＂Qingyu Nian 2＂ is finished, can’t the ＂sequel spell＂ really be broken？

　　On October 17, actor Zhang Ruoyun posted a letter to Fan Xian, the male protagonist of "Qingyu Nian", on Weibo, at the same time announcing that "Qingyu Nian 2" was successfully completed. As soon as the Weibo was released, it rushed to the hot search, and netizens said that "it started to come out after a long time." After "Qingyu Nian" aired in 2019, it received a good reputation. There are many rumors about the delay in the release of the second film: the main creative team could not come together, the script could not be written, etc. After the cast and stills were released one after another, many rumors were self-defeating. At the same time, it has once again triggered people’s discussion of the "sequel spell". There are many opinions on this issue, but it can be roughly considered that although it is possible to crack the "sequel spell", it is quite difficult.

　　It is the "magic spell" of domestic TV series sequels that it is difficult for the sequel to reach the height of the previous work in terms of word-of-mouth and evaluation. On the one hand, many viewers "kneel down" for the sequel of the TV series they like, and at the same time have high expectations for the sequel, hoping to see the continuation and breakthrough of the previous work. On the other hand, the producers tightly shake hands with the "IP" big names in the "IP", and are happy to make the sequel. However, in the creative process, due to various reasons, the final effect is not satisfactory, and the quality of the sequel is often difficult to reach the height of the previous work, and there are not a few works on the street. The "sequel magic spell" was also born.

　　The producer’s lack of sequel planning awareness is the main reason for the emergence of the "sequel spell". It is not difficult to see that most of the episodes really start planning sequels after the drama is popular. This also leads to many problems. First, the previous drama is too full, and it is difficult to expand and continue the script of the sequel. Second, it is difficult to gather the original cast. After all, the contract for the second installment needs to be re-signed, but the change of the actor’s reputation and whether the actor has a schedule will directly affect whether the cooperation can be reached again. In order to avoid this problem, many producers and screenwriters are maintaining a weak connection with the previous work and launching a new story. For example, "Ode to Joy 3", although it has the IP of "Ode to Joy", the characters, plot, and creative team are completely different from the previous work, which makes many viewers unable to accept it, and its reputation has plummeted.

　　The reason for the formation of the "sequel spell" is not only the problem of creative level, but also involves market and commercial factors. In today’s highly competitive film and television market environment, sequels are often regarded as a continuation of commercial investment. Producers and investors often pay more attention to box office and market performance, while ignoring the quality of story and creation. This commercialization-oriented influence makes sequels often lose their independence and originality, and only mechanically continue the story framework of the previous work, which also leads to the phenomenon of poor reputation of sequels.

　　In the final analysis, to break the "sequel spell", TV series producers need to be forward-looking and long-term planning. On the basis of taking into account the logic and quality of the plot, do not tell each story so full, leave some space for the characters’ future feelings and growth, and leave a little room for subsequent stories. This requires producers to weigh and coordinate with higher wisdom. Of course, whether it is to improve the original ability of the script or improve the judgment of the market prospects of the original work, it cannot be achieved overnight. This requires a lot of patience and ability. Therefore, film and television creators still have a long way to go to produce popular IP sequels as a breakthrough for the prosperity of the market.

　　On the other hand, "Qingyu Nian 2", in terms of the cast and stills released, on the basis of maintaining the original cast of the previous work, many old actors with extraordinary strength have been added, and Fu Huadao has also continued the refinement of the previous work. Overall, "Qingyu Nian 2" is expected to crack the "sequel spell". Although it is difficult to crack this problem, it is not impossible. Producers and creators should treat the sequel creation with a more rigorous attitude, present more exciting sequels for the audience, and help China’s film and television industry to reach a new height.