EXCLUSIVE: MARVEL'S EXCITING SMALL MOVIE PLANS
- By Devin Faraci
- Published 04/22/2010
- News
No, this isn't an Ant-Man story.
Where does Marvel go after getting bigger than any other superhero movie when they release The Avengers? They rein it in and get smaller.
Marvel Studios is currently taking meetings with writers and directors to work on small scale movies based on some of their third tier characters. The movies would cost in the range of 20 to 40 million dollars (very small when we're talking studio films) and would allow them to take risks with less obvious characters and with interesting talent.
Filmmakers are being offered their pick of characters whose names are only familiar to comic fans. Properties like Dr. Strange, Ka-Zar, Luke Cage, Dazzler and Power Pack are among the many that are being tossed around right now. And the attitude seems to be that Marvel is open to bringing any of their characters to the screen at the right price point.
In a lot of ways this is revolutionary. While superhero movies such as Kick-Ass have been made at a lower price point, the big studio system seems unable to keep costs down (Marvel has been just as guilty of this, by the way. Their films were supposed to be cheaper originally). This plan allows Marvel much more flexibility; a 100 million dollar Dazzler movie makes no sense, but one budgeted at 25 million - done right - could be a moneymaker. And at a lower budget these movies don't need to be quite so mainstream. A 20 million dollar film can take much bigger risks than one that costs a hundred million more than that.
Who knows what will be the first small film announced; Marvel has been meeting with people for some time now, and I don't think they're going to wait for The Avengers to be released before they start planning the next phase. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if a smaller film was being developed alongside The Avengers.
This initiative is going to allow Marvel (and new owner Disney) to get more of their brands out into the public eye, and it will allow them to continue building their cinematic universe in intriguing ways. It could also mean that up and coming filmmakers or less mainstream directors could suddenly have the chance to play in the big Marvel sandbox. While Warner Bros is still just reving the engine of their DC Superhero movies, Marvel seems to have a plan that's going to allow them to keep their characters at the forefront.
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Comments
Comment #1 (Posted by moviemenace)
Terry Crews as Luke Cage? It's doable now. That guy deserves a good lead role.
Comment #2 (Posted by 248 Days 'Til Xmas)
I wanna see IRON FIST!!! And what about that DEATHLOK film they were talking about a few years back??
Comment #3 (Posted by Swearengen)
I might finally get that Groo movie I've been waiting for.
Comment #4 (Posted by offshore33)
Wheren't they already doing this with the Spiderman remake? ;p
Comment #5 (Posted by Rob)
Dr. Strange, please!
(Starring Jeff Goldblum!)
Comment #6 (Posted by Gamera Jr.)
If I can see a 70's period Dazzler movie before I die, it will be a good life indeed.
Comment #7 (Posted by BKB)
I REALLY hope the AVENGERS is good and there's a part of me that wants to keep my expectations low, but get all giddy at the prospect of all these high profile characters on screen.. I just want The HULK to be even more improved and used as a threat.. Can anyone reassure me that Whedon won't fuck this up??? In this world, you have 1 shot at making an impression and if this gets fucked up like Ang Lee's HULK 2003 did for Norton's HULK 2008 attempt, no one will give The AVENGERS a 2nd chance if it fails the 1st time...
Comment #8 (Posted by Trip)
Dr. Strange needs a big budget. However Iron Fist might be perfect for this.
Comment #9 (Posted by Chudfan)
There is a reason why they are third tier super heroes, cause they're fucking stupid. Epic fail.
Comment #10 (Posted by an unknown user)
9, anyone who doesn't appreciate a character whose catchphrase is "by the hoary hosts of Hoggoth!" should just get out of comic books altogether. I don't know how you ended up here, but you don't belong.
Comment #11 (Posted by Pacce)
Oh man, I'd die of joy if they made a Squirrel Girl (or GLA) movie. I don't care if it's animated, live-action, or if they go direct to video. My smile would blot out the sun.
Comment #12 (Posted by MadroX)
I want a X-Factor Investigations movie. It could be done on a low budget and still be awesome. Plus they'd only need one guy to play all the different Madrox's
Comment #13 (Posted by marco)
They already tried this sort of thing and failed (at least with the fans). The Punisher was budgeted at around $16M and was critically torn apart. Even though I recently watched it and I still like it, this will require some "outside the box" thinking by the studios in order to succeed. Having said that, I think a Sgt. Fury movie would be ideal in establishing the origins of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Comment #14 (Posted by spicehead)
X-Factor done as a noire detective film with superpowers could be very watch-able.
Captain Brittain and the MI13 with Peter Wisdom could be very cool in motion too.
Comment #15 (Posted by matt)
As long as they don't go back to making junk like Man-Thing and the made-for-tv Generation X, this seems like a promising direction.
Comment #16 (Posted by Cold Chillin')
Just make Luke Cage already
Comment #17 (Posted by Three Oranges)
Dr. Strange is the character to use to bring magic and science together in the Marvel film universe. He should've been a pre-Avengers character, in fact.
Comment #18 (Posted by OceanWang)
Calling it now: Dazzler!
Comment #19 (Posted by Steve)
From my perspective, there has been 2 Dr. Strange movies. A TV movie of that name which wasn't bad (as I remember it) and Dr. Mordrid (with Jeffrey Combs). While that was not technically based on Dr. Strange, I couldn't help feeling I was watching a Dr. Strange movie anyhow... But yes, I would like to see a bigger budget version of Dr. Strange.. May the Vishanti be with you!
Comment #20 (Posted by Chris)
ROM the Space Knight FTW!
Comment #21 (Posted by DJ Barnett )
Forget the smaller movie,and make a SUB-MARINER movie.
Comment #22 (Posted by wash)
I was always surprised Marvel didn't sue Full Moon for Dr. Mordrid. The only way it could be more blatant was if it were called Dr. Weird or Dr. Stranger or something like that.
Comment #23 (Posted by Jeffmc2000)
Just a few off the top of my head---
Daughters Of the Dragon--Imagine Pam Grier with a bionic arm teamed up with a Eurasian Uma Thurman from Kill Bill and you'll see how awesome this movie could be.
Tomb Of Dracula---Not Blade, but an actual adaptation of the comics. Hell, you could even throw Blade in, since he doesn't seem to be doing much else these days. Not sure who's currently Jack Palance enough to play Dracula though.
Moon Knight. Not the current crazy version, but an adaptation of the Doug Moench stuff. The first issue of the original run is the movie in a nutshell.
Shang Chi---Just call Fu Manchu Wu Fang or something, and you're good to go.
The Starjammers---Pirates Of The Caribbean in space. This should probably be animated.
Bloodstone. Either thee original or the daughter or both. That was always a fun premise.
Morbius--But you have to keep the costume. Too bad Michael Jackson isn't still alive to play him.
Man-Thing---Not turned into a teen horror movie this time, but full-on Steve Gerber weirdness with clown ghosts and wizards and talking ducks. Just go nuts with it.
Deathlok---The dystopian Rich Buckler version. Anything else is just Robocop in drag.
Two-Gun Kid. A superhero in the old west. Like Wild Wild West (the show) if done right. Like Wild Wild West (the movie) if done wrong.
Terror Inc.--This was one of the few fun books from the early 90's. Suave hitman with a monster face. Be good for Guy Richie or somebody.
Howard The Duck--Is this still radioactive? I think it's time to adapt the original comics and do the duck right. He needs redemption, dammit!
Foolkiller---Could be a neat Se7en-style thriller. I seem to be going for a lot of Steve Gerber stuff today. I wish they could do a movie of his run on Defenders, with The Headsmen and the elf with a gun, and the deer with the human brain.
The Son Of Satan---Superhero exorcist! I'd buy that just from the two word pitch.
Comment #24 (Posted by [A])
I love this.
Comment #25 (Posted by Nicholas )
Start with the real "Galactus Triology" The Silver Surfer franchise is a cash cow waiting to be fully realized.
Comment #26 (Posted by Hunter D.)
Larry Clark was on POWER PACK back a few years ago...any chance that might still happen? Because it would be the coolest thing possible.
Comment #27 (Posted by nathan)
I would love to see a young avengers movie. I love those characters and it would be great if you could have a cameo of one of the avengers
OR how about the orginal team of new warriors
Comment #28 (Posted by hieronymous)
Say it with me, true believers: "Howard the Duck 2!!!!"
Comment #29 (Posted by an unknown user)
Dr. Strange
Director - Jan Kounen
Production Design - Brendan McCarthy
Comment #30 (Posted by youscrazy)
Moon Knight? I can see this happening.
Comment #31 (Posted by Matt "PappaSmurf")
I would like to see Dr. Strange (with Me playing Dr. Strange), Power Man & Iron Fist, Cloak & Dagger, New Mutants, {{Kingpin - from the Bad Guys Perspective}}, The X-Men with the Morlock Massacre series portrayal and Apocalypse, the Secret Wars Series, Jonah Hex, and the Black Panther.
Comment #32 (Posted by Maggotface)
I'm with hieronymous...bring back Howard the Duck, but please make it an R-rated reboot with an animated duck that LOOKS like a "funny animal" character.
Keep the absurdity of Greber's duck.
Comment #33 (Posted by Nick)
I think they should do the Marvel MAX line, where the stories are adult and the action is really intense and violent. Plus each MAX miniseries is fairly stand alone. Foolkiller, Devil Slayer, Werewolf By Night, Man Thing. They are already make a shitload of money from Iron Man, Hulk etc fo the younger crowd, us older fans want some stuff for us too.
Comment #34 (Posted by Fist of Khonshu)
How about Moon Knight? His Batman-esque style could easily be translated into a lower budget film. Given the right hands, this could easily be a cult-classic ala Darkman.
Comment #35 (Posted by nbtnap)
Howard the Duck if they allow it to be really crude. Jonah Hill/Seth Rogen underdog type as Howard, Rachel Nichols smart boob-tastic type as Beverly. Dr Strange - Brendan McCarthy as designer definitely! Kounen - No.
Comment #36 (Posted by Alboone)
I really don't know how you could do a Sub Mariner movie unless Pixar level animation were involved. Silver Surfer in order to do it right has to be an Avatar like epic. And no Galactus as a storm cloud.
Comment #37 (Posted by Speaking my Mind)
Forget about what each of us wants.. We are all biased and for those wanting a dazzler, Moon Knight or Howard the duck 2 for examples are prime reasons why Hollywood sucks. They are making films based on single person prefferences. (which all suggestions listed sucked by the way, except for Iron Man and Dr Strange if done right). If Marvel Studios REALLY wants to make money and succeed. Then get Great Writers who KNOW the characters and will be faithfull to them in writing. Don't worry about all the special effects. that's just fluff. Take a Survey and list all characters nominated. THEN make a movie on the most votes. Otherwise, we're doomed to have another crappy punisher or swamp thing. IT's all about STORY guys, not effects. Look at how all those special comic covers ruined Marvel Entertainment back in the 90's.
Comment #38 (Posted by J D)
Power Man and Iron Fist as a '70's Chinese/African American kung fu exploitation flick. Shiny polyester shirts, chain bracelets, stereotypical Triad and urban gangsta pimps as the heavies -- the whole shebang. Make it happen, Marvel, goddammit.
Comment #39 (Posted by Jack)
i don,t know what i put but the only thing is interest me is dazzle she is a good choice for her energie balls
Comment #40 (Posted by Jack)
i don,t know what i put but the only thing is interest me is dazzle she is a good choice for her energie balls
Comment #41 (Posted by BStiglets)
Union Jack. Nuff' said
Comment #42 (Posted by an unknown user)
<a href="http://brendanmccarthy.byethost8.com/comicwork/fever.html">Brendan McCarthy on a Dr Strange movie (April 7)</a>: "I am over here in Hollywood for a little while, doing the rounds of the studios and pitching new animation projects. I had an interesting discussion at Disney recently about Dr. Strange, who in my view, should be developed into an ‘Avatar’-style animated Marvel feature (seeing as Disney/PIxar own Marvel now). I think that’s the best way to handle those surreal Ditko dimensions and weird characters like Dormammu and Eternity. That’s an animated project I’d certainly want to get involved in. Del Toro or Tim Burton directing a mo-capped cgi Johnny Depp as Dr. Strange would be fun. I think everyone would fall in love with a sexy cgi Clea. And who could resist actor Sean Penn playing a Mindless One? If playing a ‘retard’ is a sure way to an Oscar nomination, then portraying a Mindless One must surely land a Nobel Prize."
Comment #43 (Posted by Lumber Dick)
Tom Savini for Doc Strange please.
Comment #44 (Posted by King of all Geeks)
Heroes for Hire: This is the greatest movie never made . Come on Marvel Do it!, Power Man , Iron Fist, guerst starring the daughters of the dragon!
Kung Fu Superheroes!
GLA!: Great Lake Avengers a low budget comedy superhero team like mystery men with real powers.
Eternals: Based on the recent limited series.
And that's just the start... Cloak and Dagger, Doctor Strange and as someone said before.. ROM!
Comment #45 (Posted by fkessy0905)
OMG, Beyonce looks so pretty. I saw her profile on m'illionaire d'ating s'ite "diamondkissing.com" last week. What kind of relationship is she looking for on that site? Just curious.
Comment #46 (Posted by tommy t)
Longshot...Spiderwoman...or Moonknight....if u want a team go Defenders
Comment #47 (Posted by deth bandit)
Groo. God yes.
But is Stallone too old for it now?
Comment #48 (Posted by dreamboygq)
get terry crews for Luke Cage, make Black Panther and Cloak & Dagger. and the Prowler with a Blade 4 movie with snipes. and night thrasher and brother voodoo
Comment #49 (Posted by flixnut)
TERRY CREWS AS LUKE CAGE...
DEREK LUKE AS BLACK PANTHER...
DO IT.
Comment #50 (Posted by DonKingKong)
Shield: Project Defenders
Have a Defenders movie, where Shield creates a sort of “remote viewing” paranormal special ops team (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stargate_Project) ala "The Men Who Stare at Goats" movie, only taken more seriously. Have the team be the eccentric /fringe wing of Shield sorta the odd ducks to the more golden Avengers team. You’ll have the Defenders consist of Doctor Strange leading the team, Namor, and the Hulk (Bruce Banner), and if you can nab him from Fox The Silver Surfer, if not replace him with Henry Pym if he’s not with the Avengers. Other possible Defenders: Nighthawk, Valkyrie, and Hellcat, Hawkeye, Son of Satan, Luke Cage, Clea, Moondragon, the Gargoyle, Devil-Slayer, (the Beast, Iceman, and The Angel all were members once but Fox probably still “owns” them http://marvel.com/universe/Defenders).
Have the story also incoporate "The Secret" (http://www.thesecret.tv/ ) magical/new age stuff that is more pop then it’s ever been, you got Dan Brown secret society stuff all in the public consciousness (plus Strange is involved with the “Illuminta” in the comics currently: http://marvel.com/universe/Illuminati) . It seems sorta stupid not to explore some of that stuff with a Doctor Strange or Defenders comicbook movie. There is some vast potential there, look no further then the Fringe TV show to see how the doctor could be used as a somewhat whacky but brillant scientist/magical thinker like Walter Bishop. Find a non-super hero type actor like Adrien Brody to be Strange, you can use Strange as catalyst to merge the magical dimensions like Asgard Thor into the "realistic" Iron Man Marvel Movieverse for the Avengers/Shield movie. His first guest apperances in the Marvel Universe proper was as a guest star stint in Fantastic Four #27 way back in June 1964, where he encountered Loki. Pass the word to Disney/Marvel/Whedon/powers that be... Please take my idea and run with it please!!!
Comment #51 (Posted by Carl)
Why the heck are they talking about Luke cage??? His name in the Marvel Comics is Power Man. Why can't they call him that?? it sounds better than Luke cage.
Comment #52 (Posted by Kenneth)
Moon Knight,Shang-Chi,The Defenders,Iron Fist,Power Man,Wonder Man(from The Avengers),Daredevil,Elektra and with Marvel's library,the list can go on for a loonnggg time.
Comment #53 (Posted by Sheldon)
Steve [#19], Doctor Mordrid was written to be a Dr. Stange movie but Full Moon couldn't get the rights so they changed the character's name and costume but otherwise, the script was unchanged.
Both Mordrid and the 1972 Dr. Stange TV-movie are considered classics by a lot of fans.
Considering what each of them achieved on what were ridiculously low budgets even for their times, I think a big-screen Dr. Strange could be very well done - especially if they could get Sam Rockwell to play him.
Comment #54 (Posted by ironfistfan.blogspot.com)
hopefully they make an iron fist movie but i will recommend an anime first before a live action movie
Comment #55 (Posted by Andrew)
Yeah - I'm all for Terry Crews as Luke Cage. It'd be great to see a good actor in that role!
So far, I've only seen him playing dimwits in comedy films - but I think action would suit him so much better.
