Burning Out

The Burnout from Following Massive Movie Franchises and Their Expanding Universe

I’ve always been deeply interested in Star Wars and other multimedia franchises. Typically, there are many avenues to become engrossed in the franchise. Originally, I became interested in Star Wars via the movies, and slowly, as I became more interested in the series, I began watching the shows. It felt nearly impossible to get into at first, but over time, I came to enjoy all of it. Because of how the franchise is laid out, the timeline of events is scattered throughout different outlets of media. This isn’t a problem exclusive to Star Wars either; many multimedia entertainment franchises deal with this issue. This dissuades people from getting into series that otherwise they’d probably find interest in.

In recent years, massive movie franchises like The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Star Wars, and Harry Potter have become much more than just film series; they have transformed into multi-platform experiences. These franchises now span movies, TV shows, comic books, novels, video games, and even theme park attractions. While this expansion has brought unparalleled success and fan engagement, it has also created a growing sense of burnout for many fans. The pressure to keep up with every installment, whether a new film, a spinoff series, or a book, has started to take a toll on audiences, making what was once an exciting experience feel like a full-time job.

The Expansion of Movie Franchises Beyond the Silver Screen

What was once a simple trip to the theater to watch a sequel has now evolved into a complex web of interconnected media. Today, to fully understand the latest Marvel movies, for example, you not only need to watch the latest films, but also keep up with TV shows like WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Loki. It’s not uncommon for new movies to directly reference events in these TV series, meaning that if you miss one, it could leave you confused or lost in the larger narrative. Star Wars has expanded its universe through multiple trilogies, stand-alone films, animated series, and even novels. To fully appreciate the depth of the Star Wars lore, you now need to watch movies, and TV shows like The Mandalorian and The Bad Batch, read the expanded universe books, and play related video games. All these elements intertwine to create an experience that feels impossible to fully grasp unless you’re consuming all of it. While this multimedia approach has allowed fans to immerse themselves in these worlds, it also places an immense burden on them to stay constantly updated and engaged.

The Pressure of Keeping Up: Burnout Among Fans

The constant flow of new content can quickly lead to burnout for many fans. In the past, people could simply watch the movies and read a few companion books to get a full picture of the franchise. Now, however, there is an expectation to follow every new installment, no matter the platform. This pressure has turned entertainment into a marathon rather than a stroll. The problem isn’t just the sheer amount of content but the speed at which it is released. The MCU alone releases multiple films a year rcf TV shows that dive deeper into characters and storylines. On top of that, there are comic books, video games, and social media discussions to contend with. Keeping up with all of it can leave fans feeling exhausted, especially as the information stream becomes increasingly overwhelming. This exhaustion is felt most acutely among those who enjoy these franchises but feel they’re being forced into consuming content just to stay relevant in conversations or fully understand the latest plot twist.

This kind of burnout is not just about being tired of watching movies or reading books; it’s about the constant need to keep up with the endless waves of media in a franchise, many of which demand time, attention, and sometimes money. For instance, streaming platforms that host exclusive shows or movies for franchises like Star Wars and Marvel often require additional subscriptions, adding to the financial burden.

The Emotional Toll: A Sense of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

One of the most insidious aspects of this franchise burnout is the pervasive feeling of FOMO. Fans may feel like they’re missing out on crucial details if they skip a TV show or a book in the franchise. This has created a culture where consuming every bit of media related to a franchise is not just encouraged—it feels mandatory. This constant FOMO, coupled with the fear of being “left behind” or unable to fully appreciate a movie or TV series, has led to a sense of anxiety for some fans. They feel they must invest significant time and energy into each new release, regardless of whether they truly want to or enjoy it. This pressure can make what was once a source of joy—watching a movie or reading a book—feel more like a chore.

How Burnout Affects the Fan Experience

While these expansive franchises offer a sense of community and belonging through fan events, online discussions, and social media, the experience is starting to shift. Instead of enjoying a movie or show at face value, many fans feel like they’re ticking off boxes on a checklist. They watch the film, but it’s more about keeping up than actually engaging with the story. The excitement of enjoying new content is replaced by the fatigue of maintaining participation in a never-ending cycle.

For many, it’s no longer enough to be a casual viewer. There is an expectation to be deeply invested in every angle of the franchise—whether that’s watching TV shows that are sometimes hours long or reading a novel that ties into a movie. This level of commitment is what leads to burnout, as the joy of simple enjoyment is diluted by the need to keep up.

The Impact on Content Creation

The expansive nature of these franchises also has an impact on how content is made. Studios are increasingly focused on creating interconnected narratives across multiple platforms, which requires careful planning and strategy. While this can lead to great storytelling for dedicated fans, it can also create content that feels less like art and more like a product designed to drive engagement. Films are now often created with the knowledge that they will serve as mere cogs in a larger machine, rather than as standalone pieces of art.

This has also led to the rise of “filler” content—TV shows, books, or short films that may not add much to the overall narrative but are created solely to maintain fan interest. These filler pieces can exacerbate feelings of burnout, as they demand fans’ time and attention without necessarily offering the satisfying narrative progression they may expect.

The Future: Will Franchise Fatigue Be the New Trend?

As we look to the future, it’s uncertain how sustainable the current trend of expansive movie franchises will be. While the financial success of these franchises shows no sign of slowing down, the burnout felt by fans might begin to shift the landscape. As audiences become increasingly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content, we may see a rise in the demand for simpler, standalone stories that don’t require an ongoing commitment. There is also a possibility that fans may start to push back against the constant bombardment of media, opting for more meaningful, less fragmented experiences. This could lead to a greater interest in independent films and smaller TV shows that offer rich, self-contained stories.

On the other hand, studios might continue to double down on franchise content, adapting to the shift in consumer behavior by offering shorter, more digestible content, or focusing on creating new forms of engagement that reduce the burden on fans while still keeping them involved in the larger narrative.

The Balance Between Engagement and Exhaustion

While the rise of movie franchises has created a cultural phenomenon, the overwhelming expansion of these universes across multiple platforms has introduced a new challenge: burnout. Fans are feeling exhausted by the constant need to stay updated, and the pressure to engage with every piece of content can make the entertainment experience feel more like an obligation than a hobby. Studios and content creators may need to reevaluate how they approach franchise storytelling in the future, ensuring that fans can enjoy these worlds without sacrificing their time, money, and emotional well-being.

For now, as franchises continue to expand, both fans and creators need to consider the balance between engagement and exhaustion. While the immersive nature of these worlds can be exciting, it’s crucial to preserve the joy of storytelling without overwhelming audiences. As the industry grows, finding ways to provide satisfying experiences without burdening fans with an ever-growing list of required content will be essential.