(again)I think what WB is doing would be brilliant if this was the first Superman film of the new era, but in the wake of bouncing back from Returns, I'm hoping they stop this "Where do I come from" campaign and start the "Kneel before Zod" one.
Fingers crossed for a next trailer that doesn't just bring awareness but really shocks people into excitement(especially the naysayers). I can't see anyone defending another subtle one. Loved seeing the footage out there though.
Drew is over estimating the brand, just like WB imo.
WHY do people keep insisting on a campaign focused on Zod?
From Day 1, the entire marketing focus of MOS has been on Superman and his character. HE is the driving force of the entire campaign, 100%. There WILL be posters and trailer bits with Zod in it, but he will NEVER be the marketing aim of MOS.
If WB wanted to make Zod the marketing aim of MOS, they would have done so a long time ago. The truth is that the people who work there are not idiots, and do seem to know what they are doing. Unlike every other superhero film out there, the focus of MOS is not the villain.
Anybody expecting a 'Kneel before Zod' type marketing shift, prepare to be disappointed...
As for why WB has started now? Both IM3 and STID have reached the apex of their marketing campaigns - the only thing that can be released now are spoiler scenes, which the general audience will avoid.
The Superman brand cannot be overestimated, because it is still an unknown. You should also not underestimate the fact that it IS a well known universal brand, like James Bond. Even if people haven't seen SR, the majority ARE aware of who Superman is.
Let's be totally honest here too. Is this film going to break Box Office Records?
No.
It's got nothing to do with marketing (although it would increase the opening weekend a LITTLE), but more to do with the fact that this film follows on from a BO disappointment.
THIS is the film that is a total clean slate for WB for the Superman franchise, the one that wipes away all those different projects in development hell and ended with SR.
If SR had been successful, the sequel would have been marketed like mad. Alas, we are in a situation where WB needs to start from the beginning, by establishing the character first, BEFORE moving onto the bigger film.
It's cheaper than SR, has a LOT less production costs, will definitely have more action, and may be more accessible for people of all ages. It's already more of a success.