Requel vs Prequel: Meaning And Differences

When it comes to the world of movies and TV shows, there are many terms that are thrown around, often without a clear understanding of what they mean. Two of these terms are “requel” and “prequel”. While they may sound similar, they actually have distinct meanings and uses.

So, what exactly is a requel? The term “requel” is a portmanteau of “remake” and “sequel”. It refers to a movie or TV show that is both a remake and a sequel, often taking place in the same universe as the original but with a new story or characters. In other words, a requel is a story that combines elements of both a remake and a sequel.

A prequel, on the other hand, is a story that takes place before the events of the original movie or TV show. It often explores the backstory of characters or events that were mentioned in the original, giving viewers a deeper understanding of the world and its inhabitants.

Now that we have a better understanding of what each term means, let’s dive into the differences between requels and prequels, and explore why each type of story can be effective in its own way.

Define Requel

A requel is a term used to describe a hybrid of a sequel and a reboot. It is a relatively new concept in the entertainment industry, where a new installment of a franchise serves as both a sequel and a reboot to the original series. A requel can be seen as a way to extend the life of a franchise by introducing new characters and storylines while still maintaining the essence of the original series.

Define Prequel

A prequel is a type of story that takes place before the events of the original story. It is a literary or cinematic work that explores the backstory of the characters and events that took place before the original story. Prequels are often created to provide more context and depth to the original story, and to expand the universe in which the story takes place. They can be standalone works or part of a larger franchise.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to discussing movies, the terms “requel” and “prequel” are often used interchangeably. However, they actually have distinct meanings. Here’s how to use each word properly in a sentence.

How To Use “Requel” In A Sentence

“Requel” is a portmanteau of “sequel” and “reboot,” and refers to a movie that is both a sequel and a reboot of a franchise. Here are some examples of how to use “requel” in a sentence:

• The latest Spider-Man movie is a requel that continues the story from the previous films while also introducing a new take on the character.
• The upcoming Ghostbusters movie is being billed as a requel, as it takes place in the same universe as the original films but features a new cast of characters.

When using “requel” in a sentence, it’s important to make it clear that the movie is both a sequel and a reboot. This can be done by using phrases like “continues the story while also introducing a new take” or “takes place in the same universe but features a new cast.”

How To Use “Prequel” In A Sentence

“Prequel” is a term used to describe a movie that takes place before the events of an existing film or franchise. Here are some examples of how to use “prequel” in a sentence:

• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a prequel that takes place just before the events of the original Star Wars movie.
• The Hobbit movies are prequels to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, as they take place before the events of those films.

When using “prequel” in a sentence, it’s important to make it clear that the movie takes place before the events of an existing film or franchise. This can be done by using phrases like “just before the events of” or “before the events of the original.”

More Examples Of Requel & Prequel Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the usage of the terms “requel” and “prequel”, here are some examples of how they can be used in a sentence:

Examples Of Using Requel In A Sentence

• The latest Star Wars movie is a requel that combines elements of the original trilogy with new characters and storylines.
• The upcoming Ghostbusters film is being marketed as a requel to the original movies, with some of the original cast returning and new actors taking on the roles of their children.
• The Jurassic World franchise is a series of requels that continue the story of the original Jurassic Park movies, while introducing new dinosaurs and characters.
• The new Blade Runner movie is a requel that takes place 30 years after the events of the original film, with a new protagonist and storyline.
• The recent Jumanji movie is a requel that pays homage to the original film while updating it for modern audiences.
• The latest Terminator movie is a requel that ignores some of the previous sequels and picks up where the second movie left off.
• The new Men in Black movie is a requel that introduces new characters while still acknowledging the events of the previous movies.
• The upcoming Top Gun movie is being marketed as a requel that follows the story of the original film, with Tom Cruise reprising his role as Maverick.
• The latest Halloween movie is a requel that ignores the events of all previous sequels and serves as a direct sequel to the original film.
• The recent Mary Poppins movie is a requel that takes place several decades after the events of the original film, with a new cast of characters and musical numbers.

Examples Of Using Prequel In A Sentence

• The Star Wars prequel trilogy explores the backstory of characters like Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, taking place before the events of the original movies.
• The Hobbit movies serve as a prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, telling the story of Bilbo Baggins and his adventures before the events of the later films.
• The recent Fantastic Beasts movies are prequels to the Harry Potter series, taking place several decades before the events of the original books and movies.
• The recent X-Men movie, X-Men: First Class, serves as a prequel to the original trilogy, exploring the origins of characters like Professor X and Magneto.
• The recent Alien movie, Prometheus, is a prequel to the original film, exploring the origins of the iconic xenomorph creature.
• The recent Star Trek movies serve as prequels to the original series, exploring the early years of Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise.
• The recent God of War video game serves as a prequel to the original series, exploring the backstory of protagonist Kratos and his relationship with his son.
• The recent Planet of the Apes movies serve as prequels to the original series, exploring the origins of the intelligent apes and their conflict with humans.
• The recent Hannibal TV series serves as a prequel to the events of the Silence of the Lambs movie, exploring the early years of the titular character and his relationship with FBI agent Will Graham.
• The recent Better Call Saul TV series serves as a prequel to the events of the Breaking Bad series, exploring the early years of lawyer Saul Goodman.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to discussing movies or TV shows, the terms “requel” and “prequel” are often used interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and miscommunication. In this section, we will highlight some of the most common mistakes people make when using requel and prequel interchangeably, explain why they are incorrect, and offer tips on how to avoid making these mistakes in the future.

Mistake #1: Using “Requel” And “Prequel” To Refer To The Same Thing

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “requel” and “prequel” to refer to the same thing. While both terms refer to a type of movie or TV show that is related to an earlier work, they are not interchangeable. A prequel is a story that takes place before the events of the original work, while a requel is a work that is both a sequel and a reboot.

For example, “The Hobbit” is a prequel to “The Lord of the Rings” because it takes place before the events of the original trilogy. On the other hand, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is a requel because it continues the story from the original trilogy while also rebooting the franchise.

Mistake #2: Using “Requel” To Refer To Any Sequel That Reboots The Franchise

Another common mistake is using “requel” to refer to any sequel that reboots the franchise. While a requel is a type of reboot, not all reboots are requels. A reboot is a work that starts a franchise over from scratch, while a requel is a work that continues the story from the original work while also rebooting the franchise.

For example, “The Amazing Spider-Man” is a reboot of the Spider-Man franchise, while “Spider-Man: Homecoming” is a sequel that continues the story from “Captain America: Civil War” while also rebooting the franchise. However, “Spider-Man: Far From Home” is not a requel because it is a direct sequel to “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and does not reboot the franchise.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

• Read the definitions of “prequel” and “requel” carefully to ensure you are using the correct term.
• Research the movie or TV show you are discussing to determine whether it is a prequel, sequel, reboot, or requel.
• Use specific examples to clarify your meaning and avoid confusion.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between a requel and a prequel, context matters. Both types of stories have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the decision to use one over the other should be based on the specific context in which they are being used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some different contexts and how the choice between requel and prequel might change:

Established Franchise

If you’re working with an established franchise, the choice between requel and prequel will largely depend on the existing canon. For example, if the franchise has a rich history with well-established characters, a prequel might be the better choice. This would allow you to explore the backstory of beloved characters and provide additional context for the events of the original story. On the other hand, if the franchise has become stale and is in need of a refresh, a requel might be the better choice. This would allow you to introduce new characters and storylines while still maintaining some of the elements that made the original story popular.

Stand-Alone Story

If you’re working with a stand-alone story, the choice between requel and prequel will largely depend on the story itself. For example, if the story has a clear ending and doesn’t leave much room for a sequel, a prequel might be the better choice. This would allow you to explore the world and characters in more depth without having to worry about the constraints of the original story. On the other hand, if the story has room for expansion and you’re looking to continue the narrative, a requel might be the better choice. This would allow you to build on the existing story while still introducing new elements and characters.

Reboot or Remake

If you’re working on a reboot or a remake, the choice between requel and prequel will largely depend on the goals of the project. For example, if the goal is to modernize the story and bring it to a new audience, a requel might be the better choice. This would allow you to introduce new elements and characters while still paying homage to the original story. On the other hand, if the goal is to stay true to the original story and provide additional context, a prequel might be the better choice. This would allow you to explore the world and characters in more depth while still staying true to the original story.

As you can see, the choice between requel and prequel can depend on a variety of factors. By taking the context into account, you can make an informed decision that will best serve the story and the audience.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using requel and prequel are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they may not apply. Here are a few examples:

1. Franchise Reboots

When a franchise is rebooted, it can be difficult to determine whether the new installment should be considered a requel or a prequel. In some cases, the new film may be a combination of both. For example, the 2019 movie “Terminator: Dark Fate” is both a requel and a reboot, as it continues the story from “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” while also resetting the timeline of the franchise. In cases like this, it is best to use both terms to describe the film.

2. Standalone Prequels

While prequels are typically meant to be viewed in chronological order with the original work, there are some standalone prequels that can be watched independently. For example, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is a standalone prequel to the original “Star Wars” trilogy, as it takes place before the events of the first film but does not directly lead into it. In cases like this, it may be more appropriate to use the term “prequel” rather than “requel.”

3. Alternate Timelines

In some cases, a requel or prequel may take place in an alternate timeline that diverges from the original work. For example, the 2009 “Star Trek” film is a requel that takes place in an alternate timeline created by a time-traveling villain. While the events of the film are meant to lead into the original “Star Trek” series, they take place in a different timeline with some key differences. In cases like this, it is important to clarify that the work is a requel or prequel to a specific timeline or version of the original work.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between requels and prequels, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these terms in sentences:

Exercise 1: Identify The Film Type

Read the following plot summaries and identify whether each film is a prequel or requel:

Plot Summary	Film Type
A group of rebels band together to steal the plans for the Death Star, setting up the events of the original Star Wars film.	Prequel
A new group of teens find themselves targeted by the same supernatural force that haunted the original group of friends in the first film.	Requel
A young Han Solo navigates the criminal underworld and meets his future co-pilot Chewbacca, setting up the events of the original Star Wars trilogy.	Prequel
A family moves into a haunted house and begins to experience terrifying paranormal activity, setting up the events of the original film.	Requel

Exercise 2: Use Requel And Prequel In Sentences

Write a sentence using each of the following words:

• Requel
• Prequel
• Requel
• Prequel

Once you have written your sentences, compare them to the following examples:

• The new Ghostbusters movie is a requel that continues the story from the original films while introducing a new cast of characters.
• The Hobbit trilogy serves as a prequel to the Lord of the Rings films, exploring the events that took place before the original story.
• Blade Runner 2049 is a requel that continues the story of the original Blade Runner film, but with a new protagonist and updated technology.
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a prequel that takes place just before the events of the original Star Wars film, exploring the mission to steal the Death Star plans.

By completing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of requel and prequel in your everyday language.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between requels and prequels, it is clear that these two terms have distinct meanings in the world of storytelling. A requel is a story that combines elements of both a sequel and a reboot, while a prequel is a story that takes place before the events of an existing story.

It is important to understand the differences between these terms, as they can affect the way that audiences perceive and engage with a story. For example, a requel may be seen as a fresh take on a beloved franchise, while a prequel may be seen as an unnecessary addition to an already complete story.

As writers and readers, it is important to continue learning about grammar and language use in order to effectively communicate our ideas and engage with the stories that we love. By understanding the nuances of terms like requel and prequel, we can better appreciate the art of storytelling and the impact that it has on our lives.