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.