Way back when Disney bought Marvel, a move first announced almost a year ago, a few questions immediately popped to fans’ minds. One of the most prominent: what will the movies look like? Will they take on a classy but maybe too squeaky-clean Disney shine? Will Disney keep their hands off entirely, or will the combination of Disney’s resources with the Marvel movie studio make for even bigger and better superhero films?
We haven’t seen the answers to any of those questions yet. While Disney did profit from “Iron Man 2,” due to its release by Marvel Studios, now a member of the House of Mouse, the movie was basically already made by the official buyout of Marvel by Disney.
Now the focus comes on any Marvel films produced under the new ownership. The thing is, Disney doesn’t have that many well-known characters from which it can profit. The film rights for caped crusaders like Spiderman and the X-Men already belong to other movie studios.
While plenty of anticipation exists around the forthcoming Avengers movie – a film dedicated to sharing the story of the Marvel crime fighting team encompassing names like Iron Man, Nick Fury, The Hulk (though whether or not he will appear remains to be seen), Thor, and Black Widow – curiosity is rampant about to which superhero Disney will turn its attention for the first franchise developed completely after the takeover. Can Disney work its magic for a protagonist unrecognized outside circles of hard core comics fans?
Several Disney and Marvels fan sites claim that Disney’s optioned the little-known but classic Marvel comic “Alien Legion” for a film remake. Apparently Jerry Bruckheimer’s on board to produce, and the script’s under its third rewrite.
The general premise of “Alien Legion” is rather self-explanatory; the story revolves around a military unit of aliens. It’ll be interesting to see the Bruckheimer sheen on a science fiction comic book film. That is, if the movie ends up happening. All of the rumors about it I could find date from late last year, and are thus rather stale.
Earlier this week more rumors broke that Disney will bring Marvel mystic Dr. Strange to the big screen as well. But until I see anything concrete about either of these films, I don’t consider them more than rumor or aborted projects.
Really, until Disney officially announces plans and starts serious work for a new comic book franchise, speculation could lead anywhere. That actually brings up another point: will it be Disney announcing the next Marvel film, and if so, what might that indicate about the style of the future film?
When Disney took over Marvel, it was quick to assure fans of the venerable comic house of its no-interference plans for the publishing company/movie studio. It seemed like Disney just meant to sit back and rake in the cash from Marvel’s properties, letting the well-oiled comics machine churn on steadily as it had before.
So much anticipation abounds for the announcement of the next Marvel superhero headed for the big screen because everyone’s waiting to see whether Disney will hold true to its word. The franchise picked might reflect the new atmosphere, if any, over at Marvel Studios.
We’ll just have to wait and see if any of the film project rumors hold true, or if Marvel’s got something entirely different up its sleeve. And more to the point, if Disney’s the one controlling things now, or just making the trip to the bank.
Related Articles:
Disney’s Plans to Broaden its Appeal
Summer in New York: Superheroes Invade Gotham
Disney Innovation in Times Square
Disneyland to Geek Out?
The Incredible Hulk (2008)