Archive · 19 Nov 2025
Sequel Struggles: Rising Costs, Falling Audiences
Movie sequels and new show seasons are getting more expensive to make, with actors asking for higher pay and production values going up.
However, these sequels and new seasons aren't always bringing in more viewers or subscribers, which could mean they're not worth the extra cost.
Movie sequels and new show seasons face rising production costs
Actors demand higher fees, and production values increase
Recent sequels and web shows have underperformed at the box office and in subscriber growth
Experts warn that relying on formulas may not always pay off
Marketing and promotions also contribute to increased costs
- Who
- Movie studios, streaming platforms, actors, and production teams
- What
- Are facing rising costs and audience fatigue for movie sequels and new show seasons
- When
- Over the past few months
- Where
- At the box office and on streaming platforms
- Why
- Due to increased actor fees, production values, and marketing costs
Pro-Sequels
Anti-Sequels
Brand Building
Pro-Sequels
Successful franchises can generate additional revenue streams and build loyal audiences.
Anti-Sequels
Not all franchises are successful, and the risks associated with creating a franchise can be significant.
Storytelling and Innovation
Pro-Sequels
If the story has more to say, building the next instalment can make sense.
Anti-Sequels
You can’t force it just because the first one worked. Returns don’t always match the extra spend.
- Annual subscriber growth rate in 2025
- 9.9%
- India's OTT audience universe
- 601.2 million people
- Actor fee increase range for films
- 30% to 80%
- Actor fee increase range for web series
- 20-40%
- Budget increase for successful sequels
- Inevitable