A Very Specific Kind of Prequel Is Hollywood’s Newest Trend

Story by Matt Singer

Image from ScreenCrush

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Hollywood's latest trend is villain-focused prequels that reveal the 'good' origins of iconic bad guys, blurring the lines between heroes and villains.

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Recent hit prequels like 'Wicked,' 'Transformers One,' and 'Mufasta: The Lion King' all center around former friends who become sworn enemies due to the machinations of power-hungry dictators.
These prequels are replacing the popular 'legacy sequel' trend as a way for studios to exploit their valuable IP without relying on aging A-list stars, instead introducing younger, more affordable actors who can potentially lead franchises for years.

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Elphaba, Glinda, Optimus Prime, Megatron, Taka, Scar, Anakin Skywalker, Darth Vader, Mufasa, Sarabi, Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jeremy Irons, Chiwetel Ejiofor, James Earl Jones, The Wizard of Oz, Transformers, The Lion King, Disney, Warner Bros., DreamWorks, Wicked, Wicked: For Good, Transformers One, Mufasa: The Lion King, The Godfather Part II, The Exorcist, Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist, Exorcist: The Beginning, Monsters University, Star Trek, Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith, Return of the Jedi, Better Call Saul, Austin Powers; The Grandpa Who Shagged Me, Shrek, Inside Out 2, Deadpool & Wolverine, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Twisters, Gladiator II, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Furious: A Mad Max Saga, Bumblebee

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