Is Marvel Biting Off More Than They Can Chew?

Is Marvel Biting Off More Than They Can Chew?

It goes without saying that phase one was a success, however, I foresee problems in the future of the MCU - and it starts with this World War Hulk news/rumor. Read on for my thoughts on the matter, as well as my take on the potential problems arising from Phase 2.

Editorial Opinion
By inkslinger616 - Feb 06, 2013 06:02 PM EST
Filed Under: Other



Let's start with this nonsense talk of Planet Hulk/World War Hulk story arcs. As a dedicated reader of comic books those two stories were incredible but as a film I believe they are running a risk of upsetting people. The fact that all of the progress the Hulk has made as a character in a cinematic sense will be for nothing and he will be backtracked to being just a monster again. Do I think that Marvel fanboys will like it? No doubt whatsoever. But the kids that fell in love with Cap, Thor and Iron Man after their respective solo films became Hulk fans after watching the Avengers. It is those kids that are going to be utterly heartbroken to watch a bunch of the Hulk's "friends" turn their backs on him and send him into space because he doesn't fit in their vision of the future. He has finally gotten to a point that he can control the beast and now he will do something so unforgivable that the only course of action is exile? In space? It is a move like that that will turn Hulk fans against The Avengers.


The other problems are going to come from unknown properties (GOTG, Ant-Man,Dr. Strange.) They took a major risk with the Iron Man, Thor, and Cap movies but it paid off. It paid off very well. I believe however that this next batch of unknowns has Iron Man 2 written all over them. If history has shown us anything it is that the right moment, the right man, and the right movie can pay off very well. For proof of this just look back to 2008, RDJ, and Iron Man. That formula could work for Dr. Strange but I just do not believe that can work for the likes of Ant-Man. What makes Hank Pym such an endearing character are his many flaws and screw ups. It remains to be seen how general audiences and kids in particular can embrace a wife beating, cowardly quitter such as Dr.Pym.


As far as GOTG, it was hard enough explaining to people who the purple guy at the end of the Avengers was let alone a whole cast of unknown cosmic characters. If there is not major ground work laid on various cosmic aspects of the Marvel Universe such as, S.W.O.R.D., the Nova corps. or the Kree empire this has potential to be a dismal failure and could put Marvel Studios in a financial crunch and could very well be the ruination of all they have accomplished.


So in conclusion, whether they can keep this ball rolling remains to be seen but I truly believe that Kevin Feige and company need to tread lightly while addressing ol' green genes so as to not step on toes and dreams. I will remain vigilant and hopeful for my beloved MCU as any good fanboy should. Until next time, this has been your friendly neighborhood Inkslinger bidding you adieu. Peace.
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bazinga85
bazinga85 - 2/5/2013, 4:06 PM
I think Marvel knows what they're doing. It's too early for you, or anyone, to "foresee" how these movies will turn out. Marvel is doing what those wimps at Warner bros./DC are too afraid to do, and that's taking risks by showcasing their lesser known characters.
ravennpilot
ravennpilot - 2/5/2013, 4:44 PM
I worry about quality in these movies. I dont doubt the standards for Marvel films they tend to be ok to great. But the more properties they release the more diluted they will be come.

Prime example of a series of movies that ended on a low ball was the Nolan's Dark Knight films. I loved them all and have re watched there far to many times to be healthy but Rises was a drop off in over all quality. Now stretch 4 characters out by giving them 3 solo films and 3 buddy films. Diluted.

Start adding more characters and soon all you get is a 2 hour monster of the week movie.

Im not sure what other stories Marvel has, but if then could release something different something like a Watchmen or V. Then I would push that.
inkslinger616
inkslinger616 - 2/5/2013, 4:50 PM
@levitikuz...you are a quality poster and I'm hella honored by that thanks man.
SuperBatCap1
SuperBatCap1 - 2/5/2013, 5:27 PM
I think Marvel is doing quite fine. I don't have anything else to contribute really, they're still going to get my money...Except for Superior Spider-Man. Marvel won't get a penny from me for that.
marvel72
marvel72 - 2/5/2013, 5:36 PM
i think marvel will be fine if they lose money on one film they can rely on something else to bring in the money.

phase 1 had a budget of $1,000,000,000

phase 1 grossed $3,867,414,201

phase 1 profit $2,867,414,201

phase 1 profit is enough to finance phase 2 & 3.

also i think marvel are successful because they are introducing to the general public(not just comic fans)to brand new characters that haven't been done before.

how many batman & superman movies have there been? exactly seven batman & five superman with a sixth on the way.
inkslinger616
inkslinger616 - 2/5/2013, 5:39 PM
@jokerfan....I believe I wrote an opinion of mine in hopes of starting a debate. Regardless of how bad I think a cbm will be I will pay money to watch them. Look at Nolan's crap Batman movies even though the first one sucked I watched all of them anyway. Now explain to me how an opinion can be wrong it is by definition a personal thought on something not reflecting the thoughts of everyone but given that you stated your opinion I respect it regardless of its redundancy behind it.
inkslinger616
inkslinger616 - 2/5/2013, 6:04 PM
@thenerdicon... do you believe that people are going to research a movie that they are going to see with their families in a whim? That worked out great for the green lantern and he had a built in audience and fan base.
CorndogBurglar
CorndogBurglar - 2/5/2013, 8:19 PM
The thing that pisses me off about this rumor is this: We have yet to see Hulk go on a rampage on his own. In Avengers he was being controlled by Loki, and in Incredible Hulk, he was just trying to keep to himself and ended up having to defend himself when the ARMY attacked HIM.

I suppose he did go on some sort of a rampage before the events of IH, which is why the Army was after him to begin with, but they never showed it, or went into much detail explaining it.

Now I assume that he will lose control in Avengers 2 and cause some serious damage. Thats all well and good, but is it reason enough for everyone to decide to shoot him off into space?

In the comics, the Illuminati made that decision based on years and years worth of Hulk rampages, and countless failed attempts to try and help him. It was not a decision they made because of one or two isolated incidents.

So if Hulk rages out and goes on a rampage in Avengers 2, then they shoot him into space because of it, I feel like it is a poor display on the "heroes" side, especially since they neved even tried to help him. He just rages out and their first idea is to send him to space without even trying to help him first? Thats a terrible attempt and just shows what happens when movie studios try too hard to adapt big comic stories. They can never be done the proper justice.
DylansMyDog
DylansMyDog - 2/5/2013, 8:23 PM
Every time Marvel announces a new movie people say this. With Thor it was oh how can Marvel have a science based hero like Iron Man when magic exists and it worked fine. With Avengers it was how can you have that many characters and not give them short shrift well everyone got their moment.

These are talented film makers and business people. They've defied expectations all along. The only reason people say its too big or it can't be done is because they don't have the imagination to see it.
FirstAvenger
FirstAvenger - 2/5/2013, 8:55 PM
All I can say is this, so far so good.
UltimateTypeface
UltimateTypeface - 2/5/2013, 9:47 PM
Im all for Marvel introducing as many characters as possible.

I love the connectivity of the Marvel 616 COMIC Universe and now in the MCU. The more characters they introduce the deeper the universe. There are thousand of characters and stories in the comic books - it has infinite potential.

It dosent have to be spelt out for the mainstream slobs - if they dont know who Thanos or Groot is they will still enjoy.

i say bring it on...and dont hold back!
jessepostal
jessepostal - 2/6/2013, 5:22 AM
They are not just gonna send hulk off for no reason, obviously something big is gonna happen if they do go with that story line, maybe mind control or an impersonation, someone pulling the strings or making it look like hulk is bad. Marvel knows what they are doing, their not going to make people hate a big character. If anything they will make people feel bad for him and love him more. We know nothing about the scenario so far but there are a few routes they can take that make hulk not look like a monster or bad guy which is the route I'm sure they will take.
MrReese
MrReese - 2/6/2013, 6:06 AM
Dr Strange will do fine & GoTG 2 IMO.I just wanna c the Ant-Man test reel already.They had planned the Avengers since IM so I'm not 2 worried,seeing as how they what there doing.
jjk2814
jjk2814 - 2/6/2013, 7:38 AM
I think the Planet Hulk idea, if true, would be just fine. I don't think anyone would be "heartbroken" and I think kids would be happy to see Hulk beat up some ugly monsters on a really cool new planet. It's the teens and adults(non-comicbook fans) that would have trouble with the MCU suddenly shifting to an intergalactic slugfest.

This goes with GotG of course too. I think thats their biggest risk.
AC1
AC1 - 2/6/2013, 9:51 AM
The Planet Hulk idea can work, if it's written in a way that it's almost like Hulk is betrayed by the others - perhaps during the inevitable climactic battle in Avengers 2, Hulk is blamed by the media for the damage or some civilian casualties or something, and the government force SHIELD to kill Hulk or something - instead, the Illuminati step in, and offer a less brutal solution, in which they send Hulk to another planet rather than kill their friend, since they have no choice but to get rid of him somehow - they'd see this as a way of helping Banner, but Banner would see it as a betrayal, setting up World War Hulk the way it should be.

World War Hulk could then potentially lead up to Civil War - in fact, I think if they did set things up that way, Hulk may be killed off at the end of World War Hulk, giving more of a reason for the divide during Civil War; rather than it just being 'Pro-reg and Anti-reg', they could also factor in those who felt killing Hulk was right, and those who thought it was wrong.
AC1
AC1 - 2/6/2013, 9:52 AM
I think the big risk is GOTG, which could be either a fun space adventure, or a huge misfire.
AINTNOTHINTOFOCWIT
AINTNOTHINTOFOCWIT - 2/6/2013, 10:30 AM
Instead of doing a GOTG they should of focused on something people actually know of, GOTG is not even remotely F.ucking relevant. Instead they shouldve done:

The Inhumans
The Black Panther
Daredevil
DylansMyDog
DylansMyDog - 2/6/2013, 10:41 AM
@AINT Why do people need to have heard of it? Nobody heard of Star Wars or Avatar before Lucas and Cameron thought them up.
MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 2/6/2013, 6:41 PM
Please write a full teaser in future dude. At least 3 lines?
Battabing
Battabing - 2/6/2013, 6:47 PM
The real problem is gonna be continuity.
That'll be the first thing to break.
ForeverPowerful
ForeverPowerful - 2/6/2013, 6:47 PM
I hope the Planet Hulk thing doesnt happen, at least not now. Maybe way down the line, but its too soon. We still have alot to see of everyone before anyone gets shipped off planet. Hulks just getting his good screentime too. Hopefully Marvel can handle it all without getting too crazy. You can only do so much at one time without it getting convoluted. I'm all for people taking risks, though there is such a thing as too much. They are on a roll, lets just hope dont let it go to their heads.
THRILLHO
THRILLHO - 2/6/2013, 6:48 PM
MARVEL is getting too ambitious. I just can't picture RDJ interacting with a talking tree and raccoon. Plus Rosenbaum got robbed.
malschla
malschla - 2/6/2013, 6:48 PM
I am still not sold that they will do an exact story from WWH. Planet Hulk? Absolutely... but I think that it will likely go something more like this:

1. At some point during Avengers 2, Hulk is transported or knocked or lost... and he ends up on Sakaar. The next Hulk movie is him taking over the planet, a la Planet Hulk.

2. At the beginning of Avengers 3, he figures out a way home, and some of his people come with him, but then decide to try to take over Earth.

Boom. A vaguely PH/WWH story without having to make Hulk a bad guy. That took me 20 seconds. Marvel has more time, money and motivation to make it even cooler without screwing up their characters. They can do it.
ForeverPowerful
ForeverPowerful - 2/6/2013, 6:49 PM
And am I the only one that almost fell asleep during Thor and Captain America? And is it bad that I did? I just wasnt excited or taken back by them at all.
MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 2/6/2013, 6:52 PM
Also, your argument against WWH - so you're worried that a bunch of kids will cry if Hulk goes all bad again? Really?? Dude these are dramatic stories based on years and years of comic arcs that HAPPEN to be accessible to children, they are not (or at least most of them) "for kids". WWH and Planet Hulk are excellent reads, and these type of stories do contain betrayal, misunderstandings and sometimes hero vs hero..it's called drama. Do you really want to see another "good guys beat bad guys and go each some Shawarma happily ever after"? Cos we had that first time around
Maximillion
Maximillion - 2/6/2013, 6:55 PM
Not because banner mysteriously gained control over the Hulk, means that he is and will always be in control, NO ONE can control the Hulk, so expect to see moments in the future where he is totally out of control..leading to..him being sent out into space....Planet Hulk!!!!
TheDudeRises
TheDudeRises - 2/6/2013, 6:56 PM
Glad I'm not the only one who thinks a Planet Hulk/ world War Hulk movie is a sh!t idea. As a matter of fact I'm calling bullsh!t on the rumor. Even if they're already talking plot for Avengers 3 it's probably just ideas being thrown about. After the failure of John Carter I don't see Disney doing essentially the same story with Hulk. And I'm a huge John Carter fan. Avengers 3 is Ultron with an outside chance of Civil War.
jimdotbeep
jimdotbeep - 2/6/2013, 6:57 PM
As a DC I'm not reading any Marvel Comics right now, nor have I been for many years. But in The Avengers :Earth's Mighiest Heroes. Ant-Man/Giant Man was my favorite charecter. The show (which was very well recieved by comic fans) portrayed Hank Pym as a person of outstanding charecter. In the show was called a passivist by other members of the team. He always tried to talk things out before fighting anyone. If anything Dr.Pym was too moral and understanding. Often Believing in the good in people (Super Villians included) that he would actually put himself and others in danger by trying to extend the olive branch to people who are obviously not going to except it. It makes no sense to me that this could be the same charecter that you are describing as a wife beater and a quitter.
jokersfiend
jokersfiend - 2/6/2013, 6:59 PM
Okay, assuming some of the Hulk stuff turns out to be true ....who say it'll be exactly like the comic. Who says Avengers 2 doesn't just happen in space and in the ensuing battle Hulk is thrown into the cosmos?? Before anyone can locate him, you got Planet Hulk. Small change that could make one movie true and the other a bit false. Gotta trust this shit until you know different.
GoodGuy
GoodGuy - 2/6/2013, 7:00 PM
2nd article and 2nd article to make main????


Congratulations man!!! I'm guessing its because you prompt thought provoking discussion. Again, good job!


Btw, I dig the name: "inkslinger"
Blackvoid
Blackvoid - 2/6/2013, 7:02 PM
That is a baddass Black Panther pic
GeekyCheekyChic
GeekyCheekyChic - 2/6/2013, 7:02 PM
And who were the Watchmen ? Your arguing point on Guardians of the Galaxy is ridiculous. Who was Hellboy ?they made the movie and the public was introduced. Who was Blade ?
Lastly- anyone who thinks all 3 Batman/Nolan films were crap can't be taken seriously.

PS THERE IS NO PLANET HULK AND WORLD WAR HULK PLANS
Grabthemcakes
Grabthemcakes - 2/6/2013, 7:04 PM
Aside from GOTG I think Marvel will be just fine. There is an audience for the superheroes & think they will be for years. Avengers both in team & solo will warrant many more movies. I personally think Marvel is wasting their time with GOTG though. Hopefully I’m wrong but I just can’t see this catching on like the other Marvel characters. Plus Disney now has Star Wars which is more than enough space opera to keep them busy. I will not be surprised if GOFG results in a bust. Hopefully not but would not be surprised in the least.
LAXtremest
LAXtremest - 2/6/2013, 7:06 PM
Slow news week
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