Unpassing the Torch

Def Rec · Oct 7, 2026 · 15m · transcript

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Some franchises pass the torch to a new hero and stick the landing. Others fumble it so badly the flame goes out.

On this Def Rec, three legacy sequels that tried to hand off the franchise get the verdict: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008), A Good Day to Die Hard (2013), and The Dark Knight Rises (2012). Which torch-passing actually worked?

CHAPTERS

0:00 The Def Rec premise

0:29 Why franchises keep passing the torch

1:43 Torch-passings that worked: Creed, Jurassic World, Maverick

3:46 The three movies that unpass the torch

3:53…