, the cynical implementation of this strategy to guarantee two hit movies has raised questions about its justification. This has led audiences to become more discerning, and some upcoming movies may suffer due to the incomplete experience they offer.
Miles Morales kicks Spot in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
In this article, we will delve into the challenges and pitfalls of splitting movies into two parts, using specific examples of upcoming releases that may face difficulties due to this trend. From delayed productions to unrealistic expectations and the potential impact on box office performance, we will explore the various ways in which this approach may hinder the success of these films.
Tom Cruise hanging onto a train hitch in Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One.
Rebel Moon: Part 2 - The Scargiver
The decision to split Rebel Moon into two films was made well into production, with Part One landing on Netflix this holiday season and the second part set to release in April 2024. However, the anticipation for the exciting conclusion to the space opera has been dampened by terrible reviews for the first movie. Many negative reviews highlight the incomplete and unsatisfying nature of Rebel Moon: Part One, leading to concerns about building hype for the second part.
Ariana Grande as Glinda climbing spiral stairs in a bright pink dress in the Wicked movie
The release strategy for Rebel Moon has raised questions about why Netflix chose to split the film into two parts, especially considering the negative reception of the first half. The decision to release the film in this manner, despite the confirmation of a director's cut for Part One, has left audiences with a messy and incomplete first half, making it challenging to generate excitement for the second installment.
Gisele (Gal Gadot) in a submarine in Fast X
Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was a successful movie in 2023, overcoming superhero fatigue and ending on a massive cliffhanger. However, the sequel, Beyond the Spider-Verse, has faced delays and uncertainty. Despite initial expectations for a quick release, the production of the sequel has been hampered by behind-the-scenes issues, including overworked animators and a lack of a release date.
Spider-Man 2099 fighting Miles Morales in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
The delay in the production of Beyond the Spider-Verse has led to growing expectations and hype, raising concerns about the pressure on the filmmakers to deliver a worthy sequel. With the uncertainty surrounding the release date and production challenges, the sequel may struggle to live up to the success of its predecessor, despite the initial excitement.
Miles and Gwen in Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two
The Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning films have faced numerous challenges, including production disruptions due to a global pandemic and underperformance at the box office for the first part. The decision to split the film into two parts was not a failure artistically, but it has raised concerns about the financial impact and audience reception of the second part.
Mia (Jordana Brewster) looks concerned in Fast X
Following the underperformance of the first part, there have been rumors of potential changes to the franchise, indicating the uncertain future of Mission: Impossible 8. The low box office performance of the first part has cast doubt on the prospects of the sequel, as audience members may be less inclined to watch the second part of a film they didn't see the first part of.
Cipher (Charlize Theron) at Dom's door bloodied and disheveled in Fast X
