HOT TAKE: We don't always need change
(Place unknown, creators unknown.) Depicts a straightforward quote on growth.
Already established movies and series shouldn't undergo major rebranding in an attempt to connect with younger audiences or newly emerging ideals. While evolution is necessary, films and shows with well-defined plots, themes, and genres shouldn’t be forced into drastic changes just to stay relevant. In many cases, these efforts feel like superficial cash grabs, with creators making half-baked attempts to adapt to modern-day standards of perfection or "wokeness". It feels like modern day adaptations are screaming, "hey look at me I have gone through growth（⌒▽⌒）."
It's honestly so draining to be a fan of an already established series, only to see major changes disrupt a solid and beloved plotline. If Disney, Mattel, or any other creator wants to rebrand to cater to new norms, they should create new characters with different plots instead of altering established ones!
And I'm not speaking as an "old fan" who feeds off nostalgia—it's more about the integrity of characters, plotlines, and stories. When creators willingly change something integral—or even minor details—just to stay mainstream, it dilutes what made the original so compelling in the first place. Like, what happened?
This phenomenon is almost reminiscent of brands going through a major remodeling for a brief period—like Target during Pride Month, decking out stores in rainbows all June, only to drop the advocacy once the month ends. It’s a cash grab in advertising.
Now, my point is that shows can change, but when that change is forced into a plotline that has little to no need for it, it feels like social change happening just “because.” If you want something new, put the old to rest and go back to the drawing board.
Or, make an actual attempt at producing something good with old storylines. It’s not hard—it just requires more time and effort than creators are willing to put in. It’s easier to slap on superficial changes than invest in creating something meaningful.
