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Prequel

A film that depicts events occurring before those of an existing work.


Narrative Role

Prequels reveal backstories, origins and world-building, allowing audiences to understand characters’ motivations and mythologies more deeply.

The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a surge in prequels, including the Star Wars prequel trilogy and X-Men: First Class. These films often employ modern effects to revisit earlier eras.

Advantages and Pitfalls

While prequels can revitalize franchises and attract curiosity, they risk undermining original works’ mystique or retconning beloved elements.

Notable Prequels

Highlights include The Godfather Part II—which functions as both sequel and prequel—and Prometheus, whose exploration of alien origins expands the Alien universe.


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