10 spinoffs about darker than the movies and TV shows they’re based on

The 21st century was an era of sequels, reboots and spinoffs. Although these projects have saturated the market for many years, some are worth checking out. One of the reasons a spinoff can find unexpected success without copying the original movie or TV show is by incorporating darker and more intense storylines. Since A spinoff does not have the pressure and expectations that the original film or series may face, It can experiment with style and tone to exciting results. A good spinoff will be rooted in the universe of the story while working to stand alone as an individual project.

When many of the best legacy movie sequels differentiate themselves by going down a darker path, it could mean that more mature and adult themes will play a big role in the project. That makes sense, like When a TV show takes on a more serious tone, more emotional conflict will be incorporated into the narrative. Regardless of genre, a film or series creates its own legacy, and the success of a spinoff cannot rely on the popularity of the original project. If audiences don’t connect with the darker parts of the story, it will show in the reception.

10

Torchwood (2006–2011)

Based on Doctor Who

While Doctor Who Spinoffs are rare, they’re always a welcome expansion of the Whovian universe, because there’s so much of the cosmos to explore without the Doctor. While the Doctor is a vital part of the original series, Torchwood Premieres at a transitional time in the show’s history and focuses on what happens to Earth after the Doctor departs, leaving it unprotected. Starring the fan-favorite companion, Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood Follow him and his allies and take on more mature subjects.

Doctor Who Has always been known for his family-friendly approach to his adventures. However, Jack and The members of the Torchwood team were deeply rooted in the flaws and desires of humanity. despite this, Torchwood Was not only interesting because it introduced more sex and violence in the story. The show is not afraid to leave behind the typical happy endings of Doctor Who. Since the letters in Torchwood They did not have the resources and experiences of the Doctor, they had to deal with alien phenomena on Earth as they could.

9

Star Trek: Picard (2020–2023)

Based on the Star Trek universe

Sir Patrick Stewart returned to the Star Trek universe to reprise his role as Jean-Luc Picard For the spinoff continuation of the story in Star Trek: The Next Generation And these Star Trek Films Stewart starred in. Stewart’s age and Picard’s experience of illness and trauma are a huge part of Picards storylines, as the series goes so far as to kill off Picard at the end of season 1 and then resurrect him in a synthetic body. Although this series was very different from others Star Trek installments, it paved the way for more serious parts of the franchise.

Grief, loss, and the realities of growing old are not easy topics, however Star Trek: Picard Realized that there is no better actor to tackle these issues than Stewart. He portrays an honesty and depth in Picard that is emotionally resonant with audiences of all ages. Each season sees Picard faced with an even more distressing and affecting storyline, Pushing Stewart as an actor and demonstrated that Star Trek is in tune with the future of science fiction.

8

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

Directed by Gareth Edwards

For audience members familiar with the original Star Wars Trilogy, the tragic end of Bug one was inevitable, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. The prequel film follows the events leading up to the destruction of the planet Alderaan and the individuals who made it possible for the rebels to obtain the plans for the Death Star. Bug one is unlike any other Star Wars movie in tone and style, as it is supposed to reflect the individual sacrifices and losses of the overlooked characters in the series.

Bug one was popular enough to warrant its own prequel series, Andrwhich received positive criticism and audience acclaim. While the forces of rebellion are an enduring facet of each Star Wars In film, the rough and tumble realities of this resistance are never darker than in Bug one. Led by Felicity Jones and Diego Luna as a pair of doomed but determined resistance fighters, Bug one Is not afraid to leave the audience with the crushing reality of the cost of war.

7

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999–present)

Based on law & order

After over twenty seasons and hundreds of cases, Law & Order: SVU surpassed the original series, Law & OrderIn many ways. Arguably the most popular installment of the Law & Order franchise, SVU Immediately connected with audiences because it went further with the violence and heavy subject matter than the first Law & Order. Although there are many upsetting stories in each Law & Order show, SVU Consistently goes further, helping viewers to work through the painful realities by seeing them on screen.

Benson and Stabler’s relationship in Law & Order: SVU is a fun aspect of the show, as their work and personal dynamic helps lighten the intense mood of the series’ storylines. The advantage of such a long-running series means that SVU Has evolved with the times and affected the social and political changes From the last few decades, served as a time capsule of the eras. Looking back at each season of Law & Order: SVU Provides a look at the cultural climate and the importance of telling unheard stories.

6

Logan (2017)

Based on the X-Men universe

Hugh Jackman gives his best performance as Wolverine in Logan, The darker and more sad X-Men Film. While Wolverine and the other X-Men almost all have unhappy backstories, Logan has a particularly difficult time, especially considering the fact that he doesn’t age at the same rate as others. However, in LoganTime has finally caught up with him, and he must come to grips with his legacy as a mutant, the future of his race, and his past with Professor X.

Charles Xavier is also a crucial piece of the tone and narrative in LoganLike the lovable professor, he is getting older and struggling to keep his grip on reality. It falls to Logan to care for Charles and a young girl seeking guidance who falls under his protection. Critics and audiences agreed that Logan was a successful subversion and celebration of the superhero genre. The film predicts what becomes of a hero when the world they exist to protect becomes unrecognizable.

5

Angel (1999–2004)

Based on Buffy the Vampire Slayer

After the success of Buffy the Vampire Slayer And Angel’s inevitable exit, it followed that a spinoff series should expand the world of the Slayer from a new perspective. There is no question that Buffy was dark and became even more profound and mature in its themes as the series progressed, however Angel Has an inherent approach because of its protagonist. As a vampire cursed with a soul to remember and repent for his violent crimes for the rest of his existence, Angel is a tortured character who carries the weight of his past in his present attempts to earn redemption.

Although Angel Had its ups and downs, the final season is considered an amazing piece of television and a great sendoff for the series. There were plenty of moments of levity to balance out the depressing parts of AngelHow David Boreanaz played Angel’s tortured scenes, as well as his comedic ones. A key facet of Angel Was that Angel could never have the life he wanted And was an eternal outsider in the human world, making the head of the show in youth.

4

Daria (1997-2002)

Based on Beavis and Bat-head

Daria is almost unrecognizable compared to its counterpart, Beavis and Bat-head. Although Daria was a recurring character in the first show, her series is completely different. Like the protagonist, Daria is a pessimistic teenager who finds little joy in life and does not share the same enthusiasm for suburban life and the nuclear family as her family and schoolmates. throughout the series, Daria Tackles contemporary issues and pushes back against the principle of conformity.

The titular sad teenager is the perspective through which the viewer sees the world, giving the series a sarcastic and nihilistic tone. While there are bright spots in DariaAnd even the main character herself finds things she enjoys in life, The point of the series is to convey a particular sardonic message. This made Daria An animated series that was a hit with adults and older audiences, differentiated itself from other projects. ;

3

NCIS (2003 – present)

Based on JAG

It is a little known fact that NCIS is a spinoff of the original series JAGlike NCIS has far surpassed the original in terms of popularity and longevity. today, NCIS is often considered the original series due to the number of shows that spawned from it, but this is not the case. Although NCIS Is a spinoff itself, there are many NCIS Spinoffs audiences want to seeLike the upcoming Tony & Ziva series and NCIS: Origins.

While JAG After touching on military issues, it was framed as a legal procedural rather than a crime procedural. The characters that are introduced in JAG That moved to NCIS had to deal with more violent crimes and conspiracies, making their cases more hard-hitting and emotional. Since the beginning of the show, NCIS is only deeply involved in the dangerous and sometimes serious crimes that are shown in the genre.

2

Puss In Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

based on fear

When the character Puss in Boots was first introduced to the fairy tale world of the fear Movies in Fear 2, It didn’t take long for the sleek feline to become an iconic character. Puss was an excellent choice to be the protagonist of a spinoff series, and while the first Puss in shoes From 2011 has its merits, it pales in comparison to the last sequel. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Touches on new aspects of the character’s identity.

Despite being a children’s movie, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is not afraid to grapple with the fear of mortality and growing old, As well as the concept of forming an inheritance. Although Puss has a lot of growing to do, he eventually realizes what truly matters to him and learns not to fear death but to welcome it as a natural part of life. The image of his anxiety and difficulties to come to this epiphany gives a great representation for kids in a fun film.

1

WandaVision (2021)

Based on the Marvel Cinematic Universe

WandaVision Immediately regarded as one of the best TV projects to come out of the MCU, And it’s no wonder considering the show’s genre-bending format. Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany star as Wanda and Vision, two of the Avengers introduced in the last part of The Avengers Films and who lost their chance in a happy life together. The series follows Wanda, devastated after losing her vision and struggling to cope.

The last few installments of The Avengers Movies are dark and saw many characters lost in the battle to defeat Thanos. however, WandaVision Did not have the happy ending of the other films, like The series was solely dedicated to Wanda slowly coming to terms with her grief. Each episode saw her take one step further to accept that Vision was gone and that she created the reality of her imagination. The realization of how far she went to avoid the pain is a sad and emotional response to such a tragedy.