25
<h2>The Future of Fan Disappointment: Why "Bad" Movies Still Matter</h2>
<p>The recent Razzie nominations for “Star Trek: Section 31” highlight a fascinating, and often uncomfortable, truth about modern entertainment: failure can be just as impactful as success. While the Razzies themselves are arguably a relic of internet negativity, the underlying phenomenon – strong reactions to divisive content – is a growing trend. We’re entering an era where simply *talking* about something, even negatively, can be a win for a studio.</p>
<h3>The Attention Economy and the Value of Controversy</h3>
<p>In today’s attention economy, outrage is currency. A film like “Section 31,” which sparked considerable debate among “Star Trek” fans, generated significant social media buzz. This buzz, regardless of its positive or negative valence, translates to views, clicks, and ultimately, awareness. Consider the case of “Morbius” in 2022. Despite overwhelmingly negative reviews, a viral meme campaign ironically propelled the film back into theaters for a second run. This demonstrates the power of online communities to shape a film’s narrative, even after initial failure.</p>
<p>This isn’t limited to blockbusters. Independent films and streaming series often rely on word-of-mouth, and controversy can be a powerful driver of that. A polarizing documentary, for example, might attract a larger audience than a universally praised one, simply because people are compelled to see what all the fuss is about.</p>
<h3>The Rise of Niche Fandoms and Expectation Management</h3>
<p>The fragmentation of media consumption has led to the rise of incredibly niche fandoms. “Star Trek,” with its decades-long history and devoted fanbase, is a prime example. These fandoms have incredibly high expectations, and any deviation from established canon or characterization is likely to be met with resistance. “Section 31” attempted a darker, more morally ambiguous take on the “Star Trek” universe, which alienated some long-time fans. </p>
<p>Studios are increasingly aware of this dynamic. We’re seeing more projects specifically tailored to smaller, dedicated audiences, even if they risk alienating a broader viewership. This is a form of expectation management – acknowledging that not everyone will be pleased, but focusing on satisfying a core group of enthusiasts. The success of projects like “Ahsoka” on Disney+ demonstrates this strategy; it wasn’t designed to appeal to casual “Star Wars” viewers, but to deeply satisfy fans of the “Rebels” animated series.</p>
<h3>The Future of Awards Shows: Beyond Traditional Recognition</h3>
<p>The Razzies, and even the Oscars, are facing an existential crisis. Their relevance is diminishing as audiences increasingly turn to online platforms for recommendations and reviews. We may see a shift towards more specialized awards shows that cater to specific genres or demographics. Alternatively, we might see the rise of entirely new forms of recognition, driven by social media engagement and data analytics. TikTok, for example, has become a powerful platform for discovering and celebrating films, often bypassing traditional critical gatekeepers.</p>
<div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit-image-wrap " data-post-url="https://www.slashfilm.com/2081776/michelle-yeoh-star-trek-section-31-razzie-awards-nominations/" data-post-title="Michelle Yeoh's Star Trek: Section 31 Has Earned Five Award Nominations No Movie Wants" data-slide-num="1" data-post-id="2081776">
<picture id="p13e4db404dd93b1e0fbd92ee66863eb1">
<source media="(min-width: 429px)" srcset="https://www.slashfilm.com/img/gallery/michelle-yeohs-star-trek-section-31-has-earned-five-award-nominations-no-movie-wants/good-or-bad-star-trek-section-31-is-better-than-the-razzies-1769028519.webp" type="image/webp">
<source media="(max-width: 428px)" srcset="https://www.slashfilm.com/img/gallery/michelle-yeohs-star-trek-section-31-has-earned-five-award-nominations-no-movie-wants/good-or-bad-star-trek-section-31-is-better-than-the-razzies-1769028519.sm.webp" type="image/webp">
<img class="gallery-image" src="https://www.slashfilm.com/img/gallery/michelle-yeohs-star-trek-section-31-has-earned-five-award-nominations-no-movie-wants/good-or-bad-star-trek-section-31-is-better-than-the-razzies-1769028519.jpg" data-slide-url="https://www.slashfilm.com/2081776/michelle-yeoh-star-trek-section-31-razzie-awards-nominations/" data-post-id="2081776" data-slide-num="1" data-slide-title="Michelle Yeoh's Star Trek: Section 31 Has Earned Five Award Nominations No Movie Wants: Good or bad, Star Trek: Section 31 is better than the Razzies" width="780" height="438" alt="Michelle Yeoh as Georgiou scheming in Star Trek: Section 31">
</picture>
<span class="gallery-image-credit">Jan Thijs/Paramount+</span>
</div>
<h3>The Human Element: Why Passion Still Matters</h3>
<p>Despite the algorithms and data analytics, the human element remains crucial. The passionate debates surrounding films like “Section 31” demonstrate that people still care deeply about the stories they consume. This passion, even when expressed as criticism, is a sign of engagement. And in the attention economy, engagement is everything.</p>
<p>Ultimately, the future of entertainment isn’t about avoiding failure; it’s about embracing the conversation, understanding the audience, and recognizing that even “bad” movies can contribute something valuable to the cultural landscape.</p>
<div class="pro-tip">
<strong>Pro Tip:</strong> Don't underestimate the power of a strong online community. Fostering dialogue and encouraging feedback can be more valuable than simply chasing positive reviews.
</div>
<h2>FAQ</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Are the Razzies legitimate awards?</strong> No, the Razzies are widely considered a satirical award show intended to mock poorly received films.</li>
<li><strong>Does negative publicity help a movie?</strong> Often, yes. In the attention economy, any publicity, even negative, can increase awareness and drive viewership.</li>
<li><strong>Will niche fandoms continue to grow in influence?</strong> Absolutely. As media consumption becomes more fragmented, niche fandoms will become increasingly important to studios.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Did you know?</strong> The term "so bad it's good" perfectly encapsulates this phenomenon. Films that are objectively flawed can still be incredibly entertaining and gain a cult following.</p>
<p>What are your thoughts on "Star Trek: Section 31" and the role of criticism in modern entertainment? Share your opinions in the comments below!</p>
</div>
