Prequel

Synonyms:
See also:	reboot, retcon
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A "prequel" (the opposite of a sequel) is a story referring to another story, set before the original but published or produced later.

In fandom terms, the most famous prequel is Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, a trilogy of Star Wars movies set before the original trilogy, providing awkward explanations for the Jedi, the Empire, and especially, The Force.

Another film trilogy, The Hobbit film series (2012-2014) can be considered a prequel to The Lord of the Rings film series (2001-2003), although the books were published in the other order.

Much fanwork is imagined as prequels to the original work.