Fact check: Current Hollywood creatives appear to delight in the ability to piss off long time fans of established franchises.

1. Summary of the results

The original statement appears to be inconsistent with current industry practices. Multiple sources indicate that Hollywood studios are actively working to prevent fan dissatisfaction, not encourage it. Studios have implemented "super fan" screening groups to gather feedback and avoid potential backlash ^[1], and are becoming increasingly responsive to fan feedback and engagement ^[2]. The relationship between creators and fans has evolved into a more collaborative dynamic, with fans becoming active participants in shaping entertainment franchises ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements are missing from the original statement:

• Studios are actively using superfan focus groups to prevent backlash before it occurs ^[3]
• There is a recognized phenomenon of "toxic fandom" that studios must manage, including protecting actors from harassment ^[4]
• Past controversies (such as reactions to The Last Jedi, Lord of the Rings adaptation, and Ghostbusters) have actually led studios to develop more fan-conscious approaches, not less ^[1]
• The creative professional perspective itself is more complex, as indicated by discussions in professional management literature ^[5]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement presents a significantly oversimplified view of a complex industry dynamic. It:

• Ignores the substantial financial incentive studios have to please, rather than antagonize, their fan base
• Overlooks the documented evidence that studios are investing resources in preventing fan dissatisfaction ^[1]
• Fails to acknowledge the distinction between creative decisions that some fans dislike and deliberate antagonization
• Disregards the industry's efforts to balance creative integrity with fan expectations while managing toxic fan behavior ^[4]

The narrative of intentional fan antagonization might benefit those seeking to:

• Generate engagement through controversy
• Justify aggressive fan behavior
• Simplify complex creative and business decisions into a more dramatic narrative