What is a Trilogy Film?
Sometimes, when a film is being produced you might hear it referenced as part of a Trilogy. Or it could be described as part of a saga or sequel. These terms are common in filmmaking as well as in the creation of books and storylines. But what is a trilogy film? And what does trilogy mean? When an artist or producer refers to a trilogy, they’re referencing a theme of works that are produced together or in succession of one another. But why?
What is a Trilogy Film?
A trilogy is a set of three works of art that are somehow connected by theme or underlying elements. When you hear the term trilogy referencing a movie or film, it generally refers to three films that are interrelated and which share the same characters or setting.
In fact, it’s very common for trilogies to share characters or for us to see trilogies that have the same setting carried out over and over.
For Example
Sometimes a trilogy will be represented by a connection in theme. Although this is less common for films, there are instances where trilogies in film are the result of a shared underlying theme. Such as a political theme, or a theme that follows equality.
Trilogies have been used in filmmaking for many years. The term trilogy actually dates back to Green times. And represents plays that were once performed in threes. Then followed with a fourth satyr play that would break the trilogy.
In filmmaking, trilogies were largely popularized by The Lord of the Rings but trilogies existed prior as well.
What Happens if Films are Added to a Trilogy?
So, knowing that a trilogy film is one of three films that are interconnected by theme, setting, or characters, what happens if the filmmaker decides to add work to an existing trilogy?
There are several options for adding to trilogies. Although once work is added to a trilogy the film will lose the designation of being a trilogy work.
Sometimes, when a fourth or more subsequent works are added, the original three films will maintain the “trilogy” destination. But not always. Many times, when a fourth or subsequent film is added the first three lose their trilogy designation.
So, what is a trilogy film? It’s a set of three films that are interconnected by theme, setting, characters or other elements which have overlapping events or characteristics.