Hollywood’s Reboot Obsession: Why Can’t Studios Let Go of Old Hits?

Right, let’s address the prehistoric elephant in the room: Hollywood’s churning out more retreads than my local Kwik Fit. The latest culprits? Jurassic World: Rebirth and 28 Years Later – because apparently, we haven’t had enough of dinosaurs eating tourists or zombies chasing Londoners.

As someone who’s spent countless hours in press screenings (often wondering if I’m watching the same film for the fifth time), I can’t help but feel we’re stuck in a cinematic groundhog day. But what’s really going on behind this endless cycle of recycled content?

The Karaoke Cinema: When Directors Cover Greatest Hits

Gareth Edwards, helming the seventh(!) Jurassic film, dropped a truth bomb on BBC’s Front Row that’s properly rattled my cage. He’s basically admitted to doing cinematic karaoke, binging Spielberg’s greatest hits like it’s a Friday night at Lucky Voice. The goal? Making Jurassic World: Rebirth feel like a dusty treasure from Universal’s vaults.

But hang on a minute – isn’t this exactly what’s doing our heads in? When did “making it feel old” become the new “making it feel original”?

The Economics of Playing It Safe

Look, I get it. With cinema tickets costing more than a decent takeaway these days, studios are about as keen to take risks as my nan is to try TikTok dances. Familiar titles mean bums on seats – it’s basic maths.

Remember when everyone moaned about Too Hot to Handle getting another series, then binged it anyway? That’s exactly what happens with these film franchises. We complain, we watch, we repeat.

The Nostalgia Tax: Are We Part of the Problem?

Let’s be honest – we’re all a bit complicit here. Every time we queue up for another Spider-Man reboot or whack on the latest Fast & Furious sequel (we’re on what, the 47th?), we’re telling Hollywood exactly what they want to hear.

It’s like comfort food for your eyes. Sure, you know that fancy new restaurant might serve up something amazing, but sometimes you just want the same curry you’ve been ordering since uni.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Hollywood’s Reboot Fever

Why do studios keep making reboots instead of original films?

It’s all about the money, honey. Original films are risky investments, while established franchises come with built-in audiences. When a studio can bank on nostalgia and familiar characters, it’s like having insurance for their investment.

Are reboots always bad news?

Not necessarily. Take Dune – technically a remake, but it properly knocked it out of the park. The difference? It prioritised storytelling over member-berries (yes, that’s a South Park reference, and I’m sticking to it).

Will this trend ever end?

About as likely as me turning down a free screening with complementary popcorn. As long as these films keep making money, studios will keep greenlighting them. Welcome to the circle of cinematic life.

The Final Cut: Where Do We Go From Here?

While we’re all having a moan about Hollywood’s creative bankruptcy, maybe it’s time to put our money where our mouth is. Support original films when they do come along. Get excited about new voices and fresh stories.

Because if we don’t, we might find ourselves sitting down to watch Jurassic World: The Really, Really, Really Final Chapter in 2035. And nobody wants that. Well, except maybe the accountants at Universal.

What do you reckon? Are you proper fed up with reboots, or is there still room for another bite at these familiar cherries? Drop your thoughts below – bonus points if you can name an original film you’re actually excited about!