Can a Thor movie beat Hulk at the box office?

[MessiahDecoy123]

The Incredible Hulk made 263 million worldwide. Can a Thor movie do any better? How so?

[Steve Holt]

yes, there isn't a previous thor movie that general audiences found over complicated to make people weary.

[Canis Sapiens]

What he said.

Plus, the protagonist is not a CGI creature (something that turns off a lot of the GA). And fantasy/epic movies have a HUGE following, that could crossover with the comics audience.

[TheCorpulent1]

The pessimist in me says it's unlikely, but I certainly hope Thor could beat the Hulk at the box office. Lord knows he hasn't beaten the Hulk in any other way for a long, long time. :csad:

[Leto]

Yes, general audiences loved Beowulf, the LotR series, and Thor smashing Frost Giants will make a big splash.

[[A]]

the poll needs more options

[chiefchirpa]

Really depends on trailer/marketing. Iron Man was sold by its tell-all trailers.

[Canis Sapiens]

That's another thing that gives me hope. Thor will be distributed/marketed by Paramount (same studio that sold Iron Man to the masses) and not by Universal, the one who messed up TIH.

[marcvader]

Of course. Like stated above, there's the whole grand fantasy aspect of it that will draw people in. As well as it having an expansive epic feel which it will surely have.

[Vartha]

I would hope the fact that this is Marvel's first Fantasy film that it would be much better than Incredible Hulk, not that I'm putting down either movie. :D

[Changeling]

Yes, market it like LOTR, just with more magic, and we've got a hit.

[Brian Braddock]

^^^Exactly.

Plus it doesnt have the baggage that TIH suffered from.

[Vartha]

Yes, market it like LOTR, just with more magic, and we've got a hit.
I wouldn't say market it EXACTLY like LotR.
There were some people that were sick of LotR by the 3rd movie.
The main thing with Thor is that it IS both Fantasy and Superhero at least with the first movie because of Asgard.
You NEED to set up where Thor is from so the following movies weather it be Avengers or a following Thor film can be refferenced easier.

[TheCorpulent1]

LotR's been done for years, though. Maybe people are over whatever boredom they had with it. LotR with more action and on a bigger scale = Thor. Instead of the Balrog being something ungodly powerful, it's a typical Tuesday for Thor. :)

[MessiahDecoy123]

What would it take to get mainstream audiences to embrace a Thor movie? Big name actors? Flashy special effects?

[Vartha]

LotR's been done for years, though. Maybe people are over whatever boredom they had with it. LotR with more action and on a bigger scale = Thor. Instead of the Balrog being something ungodly powerful, it's a typical Tuesday for Thor. :)
LotR's not quite done. we still have the Hobbit movies. Whenever they decide to get them done. Jackson's producing and Del Torro supposed to be Directing.

[TheCorpulent1]

What would it take to get mainstream audiences to embrace a Thor movie? Big name actors? Flashy special effects?
That, plus probably showing that it's got a bit more action than your average fantasy epic.

[chiefchirpa]

Do you think any fantasy movies will become successful?

Think again with Eragon, Stardust and Beowulf out of the way.

[TheCorpulent1]

Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings.

[TheComicbookKid]

Both based on popular books.

Thor doesn't have a large fanbase to hype people beyond their usually indifference to fantasy movies.

[TheCorpulent1]

True. I'm honestly not expecting Thor to do too well. Before the current relaunch started selling at amazingly high levels, Thor couldn't even manage to be all that popular among comic readers. I'm just glad the movie's getting made at all.

[Chewy]

I think there are multiple factors that will play into this. Yes, Thor will be a fantasy movie, but it will also be a costumed superhero movie, and general audiences love these costumed superhero movies when they're good. Batman Begins, Spider-Man, Iron Man, X-Men, etc

Also, the Paramount marketing team has been on fire with these summer franchise launches recently. Transformers in 2007, Iron Man in 2008, Star Trek this year. I genuinely do believe that TIH's biggest problem was the marketing.

[marcvader]

Plus the production values have to be top notch. This movie needs to be action packed and it needs to show on the trailer.

[Vartha]

Well my only fear is that damed Thor speak. Granted many of us understand it there are more that don't, and part of the proof is the new relaunch of the comic book.
Now even tho the script doesn't have any of the Shakespear in it, I hope they stay AWAY from it for the same reason the old comic kept failing.

[Canis Sapiens]

I think Chewy said it all. :up:

Paramount's marketing team is a force to be recognized.

[Canis Sapiens]

Well my only fear is that damed Thor speak. Granted many of us understand it there are more that don't, and part of the proof is the new relaunch of the comic book.
Now even tho the script doesn't have any of the Shakespear in it, I hope they stay AWAY from it for the same reason the old comic kept failing.

I was afraid of that too, LOL. But, as you said, there's no sign of that kind of Shakespearean English in the first draft, and I don't think they would be crazy to change this aspect and alienate a HUGE amount of the audience.

[Vartha]

True. I'm honestly not expecting Thor to do too well. Before the current relaunch started selling at amazingly high levels, Thor couldn't even manage to be all that popular among comic readers. I'm just glad the movie's getting made at all.
Well I'm hoping those people who used to watch the cartoon in the 60 and 70's will want to watch this.
In the audiance of Iron-Man with a full house, I'd say about half the people there had silver hair. I'm hoping those same people go to Thor.

Thor's advantage is the Fantasy part of it even tho it is a Superhero movie.
It's more than likely going to attract those who have seen LotR, Harry Potter, Beowulf and heck even Twilight. The commercials need to aim at those audiances.

[TheCorpulent1]

I don't know about Twilight, since the vast majority of people who saw that were teenage girls. I think who's cast would be a much bigger factor in drawing that particular crowd, since there's nothing overtly appealing about Thor to them. Now, if Josh Hartnett winds up cast as Loki or (*shudder*) Thor, they might win that crowd over--of course, it might be at the cost of a lot of Thor's male fans.

[broblacksteel]

I think thor will be fine, THOR will be the only movie from marvel after IM2, so peeps will be hungry for a marvel character.

I say cast josh as loki, let him bring in another demographic of girls.

Also, fandral was a pretty boy too.. so cast who's good for the part and looks it too.

The more females/couples the more $$$ Thor has a chance for a sequel.

The males and fanboys will be there due to it's got a BIG f n hammer, women, action, monsters etc. oh yeah, a great story too.

[Philly Phanboy]

I think the box office results could be very close to Hulk's. The oddball release date won't help Thor's BO at all.

[marcvader]

At the least I see Thor matching Hulk #'s.

[Vartha]

I don't know about Twilight, since the vast majority of people who saw that were teenage girls. I think who's cast would be a much bigger factor in drawing that particular crowd, since there's nothing overtly appealing about Thor to them. Now, if Josh Hartnett winds up cast as Loki or (*shudder*) Thor, they might win that crowd over--of course, it might be at the cost of a lot of Thor's male fans.
My Daughter's a twilight fan, and all her buddy's guys and girls are into just about everything we are. She even snuck into Friday the 13th. :D

[lowly marvelite]

Kenneth Branagh is gonna have to pull out all the stops. No cheesiness allowed. Iron Man was a great story and a great characterization of not only Tony Stark but his supporting people as well. Same with Hulk. I really hope Branagh doesn't muck this up...this is Thor's opportunity to make a statement to the world. Because the the first movie's plot seems largely placed in Asgard, and seeing that all 3 of the Lord of the Rings movies are in the top ten of all time worldwide for top grossing movies...yeah...there is potential for a great story. Asgard provides a great backdrop for various scary/powerful creatures for Thor to battle (can anyone else here picture Surtur looking like Balrog from Lord of the Rings?) There is so much potential for a good story, a great movie...I'm all pins and needles...I'm gonna be a wreck the night before the movie actually comes out.

[yoshimura]

Well my only fear is that damed Thor speak. Granted many of us understand it there are more that don't, and part of the proof is the new relaunch of the comic book.
Now even tho the script doesn't have any of the Shakespear in it, I hope they stay AWAY from it for the same reason the old comic kept failing.

This and NO cheesiness will go along way to making it a success.

There needs to be one internet only trailer for metal-heads and fantasy geeks with Zeppelin or Man O' War music! :woot:

Oh and get Coipel to draw a poster :woot:

[D-Man22]

Do you guys really think a Thor movie will tear up the Box office?

[Chewy]

I don't know about "will", but I think it could tear up the box office

It depends on how it is handled and marketed, but that's true of any movie, really

[yoshimura]

Do you guys really think a Thor movie will tear up the Box office?

Yes.

[TheCorpulent1]

I have my doubts, but I'm glad they're assembling such a strong pool of talent behind it. Kenneth Branagh was a great choice to direct.

[Vartha]

Do you guys really think a Thor movie will tear up the Box office?
I don't expect it to do LotR figures or Iron-Man figures but I do think enough people know about Thor to want to see it.
There are people all over this area, that aren't comicbook collectors yet know about the comicbook Character Thor. The maintenece guy here at my apartment complex can't wait for Thor to come out, heck he's even started searching for info on Marvel's Thor himself.

By word of mouth alone I think Thor's slowing becoming popular just for the new Run. I think it'll be an average film but not a bad film.

[D-Man22]

^Well said Vartha. I guess we'll have to wait and see if all this banter about the box office of the movie will be true or false.

[Vartha]

Kenneth Branagh is gonna have to pull out all the stops. No cheesiness allowed. Iron Man was a great story and a great characterization of not only Tony Stark but his supporting people as well. Same with Hulk. I really hope Branagh doesn't muck this up...this is Thor's opportunity to make a statement to the world. Because the the first movie's plot seems largely placed in Asgard, and seeing that all 3 of the Lord of the Rings movies are in the top ten of all time worldwide for top grossing movies...yeah...there is potential for a great story. Asgard provides a great backdrop for various scary/powerful creatures for Thor to battle (can anyone else here picture Surtur looking like Balrog from Lord of the Rings?) There is so much potential for a good story, a great movie...I'm all pins and needles...I'm gonna be a wreck the night before the movie actually comes out.
From the look at the 1st script there's not a hint of Cheesieness, not to worry there.

[Vartha]

^Well said Vartha. I guess we'll have to wait and see if all this banter about the box office of the movie will be true or false.
Basically all you can do D-man.
I think Thor's going to attract alot different groups of people. Bikers (motorcyles), Fantasy fans, comicbook fans, history fans, the big thing is to advertise the movie properly.

[D-Man22]

^It will even attract modern day vikings and pirates as well.

[Vartha]

Heh I know a few modern day vikings. lol not at all like the white supremecy types.
I worked at a Renaissance Faire on the ILL/Wis. border for 13 years, I know most of the people who both work and "play" there would see this film as well.

[D-Man22]

^Well look at that. Thats like $100 + already in the bag for a Thor movie and that's not counting repeat viewings.

[Vartha]

I even posted the Thor Cast Call on Renaissance Faire actor's messege boards lol

[yoshimura]

I think Thor's going to attract alot different groups of people. Bikers (motorcyles), Fantasy fans, comicbook fans, history fans, the big thing is to advertise the movie properly.

And metal-heads: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZMitisDbzQ

One thing to add, the film shouldn't be too Narnia. It has to gravitate towards Gladiator while having LoTR aspects.


Oh forgot this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFq2YJKYa-k&feature=player_embedded

If marketing at Paramount had a clue, they'd use the metal genre for some viral marketing since that scene is notorious for fantasy and mythological elements

Just found this one, lol.
Amon Amarth "Twilight Of The Thunder God": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eABVwEgzIss

even more lol!!
Guardians of Asgaard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl1vaVLBoUY

[Still A ThorFan]

It would also help if it gets positive reviews from critics. I just want the movie to be taken seriously. Not an after school special like the Spiderman films.

[Vartha]

MAN I HATE critics.
People need to think for themselves. The BIGGEST example that ticked me off was a few critics saying the 1st Fantasic Four movie was COPYING the Impossibles.....I'm mean what the heck, did these people actually RESEARCH the Freakin Films?

I just hope these dipsticks RESEARCH before writting stuff like that about Thor.

[TheCorpulent1]

Eh, I never put much stock in critics anyway. I like to watch a movie and form opinions for myself. Plus, for all the metacritic websites like Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes, there are a fair number of geeky critics who are into comics anyway, so they usually bring the score up on any decent comic movie.

[Shivsguy616]

MAN I HATE critics.
People need to think for themselves. The BIGGEST example that ticked me off was a few critics saying the 1st Fantasic Four movie was COPYING the Impossibles.....I'm mean what the heck, did these people actually RESEARCH the Freakin Films?

I just hope these dipsticks RESEARCH before writting stuff like that about Thor.

The Incredibles. And I totally agree! That was anoying.

[mjbull23]

At the least I see Thor matching Hulk #'s.

Agreed, and Unlike Hulk who has already had 2 movies released in the last decade, clearly not the case here, this will mark Thor's big screen debut.

Branagh has a chance to knock it out of the park and deliver a very good film, and if the movie begins generating good word of mouth along with a positive buzz from industry insiders, right before release.. this movie could generate extremely respectable numbers.

[Vartha]

Eh, I never put much stock in critics anyway. I like to watch a movie and form opinions for myself. Plus, for all the metacritic websites like Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes, there are a fair number of geeky critics who are into comics anyway, so they usually bring the score up on any decent comic movie.

I don't use Critics either Corp. I like what I like and nobody can change that.
The ONLY time I even use a critic is to see what a movie's about if I can't find info about the movie I want to see.

It's the fact that these "critics" say or write things that can keep a nongeek from seeing a movie, and the example of FF movie is my point.

[Colossal Spoons]

True. I'm honestly not expecting Thor to do too well. Before the current relaunch started selling at amazingly high levels, Thor couldn't even manage to be all that popular among comic readers. I'm just glad the movie's getting made at all.

Not sure why most comic fans can't appreciate his baddassness :(

[TheCorpulent1]

A lot of comic fans--more than I realized before I started posting here, in fact--seem to be really hung up on street-level 'realism' (which is sort of a mockery when applied to any superhero comic, but don't tell them that). Thor is so far from street-level or realistic that many find him unrelatable, and putting themselves in the hero's shoes is important to a lot of comic readers, since superhero comics are just wish fulfillment/power fantasies for them. That's why Wolverine is so popular, I think; Spider-Man may be more relatable as a person, but everyone really wants to be the guy who can kick all the other guys' asses, and Wolverine represents that power fantasy to them without being too unrealistic (again, relatively speaking).

[Ahura Mazda]

If this is a good movie, then it will beat Hulk quite easily especially if you take in account inflation. If it is not, it will be more difficult.

[Sarg92]

Thor won't have a previous Thor film which made the general public not favour with the character or newer different films (Ang Lee's Hulk/TIH situation).

Also the marketing is a big factor. If Thor is given a marketing campaign similar to TIH then it will struggle. If it is given an Iron Man marketing campaign then it will make money.

But the main thing is the quality of the film which I am sure will be great.

[Still A ThorFan]

[QUOTE=TheCorpulent1;16778513]Eh, I never put much stock in critics anyway. I like to watch a movie and form opinions for myself.

True, but positive reviews from critics can be helpful.

After seeing Wolverine I am damn sure Thor will surely beat that movie in every catagory possible.

[TheCorpulent1]

Except possibly first-day box office. Wolverine's movie still made tons of money on its first day, regardless of anyone's opinion of it, simply because it features Wolverine.

[[A]]

But general audiences don't read movie reviews .. or movie ratings .. or anything

[CaptainStacy]

The Incredible Hulk made 263 million worldwide. Can a Thor movie do any better? How so?

Better marketing, and maybe not being sandwiched in between two OTHER superhero movies.

[TheCorpulent1]

Given the rate that superhero movies are coming out lately, I bet Thor will wind up being sandwiched between other ones to some extent. Maybe not as fast and furious as the Iron Man/Hulk/Dark Knight summer of last year, but he's almost certainly gonna have some other superhero movies as competition.

I'm already seeing the natural bias a lot of people have against Thor on other message boards and comments in articles about the movie on more mainstream movie news websites, too. Some people unfortunately perceive Thor as goofy because of the Shakespearean-speak and the fantasy overtones. It's gonna be tough to overcome that perception, I bet.

[Brian Braddock]

Agree.

Although, on the other hand Corp, that very perception that could actually work in it's favour, if marketed right.

If it's marketed as the new big budget 'sword & scorcery' epic on the same level as LOTR, the GA may very well lap it up. The realisation that it's tied into IM and Marvel, and that the hero has superhuman strength etc may just be the icing on the proverbial cake.

I'd say it's the 'epic spectacle' angle that marketing need to focus on.

[TheCorpulent1]

I could see that possibly working. Fantasy movies themselves have an uphill battle, though. Outside of Lord of the Rings, which is like the quintessential fantasy epic, and Harry Potter, which is light on fantasy and heavy on much more marketable teen angst, which fantasy movies do you recall that have done really, really well at the box office?

[Brian Braddock]

You're right, or course.

Thor is different though. As I said, not only have you got the fantasy angle, you've also got the Marvel comics 'superhero' angle.

That, for me, is what's gonna seperate it from the likes of D&D and Eragorn etc. That's what makes Thor special and unique.

I'm hoping that would be the draw enough to ensure it does well, box-office wise.

[TheCorpulent1]

I hope it does well. I just think it's got a big uphill battle to achieve the success that comes automatically to movies like X-Men Origins: Wolverine or Spider-Man or The Incredible Hulk. But then again, I'm very pessimistic when it comes to Thor. I find it's easier to keep my expectations low and be pleasantly surprised than to hope for the best and be constantly disappointed.

[Brian Braddock]

Probably a good way to look at it. That way, everything else is a bonus.

A tad cynical maybe, but hey, these are cynical times.

[TheCorpulent1]

I'm a cynical person, too. :)

[RachelDawes]

I hope it does well. I just think it's got a big uphill battle to achieve the success that comes automatically to movies like X-Men Origins: Wolverine or Spider-Man or The Incredible Hulk. But then again, I'm very pessimistic when it comes to Thor. I find it's easier to keep my expectations low and be pleasantly surprised than to hope for the best and be constantly disappointed.

I've got similar views about Thor. I'm hopping Hemsworth can pull some women in though.

[Brian Braddock]

Oh, the chicks will dig the long blonde hair, blue eyes, bulging muscles and big ol' hammer - no question.

:D

[TheCorpulent1]

Judging from the responses on this board to his being cast, I think he'll draw in people who find him attractive. Maybe not like Christian Bale draws women into TDK or Terminator, but a small boost among those looking for eye candy, at least.

[FlawlessVictory]

Better marketing, and maybe not being sandwiched in between two OTHER superhero movies.

But Thor will be sandwiched in between two superhero movies won't it? It's coming out a couple of weeks after Spider-Man 4 and then a few weeks after that, GL will be released.

[Chewy]

Thor and GL are both sandwiched between two superhero movies

I think a great deal of the stigma around Thor (of it being "goofy") can be overcome through the marketing. Paramount did a bang-up job overcoming the "this movie is only for nerds" stigma surrounding Star Trek.

[RachelDawes]

Thor and GL are both sandwiched between two superhero movies

I think a great deal of the stigma around Thor (of it being "goofy") can be overcome through the marketing. Paramount did a bang-up job overcoming the "this movie is only for nerds" stigma surrounding Star Trek.

True, though it helped that ST was a really great movie. Critics probably half promoted the movie by writing about how awesome it was, and then there's WOM.

The one thing Marvel can't do is come up with a lackluster marketing campaign like they did for TIH. Thor will really need help to be successful.

[Chewy]

The one thing Marvel can't do is come up with a lackluster marketing campaign like they did for TIH. Thor will really need help to be successful.
TIH's marketing was handled by Universal (who, as a studio, have NEVER had an OW over $80M, by the way) whereas this will be handled by Paramount, who have arguably the best marketing team in the business. So I'm not really worried in that department.

[Brian Braddock]

Yeah, me neither.

Universal really dropped the ball on advertising TIH, didnt they?

[RachelDawes]

TIH's marketing was handled by Universal (who, as a studio, have NEVER had an OW over $80M, by the way) whereas this will be handled by Paramount, who have arguably the best marketing team in the business. So I'm not really worried in that department.

Sorry, I suck at remembering which studio handles what. Yesterday, I said WB was making Captain America. :o

I'm glad to hear Paramount is much better. At least I don't have to worry too much about that.

Yeah, me neither.

Universal really dropped the ball on advertising TIH, didnt they?

Reading the fury of the Hulk fans at Universal's marketing strategy during the lead-up to TIH was pretty amusing. :hehe:

[Brian Braddock]

I was one of those Hulk fans.

:D

[Aztec]

Universal really dropped the ball on advertising TIH, didnt they?

I agree. The movie deserved better than the mediocre box office that it got. It was much more accessible to the general public than Ang's snoozer. :bh:

As for Thor, the movie could be huge if they decide to keep it a largely fantasy movie. What's great about Thor taking place mostly in Asgard and Cap taking place mostly in WWII is that it allows for fresh takes on the superhero genre without the public feeling like they've seen the same film 5 times leading to the Avengers.

It also makes the combination of these 4 great superheroes all the more interesting when they are on the screen together.

[bullets]

TIH was excellent . I don't think Thor will beat those numbers but with good promotion it is possible. People should want to give Thor a chance because they haven't seen it done before , should be interesting.

[ultimatefan]

If an Iron Man movie did, why not.

[TheCorpulent1]

Iron Man = high-tech, which more people seem to be comfortable with. Robots and super-science are generally more accepted than high fantasy and burly men with hammers.

[Chris B]

It has the potential, but I can't see if duplicating Iron Man's sleeper hit status.

[JackIvyGB]

Previously, when it sounded like the movie would be very Lord of the Rings-esque, I would have said no. Yeah, Lord of the rings was a big hit, but it was a specific story that people were looking forward to. I don't think that a Thor done in that same vein would have performed any better than TIH. In fact, I would have guessed it to perform slightly less. I don't think this is necessarily a time at the movies when people are excited for fantasy as much as when LOTR was out. In fact, I think that the window of opprotunity was missed with the Hobbit movie.

However, now that it seems like the movie has been rescripted to the point where earth and modern times plays a significant role as well (it sounds as though it's a big set-up for the final battle to happen in the middle of NY or something), I think it makes the story more tangible for audiences. An LOTR Thor, while it would've been a completely appropriate take on the character, would have been a little to detatched from everything for audiences to completely buy in. Even if the previous script had a final scene of Don Blake and earth at the end, something tells me comic fans would have been the only ones to really get excited over it. Everyone else would have had a WTF look, just as much as if at the end of LOTR Frodo stumbled into a portal that appeared randomly and ended up in times square.

According to this new summary, it looks as though everything will be intertwined a bit more. As long as that is played up a bit more, with trailers and tv spots playing up the "god stranded on earth, trying to redeem himself and become a hero" angle, I think it'll bring in more people. Having scenes of an epic throwdown with trolls and monsters and giants in the middle of a big city has more resonance with an audience, because they are able to connect themselves to a place that they know and have been or have seen. If it had been in Asgard, there would have been nothing to hold onto with the audience.
The whole thing has a sort of feeling like the original Transformers movie tagline: "Their war, OUR world." If it was their war, their world, people would've been like "well, good luck with that". But now it's OUR world. It makes things matter a little more, especially in light of how it connects to the other heroes and the avengers.

[Microchip]

Sword and sorcery stuff generally doesn't have a large fanbase, so no, I can't see this making a lot of money. If it's really good, word of mouth and it's status in the Marvel universe might help. They'll probably need a few cameos, and have the marketing department jump all over that.

[Spider-Vader]

I think it can. TIH was bogged down by the fact that people were still wary of the character because of 'Hulk'. Thor is a fresh start, nothing bogging it down. Plus I'm sure it won't be a piece of crap with a director like Banargh. (sp?)

[RachelDawes]

I think it can. TIH was bogged down by the fact that people were still wary of the character because of 'Hulk'. Thor is a fresh start, nothing bogging it down. Plus I'm sure it won't be a piece of crap with a director like Banargh. (sp?)

That, and the character Hulk may just have limited appeal to the public.

[Dog Logan]

I think Thor has potential to make more money than Hulk at the box office but in the end it all depends on how good the marketing is for the film and how well the word of mouth is. If the quality of the film isn't worth people telling others to go see the movie, then it won't make squat.

[THOR]

If Marvel can keep Thor's budget to around $120M then I think it has a good chance at turning a tidy profit. Perhaps $200-$250M domestic, and $400-$450 worldwide. The trick will be to use the same techniques as Zach Snyder did on 300, and they have already signed unknowns for the leads to keep the $$$ down. Marketing, and great action with a love story (Jane Foster/Sif) will get us boys, and the girls in to the theater.

[Manowar]

A good test will be when Clash of the Titans comes out. If It becomes a big hit (which I think it will) it should hopefully draw more to see another fantasy movie in Thor.

[KangConquers]

If Marvel can keep Thor's budget to around $120M then I think it has a good chance at turning a tidy profit. Perhaps $200-$250M domestic, and $400-$450 worldwide. The trick will be to use the same techniques as Zach Snyder did on 300, and they have already signed unknowns for the leads to keep the $$$ down. Marketing, and great action with a love story (Jane Foster/Sif) will get us boys, and the girls in to the theater.

They should take NO direction from Zach Snyder...who can't help himself from making crappy, slavish, artless adaptations of classic graphic novels.

[KangConquers]

That, and the character Hulk may just have limited appeal to the public.


Hulk is the type of movie you have trouble dragging your gf to go see. Not everyone gets excited by an angry green giant.

That said, Thor has a similarly limited audience. I'll say it'll do better than Hulk. I'm hoping 350 million worldwide for both Cap and Thor, and 500 million ww for the avengers.

[ddddeeee]

Even if it underperforms in the domestic market, overseas they eat this kind of movie up. So overall Thor should do fine.

[JeetKuneDo]

Pluses:
As mentioned, Thor won't have a previous movie that audiences hated dragging it down.
The title character should have a personality and be an actual part of the cast instead being a mute walking special effect the audience can't relate to.
Thor has a chance to get both fantasy and super hero fans if marketed properly.
Thor is unique. Despite the fantasy elements, Thor isn't about wizards. And there isn't anything remotely like him in the super hero genre.
Thor is a cool character...bottom line. Make it right and the rest takes care of itself. Make a Ghost Rider and you've got a problem. (Although that one made good money)

Minuses:
Most people have no idea who he is. Iron Man and the X-Men proved this can be a plus though. (New is good)
If it leaves the impression that it is a fantasy movie, the audience could be limited...or just plain tired of the genre.
Crowded summer. Super hero overload could be a problem. Are people going to support 4 of them in big numbers? We'll see. I think at least one of them will bomb. (I hope not) Spidey won't be one of them.

I'll say Thor beats TIH's box office. Though that movie was an improvement on Hulk, we still haven't seen the real Hulk character on a movie screen. Thor should be able to do that...and that's a good thing.

[Canis Sapiens]

Pluses:
As mentioned, Thor won't have a previous movie that audiences hated dragging it down.
The title character should have a personality and be an actual part of the cast instead being a mute walking special effect the audience can't relate to.
Thor has a chance to get both fantasy and super hero fans if marketed properly.
Thor is unique. Despite the fantasy elements, Thor isn't about wizards. And there isn't anything remotely like him in the super hero genre.
Thor is a cool character...bottom line. Make it right and the rest takes care of itself. Make a Ghost Rider and you've got a problem. (Although that one made good money)

Minuses:
Most people have no idea who he is. Iron Man and the X-Men proved this can be a plus though. (New is good)
If it leaves the impression that it is a fantasy movie, the audience could be limited...or just plain tired of the genre.
Crowded summer. Super hero overload could be a problem. Are people going to support 4 of them in big numbers? We'll see. I think at least one of them will bomb. (I hope not) Spidey won't be one of them.

I'll say Thor beats TIH's box office. Though that movie was an improvement on Hulk, we still haven't seen the real Hulk character on a movie screen. Thor should be able to do that...and that's a good thing.

Agree on all points, especially the bolded one. Watching Hulk and TIH, I had problems with the CGI nature of the title character. But I guess it's the only way to make it, so... oh well...

[TheCorpulent1]

I didn't have a problem with the CGI. I don't think you're really supposed to relate to the Hulk except on a visceral level, unless you make the Hulk intelligent enough to do more than yell and break things, which I doubt the movies will ever do.

[Venom'sDad]

I don't think you're really supposed to relate to the Hulk except on a visceral level, unless you make the Hulk intelligent enough to do more than yell and break things, which I doubt the movies will ever do.
I disagree, TIH may not speak intelligently; using simple phrases. However, in TIH you can see him thinking, formulating, and using a degree of intelligence.

Much like Spider-Man 3, anything big & huge are conveyed, speak, and groan like their mentally challenged..... for whatever reason. Yeah, but I understand what you are saying.

:dry:

[TheCorpulent1]

Well, even in the comics, I've always felt that the Hulk is just a dumb child whose only redeeming trait as a character is the stuff he brings out in Banner, whom I've always viewed as the "real" character. I always tend to favor more intelligent versions of the Hulk, like Mr. Fixit or the Professor. The savage Hulk does nothing for me.

[JeetKuneDo]

Agree on all points, especially the bolded one. Watching Hulk and TIH, I had problems with the CGI nature of the title character. But I guess it's the only way to make it, so... oh well...
Peter Jackson showed us another way to make a CGI character. :)

The first step would be getting rid of this insane idea that The Hulk is a mute. I can't imagine I would have ever read the comic if he was like that there.

Gollum interacted with other members of the cast so we weren't sitting there thinking about the CGI all the time. What else is there to do in a Hulk movie except notice he isn't real? He just smashes things and stares at Betty. So right there you've moved your title character into "not to be taken seriously" territory. Fans of the Hulk know it's very serious material. We're left with a movie that asks the audience to guess what the Hulk is thinking...what is motivating him. Sometimes other actors have to explain to us what he is thinking. We really don't know if he is thinking at all. For all we know he is completely mindless.

I think the problem is always going to be that there is going to be an actor playing Banner...specifically an actor that will always need to be the focus of the story for ego reasons. This goes all the way back to the TV series. Bill Bixby would not have tolerated Lou Ferrigno getting top billing (or even equal billing). This could be a problem the Hulk never overcomes unfortunately.

[Octoberist]

Thor is coming from a clean slate so I'm sure i'll do decently. I don't know if it's gonna be a bonefid money maker in the ways of Transformers 2. Like that matters. It just needs to make Star Trek type money.

[chiefchirpa]

Thor definitely needs a big trailer during Superbowl 2011.

Trailer, not teaser. With big ass frost giant, full display of Mjolnir smacking moves, and lots of lightning bolts.

[Vartha]

Thor definitely needs a big trailer during Superbowl 2011.

Trailer, not teaser. With big ass frost giant, full display of Mjolnir smacking moves, and lots of lightning bolts.
I wonder if that would be in the budget?

[chiefchirpa]

I wonder if that would be in the budget?

Mjolnir smacking moves - very cheap
Lightning Bolt - even b-movies like Mortal Kombat has it
Big ass frost giant - that's what less known foreign actors salary are for :woot:

[spider-neil]

I personally would rather see a low key trailer that gives a hint of the character and his power

dark subdued lighting...
character in dim lighting places on boots,
cut to character placing on belt (music builds)
cut to character placing on cape (music builds)
cut to character placing on winged helmet (music builds)
cut to character picking up ancient war hammer (music reaches crescendo)

lighting flash!!

THOR - coming may 2011

then show a proprer trailer much closer to the time.

[chiefchirpa]

No one really knows Thor, the same situation that happened with Iron Man. So the approach is not only showing the identity of Thor (because yeah, how many people know this character), but what this relatively unknown character does.

SB 2008 IM trailer didn't just have a teaser showing the armor & the iron mask, but it included the chased by missile flying scene and the still need to be retouched scene of IM launching missile to a tank.

Thor will also have plenty of time for a trailer. SB 2011 - Thor filming starts = approx 1 year. Teaser is for Cap (who is also a more known character domestically), but they must show a full blown trailer for Thor.

[TheCorpulent1]

I hope we get something like that tank scene in the Thor trailer. Like a troll comes from behind and bashes Thor over the head with a hammer, which breaks. Then Thor turns around and smites him handily with a single blow from Mjolnir. :D

[spider-neil]

I still perfer teases that leave much to the imagination, marvel's teasers tend to show too much.

[TheCorpulent1]

I thought that Iron Man trailer showed just enough. A teensy hint of Iron Man in action went a long way toward making me pretty much drool with anticipation for the movie.

[chiefchirpa]

I still perfer teases that leave much to the imagination, marvel's teasers tend to show too much.

But Iron Man "full trailer" worked. It makes people eager to see Iron Man.

Of course Marvel Studio people has learned a lesson or two from Iron Man, but I hope they will still show some of the cooler parts of the movie so people will get interested. As a relatively unknown character, Thor is no different from Iron Man. The first time people know about him is not from some comics, but from the television screen or previews. If the trailer is cryptic & doesn't reveal too much, people will continue on with their apathy.

[Spider-Vader]

Paramount is good at marketing & Universal isn't, so I think we'll get alot of hype built around 'Thor'. They need to show some epic battles in the trailers & ads & the GP will be sold.

[James T. Kirk]

Mjolnir smacking moves - very cheap
Lightning Bolt - even b-movies like Mortal Kombat has it
Big ass frost giant - that's what less known foreign actors salary are for :woot:

I think he was wondering if Marvel allowed room for a Super Bowl spot in their marketing budget. Those Super Bowl ads are insultingly expensive.

[spider-neil]

I think he was wondering if Marvel allowed room for a Super Bowl spot in their marketing budget. Those Super Bowl ads are insultingly expensive.


they're expensive for a reason. you aren't going to get more exposure than a advert in superbowl weekend.

[TheCorpulent1]

Well, that's part of the cost of doing business in the movie game. Thor needs the exposure, so I hope they do pay for a Superbowl ad (even if I won't watch it until it hits the internet the next day).

[spider-neil]

Well, that's part of the cost of doing business in the movie game. Thor needs the exposure, so I hope they do pay for a Superbowl ad (even if I won't watch it until it hits the internet the next day).


do you think the general audience are familiar with norse mythology?
if sure they are 'resonably' clued up about greek mythology, meaning they recognise the names 'hercules/heracles' 'zeus' 'ares' 'hermes/mercury' etc
but what about thor, odin, loki?

I'm going to try it tomorrow, I'm going to ask someone at work with no interest in comics about thor and see what they can tell me.

[TheCorpulent1]

They probably recognize Thor's name a little bit. I doubt they know much about any Norse characters, though. At the most, you'll probably get, "Oh yeah, Thor's the guy with, like, the hammer or something."

[spider-neil]

They probably recognize Thor's name a little bit. I doubt they know much about any Norse characters, though. At the most, you'll probably get, "Oh yeah, Thor's the guy with, like, the hammer or something."


yep, I'm guessing the same thing. marvel marketing will probably go after the general audience with the assumption they are clueless about the character and so a mini movie for the trailer but like I said I'd rather see something low key and tasteful or have them film a section that doesn't appear in the movie i.e. spider-man catching the helicopter between the twin towers.

[Vartha]

do you think the general audience are familiar with norse mythology?
if sure they are 'resonably' clued up about greek mythology, meaning they recognise the names 'hercules/heracles' 'zeus' 'ares' 'hermes/mercury' etc
but what about thor, odin, loki?

I'm going to try it tomorrow, I'm going to ask someone at work with no interest in comics about thor and see what they can tell me.

You'd be surprised at how many people recognize the names of Thor, Odin and Loki. I've talked to people I'd never thought they'd know those names and they do.
ONE is the Maintenance guy at my Apartment complex. He's not into comic BOOKS but loves the comic movies. He's as excited for the Thor movie as we are.

[Vartha]

Mjolnir smacking moves - very cheap
Lightning Bolt - even b-movies like Mortal Kombat has it
Big ass frost giant - that's what less known foreign actors salary are for :woot:
I'm talking about PLACING the trailer IN the Super Bowl, not MAKING the trailer.

[TheCorpulent1]

yep, I'm guessing the same thing. marvel marketing will probably go after the general audience with the assumption they are clueless about the character and so a mini movie for the trailer but like I said I'd rather see something low key and tasteful or have them film a section that doesn't appear in the movie i.e. spider-man catching the helicopter between the twin towers.
They might go the other way and just assume, since Thor may not be too well known, they can simply present it as a fun fantasy action movie. That's kind of the approach they took with Blade way back in the day--forget the comics and just present it as a fun action movie with Wesley Snipes kicking vampires' asses.

[Brian Braddock]

I mentioned Thor in my office when in conversation about the next big Marvel movies and was greeting with blank looks by and large; now bear in mind that this is in the U.K. which, given our historical ties to the Norsemen and the Nor-folk [Norfolk], you'd think the name of Thor would be a tad more recognisable.

[TheCorpulent1]

Did you try "Donar"? Maybe they're more familiar with the Germanic myths.

... Yeah, never mind.

[Brian Braddock]

If I was to say 'Donar', they'd probably think I was talking kebabs.

[spider-neil]

it's pretty much like troy, most people know about achilles, and him getting killed with his heel and about the wooden horse but that's about it, I suspect people knowledge about thor probably strecthes to knowing he carries a hammer and that will be about it.

someone mentioned blade, I knew zilch about the character going into the movie and it didn't bother me one iota.

[Canis Sapiens]

If I was to say 'Donar', they'd probably think I was talking kebabs.

:woot:

Strange as it may seem, Thor's very popular here in Brazil. Don't ask me why!

[KangConquers]

I still perfer teases that leave much to the imagination, marvel's teasers tend to show too much.

Agreed. I felt like I knew the whole story arc of Iron Man before I saw it. The trailer made it quite predictable.

[TheCorpulent1]

Because Iron Man got chased by jets and blew up a tank? :huh:

[JeetKuneDo]

Agreed. I felt like I knew the whole story arc of Iron Man before I saw it. The trailer made it quite predictable.
All the comic book movies are predictable to me. And I Iron Man's origin going in. The movie still rocked though.

Well...one comic book movie wasn't predictable. Watchmen. I had no clue how that was going to end. It rocked too so I say just make a good movie and it will be alright.