CHUD is reporting exclusively that Marvel has decided to start making some smaller super-hero movies on lower budgets and have been having meetings with writers and directors. These would be small movies for their lower tier characters like Dr. Strange, Luke Cage, The Dazzler, and so on. According to CHUD, Power Pack is on the list, which could be interesting as a kids property.
Anyhow, I think this is a great step forward for Marvel. At the point where they have the biggest super-hero franchises in the world and they’re making they’re way to the big screen currently, why not diversify with some smaller investments and get some of the well-loved but lesser known characters out there? I think Marvel has branded themselves and their studio well enough that they could draw a good opening weekend audience in for a Dr. Strange film, or a Luke Cage film…
Personally, I’d love to see a Moon Knight film. A lower budget, gritty, much more psychological take on the Batman sort of archetype. I mean, honestly, Marc Spector is as crazy as a bedbug with all his multiple personalities and the guy was a mercenary. I think you could make him movie pretty efficiently with this model.
The price tag for these films, according to CHUD, is the $20-40 million range, which is right around where Kick-Ass was. My guess is they realize that if they make 4 of these, and even if only one of them is a runaway hit, they’ve still made all their money back plus some.
It’s good business for Marvel, and exciting news for us fans.
What second-class Marvel Superhero’s movie would you like to see flying under this banner?