In the last few years, Hollywood has doubled (and even tripled) down on sequels, many of which simply weren’t necessary. The result? A series of lackluster follow-ups that feel more like cash grabs than genuine attempts to continue a meaningful story. At OFFBEND Studios, we believe in storytelling that stands on its own—complete and satisfying in a single film. That's not to say that we won't ever consider or produce sequels, but it certainly means we will exercise caution to ensure stories don't overstay their welcome.

One of the most recent examples of an unneeded sequel is 'Joker: Folie à Deux', the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 hit Joker. The original film, with its gritty and dark exploration of Arthur Fleck's descent into madness, earned over a billion dollars and became a cultural phenomenon. But when the sequel was released, it fell far short of expectations. One of the major criticisms? It turned into a musical—something fans of the original Joker simply didn’t expect or want. Despite the star power of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, Folie à Deux felt disconnected from what made the first film so impactful. It was a bold swing, but it ultimately alienated its core audience, leading to a disappointing box office performance and mixed reviews​. [1][2]

SlashFilm​ [1] Den of Geek [2]

Another somewhat recent misstep was 'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore'. What began as a promising prequel to the Harry Potter series quickly became bloated and aimless by its third installment. With a narrative that stretched thin across a series that perhaps never needed to exist in the first place, The Secrets of Dumbledore failed to capture the magic of its predecessors. Instead of delivering a compelling story, it became a convoluted attempt to capitalize on a beloved universe without offering anything fresh or meaningful​. [3]

Den of Geek [3]

Even legacy franchises aren't immune to this. Look at 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny'. This sequel, released decades after the iconic original trilogy, struggled to resonate with modern audiences. While the nostalgia was there, the story felt unnecessary—an add-on that didn’t need to exist. The original Indiana Jones films were beloved for their action, adventure, and charm, but this latest installment came across as a reminder that not every classic needs to be revisited. [4]

Den of Geek [4]

At OFFBEND, we’re committed to making sure that our films stand alone. We’re not interested in churning out sequels just because they’re easy or profitable. If a story doesn’t demand a follow-up, we won’t force one. We’d rather focus on creating bold, original narratives that leave a lasting impact—just as our first feature, High Stakes, is designed to do.

Because sometimes, one great film is all you need.