Franchise Fever: The Hollywood Blockbusters of the New Millennium by Gregory Hammond delves into the explosive rise of franchise filmmaking in the 21st century, analyzing the cultural, economic, and creative forces that have shaped the modern blockbuster. From the early successes of The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter to the global dominance of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Fast & Furious, this book explores how franchises have revolutionized Hollywood, pushing studios to embrace shared universes, cross-media storytelling, and global marketing strategies.

Through an in-depth examination of key franchises, Franchise Fever sheds light on the ways in which these films have influenced audience expectations, transformed film production practices, and altered the economics of the industry. It also addresses the growing concerns about franchise fatigue, the homogenization of cinema, and the future of original filmmaking in an era dominated by sequels, reboots, and spinoffs. With insights into the business of blockbusters, behind-the-scenes production strategies, and the impact of digital technology and streaming platforms, Franchise Fever offers a comprehensive look at the phenomena that have defined Hollywood's new millennium.