shared universes
Interlocking story settings
A shared universe is a fictional setting used across multiple works, often by different creators.
Characters, locations, and storylines interconnect: the Marvel Cinematic Universe links dozens of films, while Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos was expanded by other horror writers.
The crossover episode revealed both shows existed in a shared universe.
The appeal lies in accumulated detail and unexpected connections between otherwise separate stories.
- comic booksIllustrated periodical narratives
- multiverseHypothetical set of universes
- crossoversThings spanning two categories
- interconnectednessState of mutual linkage
- continuityUninterrupted progression or coherence
canon · collaboration · franchise · mythos · worldbuilding · storyline · narratives · retcon · narrative arcs · fan culture · fan theories · speculative fiction · serialized fiction · genre blending · spinoffs · ensemble casts · post-credits scene · Easter eggs
- modern cinemasuperhero films, Marvel, reboots, sequels, prequels
- MashupsAlien vs Predator, Brangelina, Bennifer, monster mash, Godzilla vs Kong
- storytellingstorytelling, story, tale, narrative, narrator
- compilationsanthology, compilation, anthologies, collection, collected stories
- co-writingco-authors, co-writing, shared credit, co-creation
- collaborative writingghostwriting, coauthorship, collaborative work, co-authoring, collective work