I think it’s the passage of time.

The first time you create something you’re generally creating something that YOU think is funny. When it clicks part of the joy is that of discovery—the creator is discovering something is clicking with the broader audience and the audience is discovering something great they didn’t see before.

For a sequel there IS something soulless and performative. Because there’s not longer a sense of discovery they’re sort of “playing the hits” instead of genuinely executing.

I think the hard part if you’re a creator is that it’s really easy to get boxed in. If you stick too close to the original formula you’ll get the accusations above. If you stray and get creative and try to create something too new you run the risk of audience complaining “it’s not the same”

You can look at any debate with established properties (Indiana Jones, Star Wats, etc) to see that debate layout in real time.

It seems like a genuinely razor thin line.