Jake Yancey is a product of NYU Tisch and is passionate about engaging in substantial conversation and enriching, multi-faceted dialogue in politics, tv production, and culture. Jake is excited to work at The Hollywood Insider because he believes that Film and Journalism are humanity’s first line of defense against the chaos of an uninformed public sector and so spends his time scouting for relevant stories everywhere. Jake, driven by a strong work ethic and love for people, plans on eventually working at the studios to help develop the stories which have had such a lasting impact on him.
Sep 26, 2024
Table of Contents
Reviving Giants: The 2024 Box Office Success of ‘Wolverine and Deadpool’ and ‘Inside Out 2’
As Hollywood Franchises continues to grapple with the evolving dynamics of a post-pandemic film industry, one trend remains steadfast in its dominance—major intellectual property (IP) franchises. In 2024, franchises have thrived, with some of the biggest box office hits coming from familiar titles that audiences love. The return of beloved characters, paired with innovative storytelling and clever marketing, has given new life to previously established franchises. This trend is perhaps most evident in the financial success of two standout releases: ‘Inside Out 2‘ and the highly anticipated Wolverine and Deadpool team-up film.
Both films serve as benchmarks for how to successfully reinvigorate franchises and keep audiences coming back for more. Whether it’s through emotional storytelling or the blending of genres, two of 2024’s biggest franchise winners show that while fans are drawn to nostalgia, innovation remains the key to keeping these franchises relevant.
One of the most surprising box office giants this year has been ‘Inside Out 2,’ Pixar’s sequel to its 2015 smash hit. While sequels to animated films often rely heavily on rehashing old themes, ‘Inside Out 2’ manages to evolve the narrative and deliver something new—both emotionally and visually.
The film delves deeper into the inner workings of Riley’s mind, now a teenager dealing with the complexities of adolescence. This allows for a whole new set of emotions to be explored, along with more nuanced and sophisticated storytelling. By focusing on the tumultuous transition from childhood to young adulthood, ‘Inside Out 2’ speaks to both younger viewers and adults who have followed Riley’s journey since the first film. Pixar has perfected this formula of making animated films that appeal to multiple generations, a key factor in its continued box office success.
Technological advancements in animation have also contributed to the film’s triumph. The visual representation of Riley’s mind is even more intricate and immersive than before, showcasing how far Pixar’s animation capabilities have come in nearly a decade. This innovation, coupled with the familiar emotional core that defined the first film, has drawn in both old fans and a new generation of viewers.
Marketing strategies for ‘Inside Out 2‘ also played a pivotal role in its success. The film’s promotional campaign tapped into the social media-driven zeitgeist, launching interactive campaigns where fans could express their own emotional landscapes. By turning Inside Out into a conversation starter about mental health and emotional awareness, Disney and Pixar positioned the sequel not just as entertainment but as a cultural moment.
Wolverine and Deadpool: Revitalizing a Comic Book Duo
If ‘Inside Out 2‘ was all about emotional depth, Wolverine and Deadpool was about pure, unbridled fun—and the financial success followed. The return of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine alongside Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool was one of the most anticipated franchise revivals in recent years. The film not only brings back two beloved characters but also offers a fresh take on the superhero genre by blending action with self-aware comedy, and a bit of meta-humor that has become Deadpool’s signature.
The real triumph of Wolverine and Deadpool lies in its ability to bridge two distinct fanbases: those who love the gritty, stoic nature of Wolverine and those who are drawn to the irreverence of Deadpool. Combining these two characters creates a film that’s both nostalgic and fresh, giving long-time Marvel fans something they’ve always wanted—Wolverine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—while maintaining the chaotic energy that made the Deadpool films such a hit.
The film cleverly capitalizes on the R-rated nature of Deadpool’s universe while bringing in a more emotionally grounded Wolverine. This balance between humor and depth has set Wolverine and Deadpool apart from the glut of superhero movies in recent years. While many films in the genre struggle with fatigue, this one feels like a necessary injection of life, primarily because of its character-driven narrative and comedic flexibility.
Strategies and Innovations: What’s Driving These Franchise Successes?
Both ‘Inside Out 2‘ and Wolverine and Deadpool have achieved significant box office success due to a combination of nostalgia, character-driven narratives, and innovative storytelling approaches. In a saturated market, simply releasing a sequel is no longer enough to guarantee financial success—audiences want more than just a familiar face; they want innovation and engagement.
In the case of ‘Inside Out 2,’ the film’s marketing team leaned into cultural trends around mental health, effectively making the film feel timely and relevant. Social media played a significant role in this, as platforms like Instagram and TikTok were flooded with fan-created content exploring their emotional “islands,” mirroring the film’s plot. This kind of interactive, culturally aware marketing allowed the movie to resonate far beyond the theater, contributing to its box office performance.
For Wolverine and Deadpool, the strategy was different but equally effective. The marketing leaned into fan expectations, teasing the return of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and using the playful rivalry between Ryan Reynolds and Jackman to fuel online buzz. The campaign was punctuated by viral teasers, trailers, and behind-the-scenes footage that kept fans engaged months before the film’s release. But more than the marketing, it’s the movie’s tone—balancing nostalgia with irreverence—that has set it apart. By not taking itself too seriously, the film avoids the weighty tropes that have bogged down other superhero franchises, offering a lighter, more fun experience without sacrificing the emotional stakes that Wolverine naturally brings to the table.
As we look toward the future of major IP-driven films, 2024 has shown that there is still a considerable appetite for well-executed franchise films. However, the key to success lies in a franchise’s ability to evolve. Simply relying on nostalgia won’t cut it in an increasingly competitive market.
For animated films like ‘Inside Out 2,’ we are likely to see more emotionally sophisticated storytelling, even in movies aimed at younger audiences. Pixar has demonstrated that family-friendly films don’t need to shy away from deeper, more complex themes. The success of ‘Inside Out 2′ may well signal a trend where animated films take on more significant cultural roles, not just as entertainment but as vehicles for important conversations about mental health, emotions, and personal growth.
For superhero franchises, the balance between humor, action, and nostalgia is going to be critical moving forward. While superhero fatigue has been a concern in recent years, the success of Wolverine and Deadpool suggests that there is still plenty of room for the genre to grow, as long as filmmakers are willing to push boundaries and defy conventions. The use of meta-humor, self-awareness, and the blending of distinct characters—like Wolverine and Deadpool—can inject new life into the genre, ensuring that it remains a dominant force at the box office.
Both ‘Inside Out 2‘ and Wolverine and Deadpool have proven that the secret to franchise success in 2024 is innovation. By offering fresh takes on beloved characters, while also pushing the boundaries of storytelling and engagement, these films have managed to capture the attention of a diverse audience, ensuring their place at the top of the box office.
As Hollywood continues to lean heavily on franchise IPs, it’s clear that the path forward lies in evolving those stories, not just rehashing them. Whether through emotional storytelling, like in ‘Inside Out 2,’ or breaking the fourth wall in the Wolverine and Deadpool franchise, the films that succeed will be the ones that push audiences to feel something new—while still giving them the comfort of familiar faces and worlds.
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter:The Hollywood Insider’sCEO/editor-in-chiefPritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”
Jake Yancey is a product of NYU Tisch and is passionate about engaging in substantial conversation and enriching, multi-faceted dialogue in politics, tv production, and culture. Jake is excited to work at The Hollywood Insider because he believes that Film and Journalism are humanity’s first line of defense against the chaos of an uninformed public sector and so spends his time scouting for relevant stories everywhere. Jake, driven by a strong work ethic and love for people, plans on eventually working at the studios to help develop the stories which have had such a lasting impact on him.
Jake Yancey is a product of NYU Tisch and is passionate about engaging in substantial conversation and enriching, multi-faceted dialogue in politics, tv production, and culture. Jake is excited to work at The Hollywood Insider because he believes that Film and Journalism are humanity’s first line of defense against the chaos of an uninformed public sector and so spends his time scouting for relevant stories everywhere. Jake, driven by a strong work ethic and love for people, plans on eventually working at the studios to help develop the stories which have had such a lasting impact on him.
Jake Yancey is a product of NYU Tisch and is passionate about engaging in substantial conversation and enriching, multi-faceted dialogue in politics, tv production, and culture. Jake is excited to work at The Hollywood Insider because he believes that Film and Journalism are humanity’s first line of defense against the chaos of an uninformed public sector and so spends his time scouting for relevant stories everywhere. Jake, driven by a strong work ethic and love for people, plans on eventually working at the studios to help develop the stories which have had such a lasting impact on him.
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