One of the great strengths of transmedia storytelling is that it lets you build a world that speaks to different audiences without losing its core identity.
Take Batman as an example:
G/PG (Family/Animated): The LEGO Batman Movie (2017), Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
PG-13 (Mainstream Blockbusters): The Dark Knight (2008), The Batman (2022)
R (Darker/Adult Spin-offs): Batman: The Killing Joke (2016), Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
Batman can exist in worlds for children, teens, and adults, from LEGO adventures to Oscar-winning thrillers to gritty animated films. That range is rare, and it shows how transmedia flexibility can expand an IP to reach generations of fans.
The DC Universe is particularly skilled at this, showing how transmedia flexibility can keep a property relevant for generations.
What’s another franchise you think balances multiple audiences this well?
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Hey, Dwayne Williams 2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. There's movies, toys, shows, comics, games, etc. for kids/teens/adults, and there's an R-rated live-action The Last Ronin movie in the works.
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Whaaa, that trailer is incredible! The graphics look so cinematic, I’m definitely watching that! Great choice Maurice Vaughan 5.
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I didn't know there was a trailer, Dwayne Williams 2. Can you post the link?
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Maurice Vaughan 5 I think it might be a fan creation, but it’s still really cool https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QehqE4LNDG8
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Thanks, Dwayne Williams 2. That is really cool. I only watched a little of it because I want to go into the feature film knowing as little as possible about The Last Ronin universe.
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Such a great breakdown and Batman is a perfect example of how a strong core identity can flex across tone, format, and audience while still feeling cohesive!
Another franchise that nails this balance is Star Wars. Between the original trilogies (PG adventure with mythic stakes), animated series like The Clone Wars (kid-friendly but layered), darker content like Andor (political thriller), and even LEGO Star Wars (pure fun), the galaxy far, far away constantly expands its reach while deepening its lore.