In recent years, more and more films in established universes continue to be released to the general public. Blockbuster after blockbuster, sequel after sequel and even the occasional prequel, it seems as though those directors and producers are relying on these established worlds to grab audiences attention.

Even with this trend, there are still audiences that want to see unique films that are able to tell stories that have not yet been told. One of the biggest examples of this was from Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.

According to ComicBook.com, when Nolan was on the Countdown to the BAFTAs podcast, he mentioned how the success of the film could be the start of a “post-franchise” move in current Hollywood.  

Nolan said that the recent success of movies such as Oppenheimer are showing Hollywood studios that there are audiences that want to see unknown stories, who want to see films and ideas they have never seen before. 

This idea is also backed by the fact that the film placed fifth in the domestic box office in 2023, according to Box Office Mojo and also placed third in the international box office and almost made $1 billion, according to TheNumbers.com.

In a world where we will continuously see more Marvel movies and nostalgic series returning as reruns or continuations, Oppenheimer gives film-goers hope that they will continue to see new and exciting IPs that don’t require a previously developed world.