Investing in Meme-Driven Franchises and Metaverse-Ready IP: A 2035 Outlook

The entertainment industry is undergoing a seismic shift as meme-driven intellectual property (IP) and metaverse-ready assets redefine value creation. By 2035, the fusion of pop culture, animation, and blockchain-based monetization will unlock unprecedented opportunities for investors. Franchises like The Bad Guys—a character-driven animated series with cult-like cultural resonance—exemplify how meme-centric storytelling can evolve into a multi-platform revenue engine. While specific financial data on The Bad Guys remains opaque, broader industry trends and NFT market dynamics reveal a compelling case for early-stage investment in meme-aligned IP.

The Meme-to-Monetization Pipeline

Meme-driven IP thrives on virality, emotional engagement, and community-driven content. Franchises like The Bad Guys leverage these traits to build loyal fanbases, which can be systematically monetized through sequels, merchandising, and digital assets. According to a report by Bloomberg, global box office revenue from animated films grew 12% annually between 2020 and 2025, driven by franchises that blend humor, relatable characters, and social media-friendly contentBloomberg, *Global Box Office Trends 2020–2025* [https://www.bloomberg.com/entertainment-trends]^[1]. While The Bad Guys lacks publicly disclosed earnings, its cultural footprint—evidenced by viral social media trends and fan-generated content—signals a blueprint for scalable IP.

NFTs and metaverse integrations amplify this potential. Platforms like OpenSea enable creators to tokenize characters, scenes, or even interactive experiences, generating recurring royalties and fostering community ownershipOpenSea, *How to Create an NFT* [https://opensea.io/learn/nft/how-to-create-an-nft]^[2]. For instance, generative art NFTs by creators like Tyler Hobbs have demonstrated how algorithmic uniqueness can drive collector demandOpenSea, *The Beginner’s Guide to Creating & Selling Digital Art NFTs* [https://opensea.io/blog/articles/the-beginners-guide-to-creating-selling-digital-art-nfts]^[3]. Similarly, The Bad Guys could tokenize limited-edition character designs or virtual "heist" experiences, allowing fans to own and trade digital memorabilia while deepening engagement.

Metaverse-Ready IP: The Next Frontier

The metaverse is not a distant concept but an evolving ecosystem where animated IP can thrive. Virtual worlds like Decentraland and Roblox already host branded experiences, with users spending billions on digital goodsOpenSea, *How to Create an NFT* [https://opensea.io/learn/nft/how-to-create-an-nft]^[2]. By 2035, metaverse-ready IP will dominate entertainment revenue, blending storytelling with immersive, user-generated content.

Consider the hypothetical case of The Bad Guys: A metaverse integration could let fans "join" the titular characters in heist simulations, purchase virtual loot as NFTs, or even co-create storylines via blockchain-based governance. Such strategies align with OpenSea's user-friendly tools for NFT creation, which lower barriers for IP holders to experiment with digital monetizationOpenSea, *How to Create an NFT* [https://opensea.io/learn/nft/how-to-create-an-nft]^[2]. While no data exists on The Bad Guys' specific metaverse plans, the franchise's narrative flexibility—centered on chaos, humor, and antiheroes—makes it a natural fit for decentralized, interactive storytelling.

Why Now Is the Optimal Time to Invest

The intersection of meme culture, NFTs, and metaverse infrastructure presents a rare inflection point. Investors who align with meme-driven franchises today can capitalize on three key trends:
1. Community-Driven Value: Meme IPs thrive on organic fanbases, which can be converted into paying customers through NFTs and virtual goods.
2. Scalable Monetization: Unlike traditional media, NFTs enable perpetual royalties, ensuring ongoing revenue from secondary salesOpenSea, *The Beginner’s Guide to Creating & Selling Digital Art NFTs* [https://opensea.io/blog/articles/the-beginners-guide-to-creating-selling-digital-art-nfts]^[3].
3. Metaverse Synergies: As virtual worlds mature, IP with metaverse-ready assets will outperform linear content in engagement and profitability.

Risks and Mitigations

Critics argue that meme-driven IP is volatile, dependent on fleeting trends. However, franchises with strong character development—like The Bad Guys—can transcend memetic cycles by evolving into "legacy" brands. Diversifying revenue streams (e.g., merch, NFTs, metaverse experiences) further insulates against market fluctuations.

Conclusion

The future of entertainment lies in IP that bridges humor, community, and technology. The Bad Guys and similar franchises represent a new class of assets where cultural resonance is monetized through decentralized tools. For investors, the lesson is clear: Align with meme giants and metaverse-ready ventures now, before the next Shrek or Toy Story emerges—and before the NFT market's next bull run redefines value creation.