Director James Gunn has recently been a man with sequels on his mind in more ways than one. While currently working on a second installment in the Suicide Squad franchise, and a third in his Guardians of the Galaxy series, Gunn took to Twitter to discuss the merits of a great sequel. His list of 28 film sequels better than the original reignited a classic film debate subject and quickly became a trending topic on Twitter.
What was otherwise another quiet Sunday on Twitter during the COVID-19 quarantine was interrupted. Gunn’s list caused a stir amongst critics, directors, and fans — and he would respond to many users throughout the day.
The director of The Suicide Squad (to be released in 2021) highlighted The Godfather Part II, Blade Runner 2049, The Dark Knight, and Paddington 2 as greater than their original films. When people objected, several prominent critics and directors chimed in to defend his list.
Also Read: James Gunn: Things I’ve Learned as a MovieMaker
Critic Chris Evangelista of Slashfilm.com tweeted: “*whispers* He’s right,” in response to Gunn’s assertion that 2017’s Blade Runner 2049 was superior to Ridley Scott’s original sci-fi masterpiece.
Director Leigh Whannell was particularly displeased with Gunn’s belief that Terminator 2 is superior to Terminator. The Invisible Man director responded: “I never react emotionally to Best Of lists because it’s all subjective and fun… but my body shuddered with a Conan-esque rage fire when you said Terminator 2 is better than 1.”
Many users were also keen to point out that Gunn himself had directed a franchise sequel to The Guardians of the Galaxy. Those wanting Gunn to declare a preference for his films were left wanting in the end: “They’re both my children,” wrote Gunn, now hard at work on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Gunn is in post-production, meanwhile, on a stand-alone sequel to 2016’s Suicide Squad. Though original film helmed by David Ayer, grossed over $746 Million dollars, it was not well-received by most critics — it scored a 27% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Gunn has proven to be up to the task of creating profitable, and critically acclaimed franchise films: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 grossed more than $772 Million dollars and boasts a Rotten Tomatoes score of 85%.
Do you agree with James Gunn? Any thoughts on sequels better than the original films? Let us know in the comments.
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He's wrong about THE DARK KNIGHT. The original was about how you live up to your father's legacy. The third one was about what it takes to be a hero. The second film was about the Batman and the Joker.