Why Chronicle Deserved a Sequel and Could Have Changed Superhero Movies Forever!

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Movies sometimes appear, create quite an impact, only to fade away as if they never existed in the first place. “Chronicle” is one such example. In the midst of the deluge of superhero films that dominated the previous decade, this movie stood out remarkably. Few others managed to be as impactful and effective as “Chronicle”. Released in 2012, it was brimming with potential to initiate a new genre of superhero narratives: it was innovative, daring, emotionally gripping, and had an originality that was scarce when such stories were becoming formulaic and predictable. However, instead of serving as the inauguration of a larger series, it became a mere footnote – and perhaps one of the biggest unrealized opportunities in the industry.

The plot of the movie “Chronicle” is relatively simple: characters Andrew (played by Dane DeHaan), Matt (Alex Russell), and Steve (Michael B. Jordan) acquire telekinetic abilities after stumbling upon a mysterious energy source in a cave. Unlike the usual “With great power comes great responsibility” theme, this film explores how these powers impact typical teenagers dealing with their own traumas, unhealthy family situations, and emotional instability. Rather than battling evil or saving humanity, they engage in conflicts among themselves, their own egos, and their increasing feelings of isolation. Over time, Andrew transforms into the main antagonist due to years of accumulated stress. The movie’s handheld camera style gives a sense of real-time immersion as we witness Andrew’s descent.

There’s no denying the impact of the movie “Chronicle.” In a period when most superhero films revolved around idealistic heroes and grandeur, this film dared to present powers as an externalization of internal struggles rather than simply a glossy emblem of virtue. It was a modest production with a grand concept, and it resonated profoundly with the audience. On a budget of just $12 million, it managed to earn over $126 million at the box office. The film was widely acclaimed by both critics and viewers, and with franchises like “The Hunger Games” and “Maze Runner” gaining popularity and even the DC Extended Universe and Marvel Cinematic Universe still in their infancy, it seemed ripe for expansion. Yet, despite the opportune timing, nothing materialized.

A potential follow-up was proposed, debated, even drafted – only to be put on hold. Max Landis, the scriptwriter of the original, conceived a grittier, more expansive sequel with a female protagonist. However, the studio declined. They allegedly sought something that resembled the first movie more closely. Landis abandoned the project, and Josh Trank showed no desire to return as well. Later, he admitted that he intentionally hindered the development of the sequel because he didn’t want it to become just another studio-made film based on his personal work. Subsequently, obstacles began accumulating: allegations against Landis, Trank’s professional setbacks, and a changing entertainment industry environment. Gradually, Chronicle lost its prominence.

However, what really hurts is that “Chronicle” had the potential to grow into something much more impactful, not just in terms of box office success but also in terms of creative daring and thematic complexity. It demonstrated a strong demand for superhero tales that are grittier, darker, and more introspective. The notion of a superhero as a troubled individual, one who could potentially destroy everything because they never learned to manage their own anger, remains remarkably resonant (almost timeless). “The Boys” serves as a recent example of this approach. Furthermore, the idea would have been even more pertinent if it were developed further in a sequel set against a backdrop of social media, misinformation, and digital turmoil.

Since 2021, there have been no updates about the sequel in production featuring a new female cast. This isn’t too unexpected given that the genre has become somewhat repetitive in some people’s eyes, and projects without well-known actors or grand spectacles often get overlooked, even when they promise to bring freshness – something that audiences say they crave.

In the long run, perhaps the movie “Chronicle” was too insightful (or truthful) to endure. It was a film that conveys its message in 83 minutes and departs before it can be molded into something more mainstream. It had all the elements required to initiate a series – but not the kind swollen with fan service or rigid studio deadlines. Instead, it was the type of narrative that could have ventured to daring, unsettling territories. However, it arrived prematurely, and Hollywood did what it typically does with things it isn’t quite sure how to manage: it overlooked it. Not because it lacked an audience, creative vision, or influence, but because “Chronicle” couldn’t be packaged and marketed like simply another component of the superhero industry.

It’s too bad – this movie could have paved the way for something fresh and innovative. We can only wonder about the direction the genre may have taken if it had been more successful.

Chronicle is available to stream on Max.

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2025-06-09 00:40