What is a reboot movie?

[Led]

Sorry not really a tech question, but what is the concept behind a 'reboot' movie. Is is just that someone else thought they could do the same story better? Like the new Hulk, somebody called it a reboot movie like Batman Begins. But the Hulk with Erik Bana wasn't very long ago, so how does it work? I'm just confused and curious.
Thanks

[TVPostSound]

Reboot=Slang for remake of the original.

[minister]

Originally Posted by TVPostSound

Reboot=Slang for remake of the original.

I thought it meant throw-up again.


(maybe it's the same)

[krylenko]

I've always heard "reboot" as different from "remake".

A remake is just that, an updated version of the original. Not much changes except outdated references.

A reboot takes an established series (always a series; I've never heard of a "reboot" for a standalone movie) and starts over from scratch. The goal is to kickstart a new franchise from the ashes of the old.

Batman Begins is a reboot not only because it starts before the other Batman, but also because it reimagines Batman's origins, the characters' personalities, the look and feel of the city, and the whole atmosphere. (As much as possible, given the common comic source material.)

The new Star Trek will probably be a reboot, because it opens up the possibility of a whole new series of Trek films (again, with a different look, feel, and tone).

With Hulk it's a little less clear, but I'd call the new one a reboot given that Ang Lee's movie was clearly supposed to start a new franchise, and failed. And the Edward Norton Hulk looks like more action, less introspection, so it's a different take.

[Led]

Thanks for the explanation.
Cheers