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This strategy may indicate an awareness within Disney that the sequels are not the franchise’s strength anymore. Merchandise sales for classic characters and vintage-themed items outpace those based on recent films, suggesting that Disney may be quietly distancing itself and possibly considering a substantial narrative overhaul.
Cultural Shifts and Audience Reception
The audience’s acceptance of reboots or alternate timelines has grown, especially with audiences becoming more open to side stories and reimagined continuities. Films like Superman Returns and the DCEU’s various multiverse stories have shown that a franchise can effectively "reset" or sideline unwanted material.