September 11, 2009

The Future of Marvel At 20th Century Fox


A lot of people are under impression that we could see Wolverine and Spider-Man teaming up in an upcoming Marvel Studios production. Sadly this will not happen anytime soon. The characters that The Walt Disney Company have bought does include the X-Men universe and Spider-Man. Although that doesn't overrule film rights Sony and 20th Century Fox have with those characters. As long as those studios pay the minimum right payments each year they can make as many movies they like. This of course is unless Disney finds a way to buy back the rights, which isn't out of their means. Here is a bit of the upcoming lineups from the studios, which could put Marvel films in theaters until 2014.

X-MEN UNIVERSE


Wolverine 2: The first installment lacked vision, along with a horrible story. Bullets that can erase memory were the least of that film's problems. The success of it will attract a strong new cast and hopefully a experienced director. Focusing on Logan's Japanese years, he learns the warrior code and falls in love with multiple women. Christopher McQuarrie (Usual Suspects) is writing so at least the story will make sense. Danny Boyle and Bryan Singer have both been rumored as directing the sequel. Gavin Hood has mentioned his interest but isn't attached. I don't expect him to be after the critical bashing from film critics and fans.


Deadpool: One of the most anticipated Marvel films is finally being made. The only question is, will Fox treat the character the same way it did in Wolverine? Ryan Reyonlds promised fans it will be faithful to the comics and he would break the fourth wall. A writer and director have yet to be announced. This could be Fox's next successful franchise but I have a feeling they will mess it up and anger fans.



The film is being talked up as a mix between the original Blade and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. While violent and action oriented, Deadpool will still have a lot comedy mixed with the breaking of the fourth wall.


X-Men First Class: The film X-Men fans least want to see. It's not that I dislike the X-Men films, but why make this instead of X-Men 4? It will be centered on the first class of X-Men which includes Cyclops, Emma Frost and Quicksilver (Magneto's Son). Along with bringing back Professor Xavier back with de-aging CGI. This whole concept makes me cringe in the worst way. Another reason Marvel fans hate the way 20th Century Fox has treated beloved characters. Even the tease that Bryan Singer could direct isn't enough for me to want to see this movie made. The only reason it's being made is because all the actors are unknown. This way Fox doesn't have to shell out millions for Hugh Jackman or Halle Berry.


Magneto: One of the more interesting spin-offs. The only problem is that writer David S. Goyer wants to direct it. Goyer is an excellent writer, his directing on the other hand is horrible. I can understand why Fox isn't greenlighting the project. Let's hope Bryan Singer steps up as a producer and finds a proper director.


Gambit: It's rumored but nothing has been announced about this project. The character could appear in the three upcoming X-Men films and then later get his own movie. While fans had been asking for years to see Gambit all we got was a small cameo. Let's hope Remy will finally get the respect and the character will get a full feature centered on him.


X-Men 4: The X-Men franchise is a money machine for Fox so I doubt they wouldn't want a fourth installment. Will Marvel and movie fans put up with another lousy sequel? I'm sure the only way to do this is with the original writers and Bryan Singer behind the camera. This time around use the Sentinels and use actual adults for new mutants. I'm tired of teens as X-Men members, when Jubilee and Kitty were the only ones in the comics.




Silver Surfer: The origin story of the Silver Surfer could be amazing. That's of course if Galactus is done properly and it's a straight up fantasy science fiction film. The Silver Surfer had be ruined by the last Fantastic Four film, and I'm not sure fans will trust Fox to develop a solo film.



Daredevil: Another reboot that could have Frank Miller's involvement, let's pray it's only in written form. The idea is to bring a darker vision of Daredevil, which was the original intention in the comics. There has been talk of Jason Statham taking the role.



Fantastic Four: The least wanted reboot, to the goofiest characters in the Marvel universe. They didn't work in the movies or cartoon, I doubt they could even be adapted to film properly. I think this one of the only properties that only Marvel Studios can do justice. I think this could be the one Fox sells to Disney. The Incredibles was the best Fantasic Four film we'll ever see.

No comments:

Post a Comment