Fan Status: Horrified
What happens when people capitalize on beloved IP and fandoms? For the kids of Glasgow, it was a horror show.
The allure of nostalgia and familiarity often drives brands to tap into well-known intellectual properties (IP) and fandoms. Yet, beneath the surface of this seemingly innocuous marketing strategy lies a potential horror story waiting to unfold. The recent Willy Wonka Experience event in Glasgow, Scotland, serves as a glaring example of the perilous journey brands undertake when delving into beloved IPs.
The Disillusionment of Willy Wonka Experience:
Imagine stepping into a whimsical world inspired by Roald Dahl's timeless classic, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Excitement fills the air as attendees anticipate an immersive experience, relishing the chance to immerse themselves in the fantastical universe of Willy Wonka. However, what awaited them was far from the enchanting adventure they envisioned. Instead, reports surfaced of a lackluster event marred by long queues, disappointing attractions, and an overall sense of disillusionment. The magic of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory was nowhere to be found, replaced instead by a hollow imitation that left attendees feeling cheated and disheartened.
The Perils of Adapting Beloved IPs:
This dismal outcome mirrors a broader trend within the entertainment industry, where attempts to capitalize on established IPs often result in lackluster or downright disastrous endeavors. Movie remakes, in particular, have become a point of contention among fans who hold dear the originals. Time and again, studios announce reboots of beloved films, only to face backlash from audiences who view such endeavors as sacrilege rather than homage.
Whether it's a misguided attempt to cash in on nostalgia or a genuine desire to revive a classic, the end result is often a diluted version of the original that fails to capture the essence and magic of its predecessor.
One need only look to the infamous Super Mario Brothers movie from the 1990s for a prime example of the pitfalls of adapting beloved video game franchises for the big screen. Despite its best intentions, the film was met with widespread criticism and derision from both fans and critics alike. Departing significantly from the source material, the movie failed to resonate with audiences and remains a cautionary tale of the perils of mishandling cherished IPs
Approaching Established IPs with Respect and Creativity:
In the quest for profit and relevance, brands must tread carefully when venturing into the realm of established IPs and fandoms. While the allure of tapping into nostalgia may be enticing, it is imperative to approach such endeavors with respect, creativity, and a genuine understanding of what made the original properties beloved in the first place. Failure to do so risks not only alienating loyal fans but tarnishing the legacy of cherished IPs for generations to come. In the end, the true horror story lies not in the failure to capitalize on nostalgia but in the betrayal of trust and the loss of magic that ensues.
Whether it’s your favorite book, comic, movie, or video game, it seems like there is a new remake announced every week, with many diehard fans cringing at the prospect of what will become of their favorite IP.
Tapping into a built in audience sounds good on paper, but that same audience understands the source material incredibly well and the most avid of those fans will be able to tell immediately if the brand is capitalizing on something they love or working on something they genuinely care about.
One only needs to look at Denis Villeneuve’s recently released Dune 2 to see what “good” looks like. A book that was once remarked as unfilmable, came to life with dazzling cinematography and performances that left viewers in awe.
If it isn’t made with passion and love, it won’t be received with passion and love.
Do you have a horrible experience around one of your favorite IPs being ruined? Share it with us in the comments. What did they get wrong?
Until next time, keep your passion alive!
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