When you think about future comic book/superhero movies, what do you think can be done...and be "successful". Although the many of the more recent superhero movies have done pretty well overall, which characters (that haven't yet been done) do you think can bring people to the movie theatres? It seems to me that both Marvel and DC have their own "staple" heroes that have almost become "event movies" at this point....Marvel has Spidey and the X-Men, and DC has Superman and Batman. After that, it is somewhat of a crapshoot. Fantastic Four is getting mixed reviews, and really isn't going to be on the level of those I mentioned previously. Spidey, Supes, Bats, and to some extent X-Men are the type where non-comic fans could be asking "hey, have you seen the new so and so movie yet?". Fantastic Four is doing ok, but is probably more along the lines of normal movies...and not quite on the grand status. Anyways, long story short, what do you think could/should be made into a movie? Assuming that these would be done fairly well, which comic book heroes or teams can bring in the box office as well? I think fans usually at least check out the movie if their favorite heroes are involved, so the casual goers is usually what makes it a success or not. I'm listing mainly Marvel and DC heroes, since that is what I am more familiar with...but if there are other books/graphic novels you'd like to see or mention, feel free. I think DC might have a little larger stable of "well known to the general public heroes", where as much of Marvel's big names are involved in teams it seems. Hard to say though. Anyways, on to the list(s):
MarvelAlready EstablishedSpider-Man - Has been done, will continue. Big money movies...franchise...solid.
X-Men - Same as above. Will continue, and has been solid. 2nd only to Spidey in Marvel movie world.
Fantastic Four - Has been done, likely a sequel (or two). Not real well received by many, and not nearly as successful as the previous two (although it wasn't necessarily meant to be). Not a "tentpole" type franchise really, but we'll likely see at least one more. I liked the first one well enough, but it could have been better...hoping the sequel will be better.
Hulk - Rumored that sequel is developing, perhaps in a different direction. I still haven't seen this one, but I don't know if the character of Hulk necessary has "legs" as a franchise. I can't really judge though, as I haven't seen it.
Punisher - The more recent one is the one I'm talking about. Again, I haven't seen it, but it sounds like it has done well enough. Possible sequel in the works. Not really meant to be a "big budget/big crowd" type of movie I don't think, due to the nature of the character. For its "nitche" probably does well enough.
Blade - I'm not real familiar with Blade (or the movies), outside of when the character guest starred in other comics I had. There's been three of them, I'd be surprised to see any others...at least based on Blade himself. Nightstalkers spinoff has been mentioned I think. Otherwise, this might be done for now.
Daredevil - I didn't hate the movie as much as others did, not terrible I guess. Not a lot of sequel talk with this one, so I'm not sure where it is headed. I don't know that it is a big crowd draw or not at this point.
Elektra - Bombed for the most part I think, but another one I haven't seen. I've heard rumors of sequels though, so you never know.
Upcoming PossibilitiesIron Man - Supposedly in development, might not fare too badly. I think he is at least somewhat known to the general population.
Captain America - I think Cap could be a good franchise direction for Marvel. I think the general population is pretty familiar with the character, and the good ole "US of A" aspect of it probably wouldn't hurt either. If done well, could be a great movie(s). Supposedly in early stages of development.
Wolverine - In development, with Hugh Jackman. Could be kind of cool, and would probably do fairly well.
Ghost Rider - In production, coming out late summer of 06 I believe. Nic Cage starring, could be pretty cool. His name might help box office as well, and although I'm not a fan in particular (although I don't dislike), I think GR has a decent following.
Nick Fury - I've heard this is in development as well. I don't know how well this would do, but if they got a big name to star it might help (I've heard/seen Bruce Willis?). I don't have a big opinion on this one, not sure if I'm interested enough.
Black Panther - Could be a cool one, and the character is supposedly going to be featured more prominently in comics as well. Might do ok as a movie, due to the "cool costume" factor that kiddos like
.
Sub Mariner - I think this is in development as well. I haven't really read his "individual" stories much...more so his "guest appearances". I'm not sure how it would do with the general public. Could be wrong though.
Luke Cage- I've heard this is rumored to be in development as well. I like the Luke Cage/Powerman character, and it would be neat to see. Not familiar enough with his "universe" to know who could/should be in the movie. Maybe should be paired with...
Iron Fist - This was rumored for awhile, with Ray Park (Maul) to star. Haven't heard too much since then though, and I think it has cooled a bit.
Avengers - It sounds like it has just been relegated to "Animated to DVD Feature" status right now, but if done right, it could be a big event movie probably. It would be cool to see the Avengers on the big screen together (the original team I mean, not "New")
Silver Surfer - Another rumored one, probably not one that would spawn sequels, but you never know.
Thor - I've heard this mentioned by Marvel guy Avi Arad as "our Lord of the Rings" type movie, so this might be on the way as well.
Others I am forgetting I'm sure, this is just off the top of my head.....
DC ComicsAlready EstablishedBatman - Franchise re-started (quite well) with Batman Begins. Sounds as if sequel(s) are on the way, and I'm looking forward to them. One of DC's "big guns".
Superman - Starting next summer with Superman Returns. I'm really looking forward to seeing the Man of Steel return to the big screen, and I hope the movie turns out great. Could be a big one if done well. Bryan Singer (X-Men/X2) is running things, and I think he should do a good job. DC "big gun" here as well, and could be a nice restart to this franchise. Superman/Batman crossover movie has been rumored for down the line in these franchises.
Upcoming PossibilitiesWonder Woman - In development. To me, this is one female superhero that could do better at the box office I think. Pretty universally known, and if cast well and put together pretty good, could be a nice movie. Other female hero movies (Catwoman/Elektra) have been "teh suck" from what I've heard (haven't seen either), so it would be nice to see Wonder Woman do well.
The Flash - I think the Flash could be a good movie character. Pretty well known, and could be a "fun" movie. I'd like to see it, if done well.
Green Lantern - Was once rumored (with Jack Black...yikes), but I think that has gone away now. Another hero that could do well in a movie I think, and would be something a little different with the "space" aspect that is often incorporated. Not sure which particular "Lantern" would be the main character, but I'd lean towards Hal Jordan
. Lots of potential really here, with all the different characters from the "Core".
Aquaman - I think this could be a cool movie, and one that might happen eventually. More interesting to me personally that "Sub Mariner" if you make that comparison. Probably not a "franchise", but could make a nice movie. Fairly good name recognition I think too.
Teen Titans - This could be a decent movie. The cartoon show is popular with the kiddos I think, and although I haven't read it, the comic is pretty good too from what I hear. Potential for a franchise possibly here, with the kid support. Someone more familiar with the team overall might have more insight that I do....but there's a pretty good stable of characters here. Plus, if they keep Robin out of the Batman franchise, this might be a good place for him.
Nightwing - I think he's a pretty cool character, and could make for a good movie as well. Not sure how it would/wouldn't work with the Batman franchise restarting, but it is a possibility. I don't know how familiar the general public is with the character, but I might be underestimating that as well.
Hawkman/Hawkgirl - Tough call here. I'm familiar with them, but not sure how much they are with others. Maybe not able to carry their own movie, but you never know.
Martian Manhunter - Same as above. Good character, not sure about movie possibilities. Not sure if it will be pursued or not...might best be part of a.....
Justice League of America - I think I've read in the past that this likely wouldn't happen, but it could be really cool if it did. Definitely a "blockbuster" type movie with Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, and Green Lantern all involved. Especially if they kept/were able to get the same actors from the other "individual" movies. Like I said, not very likely probably, but could be pretty cool if done well.
Others....G.I. Joe and Transformers. I've heard rumors about Joe, and Transformers is headed our way in Summer of 07 last I heard (Spielberg producing). Both could be quite cool.
I know there are some I'm forgetting or neglecting off the top of my head, so feel free to add others. These are a few from the "big two" comic worlds that could be/are getting made. I know some people have had their fill of comic movies, but I tend to enjoy them when done well...and with Star Wars movies over, I like to look forward to flicks like this. Are there any that you'd like to see, or maybe some you don't think should be made into movies? Changes you'd like to see in the current franchises? Sorry, just bored this afternoon, and I got to thinking about this....
Sorry for the ginormous post as well, just wanted to try to represent the characters I've heard rumored or that some fans here might be interested in.
