The New York Times thinks that super-heroes are money. In this combination look at 2008 mixed with a bit of ’09 forecast, the Times indicates that the super-folks helped save the year for the studios. Among their points to consider are: a) what will the next DC picture be, and b) Fox may need Wolverine’s help to rebound after lacking a single summer hit in 2008. Paramount, between their Marvel catalog and other properties (G.I. Joe, Transformers) looks to be in solid shape.
A couple of thoughts on a and b there . . .
Warner really needs to get on the ball with their next DC film. Granted, Watchmen sort of fills that quota, but that’s turning out to be a less than beautiful situation at the moment. NYT thinks it’s Green Lantern, and from the sound of progress, it could be. Still, that kind of film wouldn’t be ready for a long while, and Paramount is pushing them out the door on the regular. Warner/DC holds some ground with their animated DVDs (Wonder Woman drops in March), but Marvel/Lionsgate aren’t slowing down there either (the Hulk VS. flix hit this month).
As for Wolverine . . . well, it’ll probably draw. But will it be enough to pick Fox up in a meaningful way?
How about you, readers? What’s Warner doing wrong (or right) in terms of the DC landscape? On the flipside, once Marvel cranks out all the main characters, where do Marvel movies go? What if, on the way to Avengers, one of the interim films tanks? What’s the effect? I’d like your thoughts, people.
January 5th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Warner’s needs to focus on a new Superman movie, on that can create franchise. The only numbers that count are the number of people who will see a sequel.
DC is also in the unique position of being able to create the type of shared film universe that has Marvel fans so excited, but with ALL of their characters. Spider-man will never meet the X-Men or the Avengers because different studios own the rights. DC should never have that problem and should keep that in mind moving forward. Even a throwaway line here and there would generate buzz. Focusing on the big three would even excite non-geeks.
Personally, I think Marvel should focus on Thor and Captain America and hold off on an Ant-man movie until after Avengers. If any movie has the potential to bomb commercially, I think it’s that one.