Nostalgia is a powerful tool in screenwriting, appealing to audiences across generations. As both Millennials and Gen Z embrace the past, Hollywood is responding with a surge of remakes and sequels. But how can screenwriters effectively lean into this trend to create compelling narratives?
How Should Screenwriters Lean into Nostalgia?
Today, it’s not just Millennials who are nostalgic for the past; Gen Z is also embracing the early 2000s. My social media feed is filled with Norah Jones slideshows and references to the “Global Village Coffeehouse” aesthetic, a design movement that thrived from the late 1980s to the early 2000s. Have you noticed this trend as well?
This nostalgia has inevitably spilled over into Hollywood, resulting in a wave of remakes, reboots, and sequels based on properties from our childhood.
We are seeing titles like Freakier Friday, Princess Diaries 3, and Bend It Like Beckham 2, along with new installments in the I Know What You Did Last Summer, Lilo & Stitch, Karate Kid, and Bridget Jones franchises.
Nostalgia is not a new concept, but how can it enhance your screenwriting?
Insights from Industry Experts
IndieWire recently interviewed the creative minds behind The Devil Wears Prada 2 (screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna) and Freakier Friday (screenwriters Jordan Weiss and Elyse Hollander) to discuss the significance of these films for today’s audiences.
Weiss noted, “It was a combination of legacy producers, millennial executives, and a millennial screenwriter, all of whom either loved this movie because they worked on it or were obsessed with it as children.” This perfect storm occurs when nostalgic fans rise to power in Hollywood, equipped with cherished memories and decision-making authority.
McKenna explained that the desire to create The Devil Wears Prada 2 stemmed from the creative team, not the studio. Creative teams are pushing these projects forward because they genuinely believe there are new stories to tell within these familiar universes.
She added, “The only reason to do something like this is if you have something meaningful to express creatively. I’ve been approached with other remakes that, in different contexts, didn’t resonate with me.”
The key for screenwriters is to recognize that nostalgia projects thrive when they provide more than just familiar faces.
Moreover, McKenna discovered her sequel opportunity because “the world these characters inhabit is changing rapidly. I believe there’s potential there,” she said. The most successful nostalgic revivals use the original as a springboard to delve into contemporary themes through the characters.
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Leveraging Nostalgia in Your Screenwriting
Screenwriting coach Lee Jessup also recognized this trend and advised Final Draft on how to capitalize on it, stating, “Intellectual property (IP) is always king. Whenever you can resurrect a project that might still have sequel potential, why not? There’s definitely an appetite for nostalgic, campy ‘90s movies.”
Jessup cautioned writers not to overlook their original material, which is crucial for those seeking representation early in their careers.
If you want to harness nostalgia as a writer, consider beloved yet dormant franchises that haven’t been fully explored. Early 2000s teen comedies, cult horror films, or even failed TV pilots may have passionate fanbases waiting to be rediscovered. Investigate which properties have lapsed rights or might be available for option.
If there’s a property you cherish, check if the original creators retain any control. You might be surprised at how easy it is to reach out to an original team member and inquire about their IP’s status. Don’t hesitate to ask.
Write on spec—this is just for a sample, not for production. Find an old fan favorite and give it your unique twist. Adapt a lesser-known public domain work or create a quirky sequel. These samples can demonstrate to industry professionals that you know how to balance existing characters with innovative ideas.
Consider a spiritual take on something you love, without being too direct. For instance, you can write original screenplays that capture the essence of nostalgic properties without using the actual IP. Stranger Things exemplifies this by channeling ’80s Spielberg without being a sequel or remake of his work.
If you have additional ideas for incorporating nostalgia into your writing, please share them in the comments.
