NARRATIVE RECONFIGURATION IN FRANCHISE SEQUELS: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT WITH FROZEN AND FROZEN II

Abstract

This qualitative research discusses the interest of the audience in narrative reconfiguration in Frozen (2013) and Frozen II (2019) by Disney by analyzing 50 online reviews of Frozen (2013) and Frozen II (2019) using discourse analysis and comparing them with each other. The study, based on the engagement theory (Smith, 1995) and the use of Appraisal Theory (Martin and White, 2005), examines the linguistic construction of engagement by the audience, interpretation of narrative continuity and change by viewers and appraisal of sequel narratives. Results show that there are three prevailing trends, namely, (1) nostalgic attachment of the original forming evaluative structures, (2) ambivalent reactions to narrative expansion between appreciation and critique, and (3) discrepant emotional commitment to character development. Viewers create a form of involvement by making comparative judgments, emotional revelation and thematic unity judgment. The analysis shows that the key to successful sequel reception is to strike the balance between familiarity and relevant innovation with respect to the prior emotional investment.