A media franchise is a collection of related creative works, such as films, books, video games, and so on, that are marketed and derived from a single original work. It often involves the use of cross-marketing across various mediums, known as a transmedia franchise, with the aim of increasing profits through diversity. They frequently have devoted fan bases, which interact across these different mediums. A crucial aspect of media franchises is the concept of canon vs non-canon content. It refers to elements that are considered part of the official storyline or universe. Japanese media franchises have greatly contributed to the global popularity of this concept, with a strategy that disperses content across various mediums. Over time, franchises have evolved, extending beyond the original media to different forms like spin-offs, adaptations, theme parks, and more. This evolution enhances the brand[1]’s identity and provides fans with immersive experiences.
A media franchise, also known as a multimedia franchise, is a collection of related media in which several derivative works have been produced from an original creative work of fiction, such as a film, a work of literature, a television program or a video game. Bob Iger, chief executive of the Walt Disney Company, defined the word franchise as "something that creates value across multiple businesses and across multiple territories over a long period of time".