Does the FF have what it takes to become the fifth major superhero franchise?

[YJ1]

I'd like to say yes, but I'm not inclined to think it will attain the success that Superman, Batman, X-Men and Spidey have enjoyed. The Fantastic Four broke new ground and changed the industry, but they were quickly overshadowed by the success of Spideman and his exposure to the public consciousness. Superman and Batman had the benefit of having been around since the late 30's, which gave them a chance to become pop icons.

Merchandising aside, The first FF made MORE for Fox then both Batman Begins and Superman Returns did for the WB. So, as the studios judge things, FF is already a huge success. I expect FF2 to top FF1 both in terms of quality and at the box office. As a film franchise, FF is already in the big leagues.

 

[YJ1]

>The first FF made MORE for Fox then both Batman Begins and Superman Returns did for the WB.<

FF
Production Budget & Marketing: 150 Million
Worldwide Box Office: 330 Million

Batman Begins
Production Budget & Marketing: 250 Million
Worldwide Box Office: 371 Million

Superman Returns
Production Budget & Marketing: 340 Million
Worldwide Box Office: 391 Million

 

[Angamb]

After seeing the new trailer, I think this movie will have a better box-office than the first, and will end in the same numbers as the Xtrilogy, more or less. So yes, I think it can be the fifth big fanchise.

 

[hyped1]

Did the first movie suck? There's your answer! A franchise has to build on its predecessors and right now even the most ardent fan of the FF is jaded by the first movie. FF movie was, on a Spider-man franchise scale of awesome, mediocre at best. I was excited as hell for first film, I am mildly aniticipating this one.

 

[Erzengel]

Honestly, for me to even refer to it as a "franchise" in a almost reverance or excellence sort of a way, FF2 has to litterally step up and while the Teaser and regular trailer have impressed me, the movie really has to come together.

 

[Mercurius]

In terms of money, it obviously is good profit for Fox (it can be considered a major superhero franchise, doubtlessly), and I find people in general hyped to see it; but in terms of reputation, so far, it's lousy with bad omens.

 

[Iceman]

After the 1st FF I didn't think there'd be any chance but if they can get Surfer & Doom right in this one the ball's back in their court.

 

[RagingTempest]

Maybe, maybe not!! The first film introduced the franchise in a very weak way and it can only move up from there(I hope!). The movie has the right elements for a good movie, but so did the first film. But most all critics and fans hated Story's take on FF as a director. I mean look at Mark Steven Johnson, had another chance to make a good Marvel movie. But Ghost Rider was just as mediocre as Daredevil!! Now I hope this movie can pull off all that it's being hyped up about just like the rest of you. But case and point, if FF2 isn't a superior to FF1 and in fact just as bad or worse, then you can kiss the franchise goodbye!!

 

[Fantastic-Boy]

Probably!

 

[highguard]

Maybe, maybe not!! The first film introduced the franchise in a very weak way and it can only move up from there(I hope!). The movie has the right elements for a good movie, but so did the first film. But most all critics and fans hated Story's take on FF as a director. I mean look at Mark Steven Johnson, had another chance to make a good Marvel movie. But Ghost Rider was just as mediocre as Daredevil!! Now I hope this movie can pull off all that it's being hyped up about just like the rest of you. But case and point, if FF2 isn't a superior to FF1 and in fact just as bad or worse, then you can kiss the franchise goodbye!!

Actually the franchise will continue as did a sequel as long as...



Wait for it....





Your opinion is outweighed by a majority of those who sit in the shadows.


The movie going public.

And that my friend is the truth and nothing but the truth.

 

[I SEE SPIDEY]

It doesn't matter what the nerds like all that matters is the movie going public. I could see it grossing less than the first but I could also easily see the oppisite. Right now, I'm thinking a bit over 200mil total. Franchise born.

 

[terry78]

Whenever I saw the teaser in theatres, it always got murmurs or slight applause at the end...never have I heard anyone "boo" it or jeer, ever.

 

[DieSmiling]

It pretty much already is the fifth biggest superhero franchise -- if you're asking if it will ever be as big or important as Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, and X-Men, then the answer is no.

 

[Caliber]

It can be a frachise if people give it a chance to make up for the first film.

 

[Mercurius]

Actually the franchise will continue as did a sequel as long as...



Wait for it....





Your opinion is outweighed by a majority of those who sit in the shadows.


The movie going public.

And that my friend is the truth and nothing but the truth.

You got a point, but it doesn't count as a "major franchise", in my book at least, if they make two or three F4 mistaken movies.

Superman Returns was an awful mistake, and people will remember Richard Donner's take on the character.

If F4 keeps the first flick's pace, maybe you are right about "those who sit in the shadows", but "shadows" would be also a word we could apply to the future fame of this franchise.

 

[Erzengel]

Correct me if I'm wrong but what I took from Kevin's post was almost a reverant term for "Franchise". Not necessarily a 1 + 2 = Franchise, but more of "Wow, what a great series of movies".

 

[highguard]

Yes you are asking a question that can be easily answered if you check the facts. It already is up there. Just because some fanboys keep knocking the FF that does not obscure the success this film has had.

The FF easily beat the first Xmen's worldwide total 330 million to 296m and profitability was the same.

It was more profitable than Batman 230 million to 171m and Superman 121m (current incarnations) worldwide comparisons.

Check with boxoffice mojo for details.

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/

So dollar wise if talking about current incarnations the Fantastic four is second at this stage only to Spiderman. This fact has been lost in the critical and fanboy bashing that FF1 suffered.

These numbers however are the reason the studio has invested so much in the sequel. they must suspect as do I that given the first film's performance after its critical bashing that this is a franchise that could simply explode.

This summer will probably tell the tale guys of what we really have here. This could be a motherload of a surprise. Spidey look out.

 

[Arkady Rossovich]

I only think there are 3 movie franchises,Superman..Batman and Spider-Man.X-Men was not so good in my say,i dont think the Fantastic Four can be up in that class.

 

[highguard]

Correct me if I'm wrong but what I took from Kevin's post was almost a reverant term for "Franchise". Not necessarily a 1 + 2 = Franchise, but more of "Wow, what a great series of movies".

I agree on your perception and adding to kevin's enthusiasm I would say that there is a tremendous amount of energy out there for the fantastic four amongst the general movie going public that may not be as obvious as the groundswell for say Spiderman.

Spiderman seems to pull in everyone and the critics and fanboys have been kind to them.

FF seems to have captured the interests of the kids, soccer moms and just about everyone who does not think a movie has to be dark.

The movie was not oscar stuff, (the marco polo line killed its nomination, lol) but it reminded me of the comic and lots of people thought it was fun.

 

[superherofan777]

We've had Superman, Batman, X-Men and Spider-Man....the heavy-hitters, the big boys, the major superhero movie franchises. Does the FF have what it takes to be next? The potential is certainly there, and you don't get much better source material than the FF comics.

For me, it comes down to two things; scale and action. The original movie felt almost cosy compared to the epic scale of other superhero flicks (not a criticism). If you look at the big franchises, those movies are huge in scope.

Secondly, for the FF franchise to suceed it needs better action, more spectacle, more money shots. Cutting edge wow-factor, and genuine action movie thrills.

And it looks like Rise of the Silver Surfer has both of my points covered. Superhero sequels, for some reason, tend to be much better than sequels in other genres, with movies like Superman II, Batman Returns, X2 and Spider-Man 2. FF2 already looks superior to the original.

I do like the first movie a lot, however I do feel Story & co need to take the whole thing up several notches to make this into the next big superhero franchise - and reach the potential of a Fantastic Four movie.

after the new FF2 trailers, its certainly something to consider.

 

[terry78]

I'll be straight up. After viewing both movies, I don't see how Spider-Man is any less corny and campy than FF. I really don't.

 

[Iceman]

If the sequel is as good as it could be I could see FF catching up with X-Men, which looks to be effectively over (barring solo spin offs which don't particularly grab my interest) after the 3rd film. Surfer & Doom are potentially great villains and if used properly will give FF the epic feel required to take it through the next few levels.

 

[I SEE SPIDEY]

I'll be straight up. After viewing both movies, I don't see how Spider-Man is any less corny and campy than FF. I really don't.

I think that Spider-Man is a little bit more serious cheese and I think that it's far better in every way.

 

[Erzengel]

I agree on your perception and adding to kevin's enthusiasm I would say that there is a tremendous amount of energy out there for the fantastic four amongst the general movie going public that may not be as obvious as the groundswell for say Spiderman.

Spiderman seems to pull in everyone and the critics and fanboys have been kind to them.

FF seems to have captured the interests of the kids, soccer moms and just about everyone who does not think a movie has to be dark.

The movie was not oscar stuff, (the marco polo line killed its nomination, lol) but it reminded me of the comic and lots of people thought it was fun.

I didn't want FF to be "dark". I just wanted it to be good. And honestly I think the bads outweight the goods in the first movie. They could have made it more adult friendly and not "you know for the kids".