CHUD is reporting that Marvel Studios is currently meeting with writers and directors to work on small scale movies based on some of their third tier characters such as Luke Cage, Dazzler, Power Pack, Clock & Dagger and so forth. These movies would be considered “low budget” and cost in the range of 20 to 40 million, that’d provide more risk and reward if done correctly.
Filmmakers are being offered their pick of characters whose names are only familiar to comic fans but have the potential to become fantastic films. The attitude according to CHUD seems to be that Marvel is open to bringing any of their characters to the big screen with the right talent and the right price point.
I suppose I don’t need to tell anyone how awesome news this it as it offers Marvel much more flexibility in bringing characters to life in ways that was otherwise impossible. I know some of you may have cold flashes of “Elektra” or “Ghost Rider” and that’s always a possibility. But I think we’re at a time when staying faithful to the source material and hiring the right people is a first and foremost priority.
The best example is with Marvel’s latest film “Kick-Ass” which was developed at a reasonable budget and while it didn’t blow away the competition at the box office, it will make it up in DVD and other sales. But best of all, it stayed somewhat faithful to the original material, or at least as faithful as it could when being adapted to the big screens.
As we know, Marvel’s latest and most anticipated blockbuster to come is “The Avengers,” while there’s been some buzz that other superhero movies will be released around that time, it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s one of these low budget films. Rumored to currently be in the running include: “Runaways” which is currently being pitches like a Goonies meet superheroes, “Power Pack” and/or/maybe “Iron Fist/Cage” film.
This initiative is essentially going to allow Marvel (and Disney) to strength more brands within the public eye, especially with its competitor Warner Bros. and the DC Comics property lurking not close behind.