Thursday, September 23, 2010

Marvel Superhero Movies: Heading for an Overload

A few minutes ago, I read an article about the development of a film based on the Marvel character Black Widow, played by Scarlett Johansson in Iron Man 2, which would be the latest movie announced based on those properties.

But I don't think this is going to turn out well for anyone.

I know it seems like a good idea to strike while the iron is hot, but I could see releasing so many movies based on Marvel properties together turning into a huge problem, especially since most of these movies are supposed to tie together in one way or another.

This trend could lead to a great deal of audience fatigue, and the law of diminishing returns is likely to take effect, because there is indeed times when you can get too much of a good thing.

I mean, think about it, so far in 2011 and 2012, we are expecting X-men: First Class, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, the sequel to Ghost Rider, The Avengers and the Spiderman reboot, Iron Man 3, Deadpool, and X-Men Origins: Wolverine 2. And now there might be another one on top of that.

And that isn't even taking into account superhero movies that DC might be putting out at around the same time, or new Marvel projects that may be announced. When you look at previous years, there were at most 3 Marvel movies in a year, but the average for the next two years is approaching 5, or one nearly every two months.

I think ever die-hard Marvel fans would have to admit, that is a lot of films being crammed together in a relatively short amount of time.

What I think is really going on here is basically the companies that were making these movies in the past got caught flatfooted when Disney acquired Marvel, so they are trying to just make as many movies with the characters they have the rights to before their agreements expire as they possibly can.

From that perspective, it makes sense, but from any other angle, it is too much in too little time. And you know at least one of the above movies is going to absolutely tank because there just isn't enough money on its opening weekend to support both the new release and a previous Marvel movie that is still making money.

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