I think the more people that stay on board from the first film, the more credibility the sequel will get. The script is the main thing though. It has to be more than just a re-hash.

I’d certainly like to see more original ideas in genre films. There are hundreds, maybe thousands of ideas out there just from existing novels that could be adapted. Perhaps trailer-makers need to step up their game. A good trailer should be able to convince anyone of something new and cool. Slap on the names of well-liked stars and director and you’re good to go.

Nolan’s Batman Begins is a good model, it has a satisfying conclusion yet teases enough excitement for what’s to come (the Joker card) for both the audience’s imagination and the character itself. So it works both ways if it’s implemented well.

I think DKR contradicts the standalone model a bit as it relies on foreknowledge of the previous films for maximum dramatic effect.

The whole “hoping” for sequels thing is nothing new, and I have no problem with it, there’s something really special about seeing the “James Bond will Return in…”
text at the end of the bond movies, or something like Buckaroo Banzai. That’s totally fine, as long as each individual movie tells its own complete story.

I think this kind of self-contained story-telling within a series is what has allowed the Bond franchise to survive for so many years.

I don’t know why more franchises can’t be like James Bond where each movie is a story but featuring the same character.

Starting from the ’80s, sequels/add ons/reboots are always preferred, and have been for some time.