After a few weeks away due to totally real and definitely not embarrassing technical difficulties (we blame the prequel to our soundboard), Pop Culture Roulette is back! And fittingly, we’re going back in time ourselves with a deep dive into the strange, storied, and sometimes spectacular world of prequels.

This episode unpacks the full history of the prequel—where it started, how it became a modern Hollywood staple, and why creators keep trying to fill in every blank space of our favorite stories. We dig into the narrative mechanics that make a prequel sing, from clever foreshadowing to thoughtful character foundations, and we explore the pitfalls that sink so many others: over-explaining mysteries, flattening iconic characters, or rewriting canon just because they can.

We look at early examples that shaped the blueprint, the big-budget blockbusters that redefined what a prequel could be, and the ones that taught studios some very painful lessons. We bring our favorite prequels to the table—including the surprising ones that actually elevate the original story—and we definitely call out the prequels we wish we could go back in time to prevent entirely.

Whether you love detailed backstories or think some characters are better left unexplained, this is a trip to the past worth taking. Hit play, subscribe, and share the episode to keep the conversation rolling—your support helps us keep spinning the wheel each week!

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