The "third version of a sequel" is commonly known as a threequel.
Understanding the Threequel
A threequel refers to the third installment in a narrative series, which follows the original work and its first sequel. It serves as a direct continuation of the story, characters, and themes established in the preceding two works. A threequel is the third work after the first sequel. These subsequent works act as a continuation, and sometimes a conclusion of plot threads from the first two works.
The progression of a typical film or book series illustrates this naming convention:
| Installment Number | Terminology | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Original | The first work in the series, introducing the core story and characters. |
| 2 | Sequel | The first continuation of the original story, building upon its foundation. |
| 3 | Threequel | The third work in the series, following the original and the first sequel. |
| 4 | Fourquel | The fourth work in the series. |
| 5+ | Fivequel, etc. | Subsequent installments in an ongoing series. |
Role and Purpose
Threequels often play a crucial role in a series, aiming to:
- Advance the Plot: They continue the overarching narrative, introducing new conflicts or deepening existing ones.
- Character Development: Characters may face new challenges that lead to significant growth or change.
- Conclude Storylines: Many threequels are designed to provide a definitive resolution to a trilogy, tying up loose ends and offering a satisfying ending for the arc established in the first two installments.
- Expand the Universe: They can introduce new elements, locations, or characters that broaden the scope of the fictional world.
Examples of Threequels
Numerous popular film franchises feature a threequel that holds significant importance to their respective stories:
- Toy Story 3: Following Toy Story and Toy Story 2, this film is widely praised for its emotional depth and a poignant conclusion to the original trilogy arc.
- The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King: As the third film in Peter Jackson's epic adaptation, it concludes the main narrative of Frodo's quest and the War of the Ring.
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: This film serves as the third adventure for Indiana Jones, delving into his family background and concluding his initial trilogy.
- Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi: The third film released in the original Star Wars trilogy, it provides a resolution to the conflict between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader/Emperor Palpatine.
These examples highlight how threequels often serve as pivotal points, sometimes providing a grand finale, and sometimes setting the stage for further adventures in an extended franchise.
For more information on film series terminology, you can refer to the Wikipedia page on Sequels.
