Are MCU solo franchises necessary for all heroes?

spideymouse · 06-07-2012, 08:48 AM

Almost all comic book movies are inherently set up to have sequels and become franchises. It's why Marvel Studios is signing their actors to 6+ (!) film deals, and it's why we're getting sequels for three of their main characters to kick off the MCU's Phase II. Of course, the reason for this is the much observed effect that brand recognition has had on Hollywood: sequels make serious bank.

But does the MCU have to follow the formula for all of its heroes? Because they share the same universe, the same brand recognition, Marvel's movies from now on are pretty much sequels of each other in the larger, all-encompassing "MCU franchise." Does Marvel need to have solo franchises for everyone?

My question most directly relates to new characters that Marvel will be bringing into the fold. Ant-Man, Black Panther, Doctor Strange, and Ms. Marvel are probably at the top of most people's lists to join the MCU next, but do they all need to have their own solo franchises as well? One could perhaps argue that each deserves his/her own origin movie, but how crucial is it that there be, say, a Ms. Marvel 2 and 3 once she has joined the Avengers franchise? An example of this already happening could be the Hulk. While he is bound to appear in future films, the argument has now been made that Hulk may work best as a supporting character, and Marvel has no plans at this point to make a TIH2. We may never see a solo Hulk movie again, and that could end up being just fine with us.

My question also relates to some heroes who have already appeared in multiple Phase I MCU films. Nick Fury, Black Widow, and Hawkeye have each appeared at least twice in Marvel's first 6 movies, but none of them has yet to have a solo movie to their name. Some fans are clamoring for these three to have spin-off solo movies or a SHIELD movie, but as long as they continue to contribute to the greater MCU good by appearing in other heroes' movies, are they all that necessary?

What are your thoughts?

06-07-2012, 08:48 AM	#1
spideymouse Side-Kick Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,212	Are MCU solo franchises necessary for all heroes? Almost all comic book movies are inherently set up to have sequels and become franchises. It's why Marvel Studios is signing their actors to 6+ (!) film deals, and it's why we're getting sequels for three of their main characters to kick off the MCU's Phase II. Of course, the reason for this is the much observed effect that brand recognition has had on Hollywood: sequels make serious bank. But does the MCU have to follow the formula for all of its heroes? Because they share the same universe, the same brand recognition, Marvel's movies from now on are pretty much sequels of each other in the larger, all-encompassing "MCU franchise." Does Marvel need to have solo franchises for everyone? My question most directly relates to new characters that Marvel will be bringing into the fold. Ant-Man, Black Panther, Doctor Strange, and Ms. Marvel are probably at the top of most people's lists to join the MCU next, but do they all need to have their own solo franchises as well? One could perhaps argue that each deserves his/her own origin movie, but how crucial is it that there be, say, a Ms. Marvel 2 and 3 once she has joined the Avengers franchise? An example of this already happening could be the Hulk. While he is bound to appear in future films, the argument has now been made that Hulk may work best as a supporting character, and Marvel has no plans at this point to make a TIH2. We may never see a solo Hulk movie again, and that could end up being just fine with us. My question also relates to some heroes who have already appeared in multiple Phase I MCU films. Nick Fury, Black Widow, and Hawkeye have each appeared at least twice in Marvel's first 6 movies, but none of them has yet to have a solo movie to their name. Some fans are clamoring for these three to have spin-off solo movies or a SHIELD movie, but as long as they continue to contribute to the greater MCU good by appearing in other heroes' movies, are they all that necessary? What are your thoughts? Last edited by spideymouse; 06-07-2012 at 09:03 AM.

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