Usually when you have a sequel, the character always stays the same and that's true basically of 'Rocky III,' 'IV' and 'V.' He didn't really change.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
By definition a sequel can't be original. So you've got to figure out what worked the first time around.
You have to be very careful when you're working on a sequel, because it has to be a continuation of what you did before.
I pointedly avoid doing sequels, since for the most part I find that a sequel rarely stands up to the original.
The only reason I would write a sequel is if I were struck by an idea that I felt to be equal to the original. Too many sequels diminish the original.
When I am making a sequel, it needs to be different from what you have already seen. Yet, it needs to maintain a certain discipline so that people still associate it with the prequel.
With a sequel you're always trying to get bigger and better.
At Pixar, we do sequels only when we come up with a great idea, and we always strive to be different than the original.
That's always the trick with the sequels, is how much do you repeat from the first one. Because we all get bummed out when you go see a sequel and it's beat for beat.
The biggest difference in writing a sequel is that now there are expectations. But also - and this is the awesome part - now there are fans, too!
I think everybody goes through changes, and the same should be said for fictional characters, especially ones that you follow on television.