The concept of connecting fictional universes or creating shared universes has gained popularity in various forms of media, particularly in recent years. There are several reasons why this trend has emerged:
Expanding storytelling possibilities: By connecting multiple fictional universes, creators can expand the scope and possibilities of their storytelling. It allows them to explore new narratives, characters, and conflicts within an established framework. It provides a rich tapestry for interconnected stories that can enhance the overall experience for audiences.
Cross-promotion and marketing: Shared universes offer significant marketing opportunities. When multiple franchises or properties are connected, they can cross-promote each other, leveraging the popularity of one to boost interest in another. This synergy can lead to increased audience engagement, box office success, merchandise sales, and overall franchise profitability.
Fan engagement and loyalty: Connecting fictional universes can generate excitement and engagement among fans. It encourages discussions, speculation, and fan theories about how different stories and characters might interact. Shared universes often have dedicated fan communities, and by expanding the connections, creators can foster a sense of shared experiences and rewards for loyal fans.
Intellectual property consolidation: From a business perspective, connecting fictional universes can help consolidate intellectual property rights. By establishing a shared universe, a studio or creator can retain creative control over multiple properties and potentially exploit them in various media formats, including films, TV shows, books, comics, video games, and more.
Inspired by source material: Many interconnected fictional universes are based on pre-existing source material, such as comic books or novels, that already have a rich tradition of crossover events and shared continuity. Adapting these source materials faithfully often involves incorporating their interconnected nature into the cinematic or televised adaptations.
It's important to note that not all fictional universes are connected, and this trend is more prevalent in certain genres, such as superhero comics and science fiction/fantasy franchises. However, the success and popularity of shared universes have influenced creators across different media to explore this approach as a means of expanding their storytelling and engaging their audiences.