Marvel recently revealed plans to increase their movie workload and release three Comic Book Movies per year. Initially, like many fans I'm sure I was excited; what could be bad about more movies based on my favourite characters right??!!
But the I started thinking, and reflecting on some conversation I have had with other movie fans, particularly those who may not be fans of the source material. I think that at the moment there is an attitude amongst the general population that studios are milking their superhero franchises somewhat, that they are just spewing out superhero movies. I think this is reflected in the poor numbers for films like 'The Wolverine' and 'Green Lantern' and even "Amazing Spider-Man 2', the audiences aren't in the mood to be introduced to new heroes anymore and they are getting sick of seeing the same thing over and over again. The market is becoming saturated and the more films studios release the worse the issue will become.
Lets face it: Some films are going to be hits regardless, any film with one of the original big three Avengers for example (Iron Man 4, Thor 3, Cap 3) or any film that DC stick Batman in.... HOWEVER there has been much discussion about future and potential future projects from Marvel in particular so I thought I'd give a quick run-down of some of the movie ideas and the potential risks as I see them:
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
We are nearing the release date for this film and I genuinely cannot wait. Because I read the comics. And because I know the characters. But can people at large say the same thing?
Risks: Characters and title that few people recognise. No 'big name' actors in major live action roles.
Potential Saving Graces: It looks amazing and has had a huge boost to its publicity- I can't remember the last time I went to the cinema and didn't see the trailer.Also it is being pushed as a space pirate action comedy rather than a superhero movie so jaded cinema goers may be more fogiving- it has a good solid USP.
ANTMAN
If you mention the name of this superhero to non-comic fans, they are likely to laugh and ask if that is genuinely a superhero. Whilst I think it could be a unique superhero movie that looks fantastic on screen and could be genuinely hilliarious at the same time, I have to question whether anyone outside our geek community will go see it.
Risks: Not a well known character, ridiculous sounding name and premise.
Potential Saving Graces: Marvel seems to be content in pitching the movie as a superhero comedy and this could attract audiences to something different. Paul Rudd is a huge name in comedy, if they pitch it more as a Paul Rudd comedy movie rather than a traditional superhero movie it may dodge the saturation bullet.
Doctor Strange
I have read one Doctor Strange story in my lifetime and had to soldier through it (Something about Wong being ill and a night nurse..... Not entertaining in the slightest). As such I have very little hopes for a decent movie emerging from a dull and lifeless cast of characters. In the interest of being balanced though:
Risks: Again a character that is not well known and has a rather ridiculous sounding name. The character is part of the Marvel Universe's mystic group that have not been touched in other Marvel studios films; Thor's magic is Science and so it is easy to see himas part of the Downey Junior universe. Introducing genuine magic will not result in a believable character. Previous supernatural characters have had mixed receptions: Blade remains one of the best comic book movie trilogies ever made but ghost Rider is... er... not one of the best comic book movie series ever made. It's a story about a guy with a (living?) cloak who fights often silly looking monsters with names like Domamamamamoo. It could dissolve into a CG-fest of cartoon characters like Green Lantern.
Potential Saving Graces: Cast a really really REALLY REALLY big name actor. Its the only reason I can think of that people would bother to go see it.
Black Panther
There is a lot of love around for a potential Black Panther movie. Quite rightly he's a cool character with a different back story. It could make a really good movie, but...
Risks: He is not a well known character and looks rather a lot like Batman. To Joe Public is he just another generic superhero with Marvel trying to jump on the Batman wagon? He has no powers, his story would have to be more political and character driven rather than SFX like we are used to in Marvel movies. winter Soldier paved the way for this but are audiences ready for a superhero film that takes itself seriously?
Potential Saving Graces: He's an avenger- If marvel introduce him through the medium of an Avengers movie and make him a total badass before using that as a spring board for solo movies I think fans will go crazy for him.
Hawkeye and /or Black Widow
Hawkeye is one of my favourite Avengers and Black Widow looks nice. Personally I would love to see a movie starring these two but would anyone else?
Risks: So far these characters have been seen as back-up Avengers. They haven't recieved solo films and much like the Falcon or War Machine they have been second fiddle to the big name heroes in the movies they've featured in. Again the story would have to involve more subtlety than previous Marvel films that star CG crashing into CG.
Potential Saving Graces: The two actors in these roles are amazing and could carry off a character driven film. also they are Avengers so that helps, AOU is rumoured to give them expanded roles so if they gain some real credibility a spin-off coiuld work.
Captain Marvel
I want Marv, others want Caroll, no-one wants Genis. Either way though could this character support a movie?
Risks: Again it's a character that is not well known to the general public, Marv has in fact been dead even in the comics for a rather long time. It is about an alien that can fly around, is rather straight edge and would probably end up battling an invasion of his own people. Man Of Steel anyone?
If Marv isn't there to fight Thanos I will chop the heads off of everyone at Marvel.
Potential Saving Graces: Potentially could introduce the first real female lead in a comic book movie. it would present the opportunity for a SFXgasm and would link in well with Agents of Shield storylines.
The Hulk
"BAD CGI POINTLESSLY SMASH INTO MORE BAD CGI. RAWR!" 'nufff said.
Ultimately I think what I am saying is that Marvel's plans to roll out more movies are exciting but they must make sure that it is about more than making money; they have to find real unique approaches to these characters and stories or risk losing audiences amidst comic book movie saturation.
Also if they get Marv into the MCU in time to fight Thanos I won't have to go and chop the heads off everyone at Marvel.
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