Meaning: The quote you provided is from Don Bluth, an American animator, film director, and producer, known for his work on animated films such as "The Secret of NIMH." In this quote, Bluth expresses his confusion and skepticism about the decision to create a sequel to "The Secret of NIMH," a 1982 animated fantasy film directed by himself.

"The Secret of NIMH" was based on the 1971 children's novel "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien. The film tells the story of a widowed field mouse named Mrs. Brisby who seeks the aid of a group of genetically enhanced rats to save her family from a farmer's plow. Upon its release, the film received critical acclaim for its animation, storytelling, and emotional depth. However, it did not achieve the same commercial success as other animated films of the time, such as those produced by Disney.

Don Bluth's quote reflects his surprise at the decision to create a sequel to a film that was not a box office hit. He questions the rationale behind making a sequel to a movie that did not perform well financially. From a business perspective, it is indeed unusual to produce a sequel to a film that was not initially successful, as sequels are typically made for commercially successful movies to capitalize on their popularity and profitability.

Despite the financial performance of the original film, "The Secret of NIMH" gained a cult following and continued to be appreciated by audiences for its storytelling and animation. This may have contributed to the decision to develop a sequel, as the film's legacy and enduring appeal among fans could have presented an opportunity to revisit the story and characters.

The sequel to "The Secret of NIMH" is titled "The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue" and was released in 1998. Unlike the original film, the sequel was not directed by Don Bluth and did not involve his creative input. Instead, it was produced by MGM Animation and directed by Dick Sebast. The sequel follows the story of Timmy, the youngest son of Mrs. Brisby, as he embarks on a journey to rescue his kidnapped brother.

The decision to create a sequel to "The Secret of NIMH" may have been influenced by various factors, including the enduring appeal of the original film, the potential to target a new generation of audiences, and the opportunity to explore and expand the fictional world established in the first movie. Additionally, the growth of the home video market in the 1990s may have provided a platform for the sequel to reach audiences beyond the traditional theater release.

In conclusion, Don Bluth's quote reflects his bewilderment at the decision to produce a sequel to "The Secret of NIMH" given the original film's lack of commercial success. The creation of the sequel may have been driven by factors such as the enduring appeal of the original film, the potential for new storytelling opportunities, and the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry. While the sequel may not have achieved the same level of critical acclaim as its predecessor, it remains a part of the legacy of "The Secret of NIMH" and continues to be a subject of interest for fans and scholars of animation.