sequel bait
Obvious continuation hook
Sequel bait is an element in a story—an unresolved plot thread, mysterious character, or dangling question—that exists primarily to set up a follow-up installment rather than to serve the current narrative.
The term is usually critical, suggesting the creators are more interested in launching a franchise than in telling a complete story: The post-credits scene was obvious sequel bait.
- cliffhangerSuspenseful unresolved ending
- to be continuedPromise of future episodes
- teaserSomething that piques interest
- franchiseLicensed business operation
- cinematic universeInterconnected franchise of films
setup · hook · trilogy · part one · prequel · spinoff · unresolved · tease · continuation · installment · cash cow · post credits scene · foreshadowing · stinger · worldbuilding · expansion · moneymaker · dangling
- entertainment clicheshappy ending, cliffhanger, plot twist, love triangle, damsel in distress
- franchisesfranchise, Star Wars, franchising, franchises, franchisor
- horror tropesjump scare, final girl, haunted house, masked killer, slasher
- writing flawstypos, spelling errors, plot hole, plot holes, cliche
- movie buzzblockbuster, cult classic, sleeper hit, box office draw, star power
- action clichesexplosion, car chase, one-liner, slow motion, shootout
sequel baitdenouement
Story's final unraveling
wrapped up · happily ever after · happy ending · tragic ending · final chapter
sequel baitone-shot
Occurring just once
limited series · series finale · grand finale · swan song · final chapter
sequel, bait, sequels, baits, baited, baiting, baiter, sequence, sequential