prequels

A prequel is a work that depicts events occurring before the timeline of an earlier work in the same fictional universe. The term is most commonly applied to film, but it also spans literature, television, and video games.

Prequels may expand world-building, explain character motivations, or show origins of institutions, powers, or mythologies. They are often released after the original work, and can interweave with, retell, or redirect established storylines; not all prequels are strictly chronological predecessors.

Some prequels reframe prior events, while others preserve the original's ending and narrate past episodes. They may confront retcons or continuity challenges and frequently rely on fan familiarity with the original to convey significance.

Notable examples include The Godfather Part II, which blends a chronological sequel with backstory; Star Wars Episode I–III; The Hobbit as a prequel to The Lord of the Rings; Better Call Saul; Wide Sargasso Sea; Metal Gear Solid 3; Assassin's Creed II. These works illustrate how prequels can take different forms across media, from direct backstory to broader universe expansion.

Critics often debate whether prequels add meaningful context or undermine suspense by revealing prior outcomes; production constraints and nostalgia can also influence reception. When well-executed, prequels can deepen character motives and world lore; when not, they may feel repetitive or diminishing to the original narrative impact.