In a bold escalation of cinematic universe expansion, MegaFlix Studios has announced 'Origins: The Pal's Prelude,' a prequel to the prequel that promises to unravel the mysteries surrounding the main character's sidekick's best buddy. Fans of the blockbuster franchise 'HeroQuest' are reportedly ecstatic, or at least pretending to be, as they prepare to learn how this tertiary character first discovered his love for coffee runs and moral support.

The announcement came during a glitzy press conference where studio execs, clad in capes and wielding prop swords, hyped the film as 'the backstory you never knew you needed.' According to leaked plot details, the movie will explore the pal's formative years, including his groundbreaking decision to switch from decaf to regular, a choice that allegedly shaped the fate of the entire galaxy. Critics are already rolling their eyes, but box office projections suggest it'll rake in millions from nostalgia alone.

Lead actor Brody McSidekick, who plays the pal, expressed his excitement in an exclusive interview. 'I've always wondered what made my character tick,' he said, straight-faced. 'Was it the traumatic event of losing his favorite mug? Or perhaps the inspirational moment when he learned to high-five? This film answers those burning questions.' Fans on social media are divided, with some creating memes about infinite prequels leading back to the Big Bang.

Not to be outdone, rival studios are scrambling to announce their own prequel-prequels. One insider whispered about a film delving into the backstory of the villain's henchman's pet goldfish. 'It's all about depth,' the exec explained. 'We need to know why that fish swims counterclockwise – it's pivotal to the lore.'

As production ramps up, MegaFlix is promising cutting-edge CGI to recreate the pal's childhood playground antics. Expect epic slow-motion scenes of dodgeball games and heartfelt monologues about sharing snacks. Meanwhile, die-hard fans are petitioning for a sequel to this prequel, because why stop at the pal when there's the pal's neighbor to explore?

In a satirical twist, the studio's CEO admitted in a candid moment that they're just milking the franchise until it moos no more. 'Hey, if people keep buying tickets, we'll keep going back in time,' he chuckled. 'Next up: The Prequel to the Prequel's Prequel – The Origin of the Pal's Great-Grandpa's Mustache.'

Industry analysts predict this trend will continue until Hollywood runs out of timelines. One expert quipped, 'Soon we'll have films about the invention of the wheel, tied loosely to some superhero's ancient ancestor.' For now, though, 'Origins: The Pal's Prelude' is set to hit theaters next summer, complete with tie-in merchandise like pal-branded friendship bracelets.