Blockbuster Syndrome: Why Hollywood Keeps Repeating Itself

Drawing on film scholarship, the episode examines how risk-averse studio strategies can sideline originality, limit opportunities for new voices, and shape the kinds of stories audiences see. Boyd ultimately asks whether today’s moviegoers are choosing what they want to watch — or what studios assume will sell.

About the Host: Ka’Ryn Boyd is a Communications major at the Community College of Baltimore County exploring career paths within the field, with growing interests in fashion and media creativity. This episode reflects her love of franchise films alongside her curiosity about how Hollywood’s business decisions influence storytelling and audience experience.

Sources Featured in This Episode:

Cornea, Christine. Science Fiction Cinema: Between Fantasy and Reality. Cambridge University Press. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/science-fiction-cinema

🎵 Music Credit:

Intro and outro music: “Soul Groove” by Josh Woodward.

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0.

https://www.joshwoodward.com