Is the Hulk in trouble even before the first ticket has been purchased?

[Obi-Ron]

Guy #1: DUDE WASN'T EMPIRE FREAKING AMAZING!?

Guy #2: YEAH I COULDN'T BELIEVE VADER WAS LUKE'S FATHER!

Guy #3 who has not seen the film: Buh-buh-buh WHaaa!!???

I was guy #3.

 

[thegameq]

Nah, it's not in trouble.

Between Marvel being cautious and trying to be business savy, we are just going to have to adjust to the fact that this film isn't going to be marketed as your typical over-hyped summer blockbuster.

In some ways IM is definitely Marvel's flagship film this year. If I'm reading EmeraldBeast right, it simply sounds like Marvel doesn't want to step on Im toes so to speak. They want to maximize IM impact. Hulk, justifiably so, will be marketed a little bit more low-key than what most fans would expect for a character the magnitude of THE INCREDIBLE HULk.

Hopefully, despite the low-key marketing, the film will have that big budget blockbuster look and feel. As long as it feels like I'm watching the comicbook come to life, I'll be happy.

 

[DoctorJones]

You know what I fear?

The TIH trailer will be shown at the end of Iron Man, before we cut to credits.

Like, "the next chapter of Prelude to the Avengers movie!"

 

[Bannerless Hulk]

I like posts #2, 3, 10, 11, 14, 16, 17 and 27. You guys are a breath of fresh air. The calm in the midst of the storm. A voice of reason.

One tiny point of clarification, we have, actually, had a pic of the Hulk if the concept art means anything. We've also had two official stills from the movie. They're not much, but let's be accurate in matters of details, shall we?

 

[Obi-Ron]

if the concept art means anything

To be honest, the packaging art we've seen so far looks nothing like the universally praised Comicon concept art. We don't even know if that is still the look they are going for.

 

[FrostBite]

To be honest, the packaging art we've seen so far looks nothing like the universally praised Comicon concept art. We don't even know if that is still the look they are going for.

True we don't know, but don't fret Obi, Ang's Hulk looked NOTHING like the merchandise

 

[phillyboy]

We are all so spoiled by places like this that practically tell us everything about a movie before it comes out. Ya know, I remember as a kid, we didn't have the net, so we actually had to wait until the release date to find out if Vader was truly Luke's father. How do you think that felt?......Pretty damn exciting to be honest.

I remember those days. Back when you could go to the movies for a nickel & have enough change for a jumbo popcorn & coke. Back when we had to walk 20 miles to school, in the snow....barefoot. That was after getting up at 4am to chop down a tree & stack wood, which my pappy give me a shiny dime for & I would use that dime to buy 5 comics, 3 action figures & a pack of gum. Yep, those were the days.

Honestly though, it was pretty cool back then. Going 3 or 4 years without hearing anything about the new Star Wars flic, no spoilers, no nothing. You just had to wait til it came out.

 

[Obi-Ron]

True we don't know, but don't fret Obi, Ang's Hulk looked NOTHING like the merchandise

Ah so, you have wisdom, Frostbite-san.

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

Ok, I write this one last time so all (especially Webhead38) might understand the marketing that Marvel is setting up for both Marvel movies. First and foremost, Iron Man is the first movie up this year and he seems ignorant to the fact that even though the Hulk hasn't shown anything of real significance, its because they are thumping away at promoting IM. There is no lack of confidence there, just a methodical purpose to the marketing. If they bombard the market with Hulk stuff now, we would be the only ones satisfied, not the general consensus. They want the Hulk to remain fresh in the minds of the non-Hulk fans they seek and target. You and I will see this movie anyway. As far as the movie being in trouble, the only ones panicking are the fan boys and no one else. Oh, and for your information, Universal was the one promoting the 2003 movie and in charge of marketing, not Marvel. We don't need a teaser during the Super Bowl, Iron Man needs the promos at this time. I will take three straight months of heavy promos any day. So anxious to see a character we know already. You guys obviously don't understand marketing and there's nothing you can write or offer to change that statement. Once again, Marvel knows what they are doing. That is a fact. get over it.

Actually, it isnt a fact, only time will tell that. And IMO Marvel seemingly dont have a clue what they are doing, you dont start advertising a $180 million movie 3 months before it comes out when there is is absolutely ZERO guarantee that this movie will be good or even successful.

I find their current strategy ridiculous, do you find other studio's promoting one movie over another because the one is coming out 1st? Its terrible marketing IMO.

Also, no need to slate the guy for having an opinion, its not like he was stating anything as fact. I think his points are all spot on.

 

[Mikelus]

Ave, you know more than Marvel about marketing, wow! Then you think TF's is better than Vendetta, Sin City, unbelievable, what a critic! And you dare to say their strategy is ridiculous? You? What a joke!

Fact is, nobody knows Marvel's marketing strategy for this movie, maybe soon enough we'll get a teaser or trailer, who knows. Try being less simplistic with your opinions, thanks.

 

[Bannerless Hulk]

The fact may well be that Marvel knows what they're doing, just as EB said, and it - verily verily this fact that they do - exist entirely independent or apart from anyone's opinion that they do not. It is presumptuous at best to say otherwise.

 

[co2]

Folks, I'm anxious to see something as much as the next person, but bottom line, Marvel is going to do what they are going to do. We can speculate all we want , but we'll have to wait until the dust settles to actually have a sense if the strategy paid off or not.
And here is a point....The fact of the matter is that the only people that are pissing and moaning about some publicity...are the people that already know it is coming out, and will likely buy a ticket anyway! So in a way, the movie has already been marketed to the core audience by way of comic-con. Now, it's just a matter of planting the movie in the mind of the average ticket buyer, and you can do that a couple of months before release. The biggest factor in this movie's success is not a teaser trailer...but making a good movie! If Marvel decided to take money from the budget that was allocated for marketing, and plow it back into making a quality film...I'm totally fine with that.

 

[Bubonic]

Won't the Hulk stand just as much a chance of doing great at the box office even if it starts its add campaign late?
Maybe we won't see him until May when IM comes out, see him in it, and thereafter we will be bombarded with publicity.

Do people really need to be built up for months in advance? Maybe they figure the earlier they release the trailers, the more time people will have to hype themselves down for it... Maybe they want to blindside the public...

Like its been said, the only people that really care about seeing it are the ones that already know about it... We are just being impatient because we are dying for a taste.

 

[Obi-Ron]

We are just being impatient because we are dying for a taste.

Ha ha, you're probably right...

 

[DoctorJones]

Ave, you know more than Marvel about marketing, wow! Then you think TF's is better than Vendetta, Sin City, unbelievable, what a critic! And you dare to say their strategy is ridiculous? You? What a joke!

There was no need to attack him like that. Everybody is allowed to have an opinion.

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

Ave, you know more than Marvel about marketing, wow! Then you think TF's is better than Vendetta, Sin City, unbelievable, what a critic! And you dare to say their strategy is ridiculous? You? What a joke!

Still living in that box were you think everyone should agree with you huh? Then get out of it and wake up, not everyone thinks like you.

No, i dont know Marvel's strategy, and i didnt claim to, i clearly said, what they are doing at the moment is wrong IMO. See, another OPINION.

Fact is, nobody knows Marvel's marketing strategy for this movie, maybe soon enough we'll get a teaser or trailer, who knows. Try being less simplistic with your opinions, thanks.

I'll do whatever the **** i want with my opinion, thanks.

 

[moguy]

First, let me thank you for aiming this directly at me since I appear to the be the newly appointed antagonist to your fandom (clearly on display by your forum name). I'm sorry if you've got your back up over what amounts to very fair and well earned speculation regarding the marketing of this film. Now for more pain... I hate to tell you this, but if Marvel has even REMOTELY conducted their marketing strategy in the manner you have suggested above, they are likely to die a quick and immediate death in the movie business. First, Iron Man and the Hulk are not that far apart in release dates. Promotional shots of Iron Man were released some time ago in 2007, which was soon followed by a teaser and fully developed trailer - That was for the fans and to give the studio an early pulse on reaction and strong points regarding the film's perception. The Superbowl ad tomorrow is the results of that research and Marvel's official introduction to the general public.

The Hulk has a far more pressing problem which required earlier attention than Iron Man. It already has a public perception...and it's a bad one. Forget the public for a minute and let's just talk about fan perception. It takes quite a bit of work to overhaul fan perception when it comes to a failed theatrical project. Ask Warner Bros. and Schumacher with regards to the Batman franchise if your in doubt. Batman Begins was heavily promoted and shots of his new look and the story were circulated long before the film's release date, because the studio needed to know where they stood not only from the fans but the general public as well. What your suggesting is that Marvel has PURPOSELY invested a fortune on a newly developed concept of the Hulk (which previously failed miserably) and they never had any intention of introducing EVEN the first real picture of the creature, let alone a teaser, until 90 days before the film comes out? No offense buddy but your marketing logic is a train wreck on it's best day. And what about the outside investors? Marvel isn't doing this by themselves pal. Do you think those investors are happy with the fact the Superbowl will come and go and the general public still doesn't know about this project?

What are they going to do? The Superbowl is significant because it represents the last opportunity films have to reach a mass audience before the summer bonanza begins. Where's this film's exposure going to be? In empty movie theaters until May? The film's release date might seem way off to you, but from a marketing stand point, we're in the eleventh hour for getting the word out about the film to the general public and they haven't even given the fans a good shot of him yet. Word to the wise. That's not kicking up interest, it's stacking bad speculation on top of old perceptions from the last film.

Whether you want to swallow it or not, a big effects film that can't even give a picture, A PICTURE, with less than five months to go has a serious perception problem internally. Obviously they don't have enough faith even in the fans to let them see a clear still shot of the green goliath and YOU think Marvel planned it this way? I'll tell you what this looks like. It looks like the marketing strategy for a cheaply made horror film that just needs the ticket sales from the diehards to turn a profit after the first weekend. That is the strategy you are eluding to. Something has gone wrong with this project and the train is leaving the tracks. Marvel best be pushing some pictures and a trailer in short order or this film is dead on arrival.

+1

Excellent post.

 

[A Dark Knight]

First, let me thank you for aiming this directly at me since I appear to the be the newly appointed antagonist to your fandom (clearly on display by your forum name). I'm sorry if you've got your back up over what amounts to very fair and well earned speculation regarding the marketing of this film. Now for more pain... I hate to tell you this, but if Marvel has even REMOTELY conducted their marketing strategy in the manner you have suggested above, they are likely to die a quick and immediate death in the movie business. First, Iron Man and the Hulk are not that far apart in release dates. Promotional shots of Iron Man were released some time ago in 2007, which was soon followed by a teaser and fully developed trailer - That was for the fans and to give the studio an early pulse on reaction and strong points regarding the film's perception. The Superbowl ad tomorrow is the results of that research and Marvel's official introduction to the general public.

The Hulk has a far more pressing problem which required earlier attention than Iron Man. It already has a public perception...and it's a bad one. Forget the public for a minute and let's just talk about fan perception. It takes quite a bit of work to overhaul fan perception when it comes to a failed theatrical project. Ask Warner Bros. and Schumacher with regards to the Batman franchise if your in doubt. Batman Begins was heavily promoted and shots of his new look and the story were circulated long before the film's release date, because the studio needed to know where they stood not only from the fans but the general public as well. What your suggesting is that Marvel has PURPOSELY invested a fortune on a newly developed concept of the Hulk (which previously failed miserably) and they never had any intention of introducing EVEN the first real picture of the creature, let alone a teaser, until 90 days before the film comes out? No offense buddy but your marketing logic is a train wreck on it's best day. And what about the outside investors? Marvel isn't doing this by themselves pal. Do you think those investors are happy with the fact the Superbowl will come and go and the general public still doesn't know about this project?

What are they going to do? The Superbowl is significant because it represents the last opportunity films have to reach a mass audience before the summer bonanza begins. Where's this film's exposure going to be? In empty movie theaters until May? The film's release date might seem way off to you, but from a marketing stand point, we're in the eleventh hour for getting the word out about the film to the general public and they haven't even given the fans a good shot of him yet. Word to the wise. That's not kicking up interest, it's stacking bad speculation on top of old perceptions from the last film.

Whether you want to swallow it or not, a big effects film that can't even give a picture, A PICTURE, with less than five months to go has a serious perception problem internally. Obviously they don't have enough faith even in the fans to let them see a clear still shot of the green goliath and YOU think Marvel planned it this way? I'll tell you what this looks like. It looks like the marketing strategy for a cheaply made horror film that just needs the ticket sales from the diehards to turn a profit after the first weekend. That is the strategy you are eluding to. Something has gone wrong with this project and the train is leaving the tracks. Marvel best be pushing some pictures and a trailer in short order or this film is dead on arrival.

Some very good points and very well said my friend.

The truth is that none of us know one way or the other if this marketing strategy that Marvel is using will work or not, only time will tell.

But a lot of us do know from watching other superhero films that the marketing does start early, sometimes up to a year in advance SM3, TDK ect, and that is making some of us wonder what the he## is going on?

I will say that I don't think some sort of tv spot, even if you didn't show the HULK at all would have been a bad idea (Like the 2003 movie teaser trailer), the SB was watched by 97.5 million people, that is a great way to get the word out and IM had a great tv spot and has gotten a lot of buzz going again.

So far all any of us know for sure is that TIH will be released June 13, 2008, and that is when we will know 100% for sure if this strategy worked or it didn't.

 

[Bannerless Hulk]

The truth is that none of us know one way or the other if this marketing strategy that Marvel is using will work or not, only time will tell.

But a lot of us do know from watching other superhero films that the marketing does start early, sometimes up to a year in advance SM3, TDK ect, and that is making some of us wonder what the he## is going on?

Nah. We don't "know" that any more than we "know" that Marvel's strategy will not pay off, as some are driven to believe. All we "know" are what we're familiar with, and familiarity breeds contempt, as we all "know." The fact that people are wondering "what the he## is going on" is just that - people wondering what the he## is going on. People being impatient and un-"know"ledgeable as it were, not knowing what actually IS going on.

 

[Cracker Jack]

So far all any of us know for sure is that TIH will be released June 13, 2008,

Are you so sure? If they're having a hard time with the VFX, then pushed back is a word we need to consider

 

[Figs]

Nah. We don't "know" that any more than we "know" that Marvel's strategy will not pay off, as some are driven to believe. All we "know" are what we're familiar with, and familiarity breeds contempt, as we all "know." The fact that people are wondering "what the he## is going on" is just that - people wondering what the he## is going on. People being impatient and un-"know"ledgeable as it were, not knowing what actually IS going on.

Actually he was right in his post when he said we do in fact know that marketing starts early. The only thing he was wrong about was that he just mentioned Superhero films.

The truth is, that almost all big summer films are heavily advertised. Like he said they usually start almost a year ahead of time with a tiny glimpse.

I am really looking forward to seeing this film but this is not a good marketing strategy.

 

[I SEE SPIDEY]

THI is in trouble because only 3 people liked the first one.

 

[ChillcutZ]

i love reading these posts by overhyped geeks thinking they deserve something just cause they seem to think so...get the hell over it and just realize you'll have something anytime now and you'll be more than happy to take it when it comes...so just have patience you geeks argueing over nothing and talk about how awesome itll be to see a reasonably well acted and well thought out version of our favourite green goliath. also keep in mind, which im sure you do everyday coming on these boards, that your MORE than lucky to even have a chance to see this film be made again. just because youve sat on your ass for the last 10 years seeing comic movies be marketed and your acredited marketing skills according to soooooooo many of you this doesnt mean that you know the plans and directions of a film. i know personally id rather be swamped out of nowhere with new images that get me excited instead of a slow dribble of b.s ruining a perfectly good film because we all know too much. suck it up princesses and realize youll still be there opening night with soda in hand and hulk shirts on your back...

 

[Bannerless Hulk]

i love reading these posts by overhyped geeks thinking they deserve something just cause they seem to think so...get the hell over it and just realize you'll have something anytime now and you'll be more than happy to take it when it comes...so just have patience you geeks argueing over nothing and talk about how awesome itll be to see a reasonably well acted and well thought out version of our favourite green goliath. also keep in mind, which im sure you do everyday coming on these boards, that your MORE than lucky to even have a chance to see this film be made again. just because youve sat on your ass for the last 10 years seeing comic movies be marketed and your acredited marketing skills according to soooooooo many of you this doesnt mean that you know the plans and directions of a film. i know personally id rather be swamped out of nowhere with new images that get me excited instead of a slow dribble of b.s ruining a perfectly good film because we all know too much. suck it up princesses and realize youll still be there opening night with soda in hand and hulk shirts on your back...

Can we get a standing ovation? Your post is more or less what I'd always like to say, but can't say because I'm a regular. lol

Actually he was right in his post when he said we do in fact know that marketing starts early. The only thing he was wrong about was that he just mentioned Superhero films.

The truth is, that almost all big summer films are heavily advertised. Like he said they usually start almost a year ahead of time with a tiny glimpse.

I am really looking forward to seeing this film but this is not a good marketing strategy.

But that's precisely what I'm disputing. We only "know" the marketing starts early, because for the most part, that's all we've ever seen. At least in recent memory. If you go back just two decades, I imagine you would find the marketing much more downscaled... and some of those movies STILL rank highest in terms of ticket sales. Lots of people have commented on here over the years about how it was "in the old days," so you probably "know" what I'm talking about. The problem I'm having with this whole issue is people starting with the presupposition that we "know" the marketing starts early and then building off of that notion to then say, "It's not a good marketing strategy." Well, no... it's only your belief that it's not a good marketing strategy. And how one even comes to determine whether or not it WAS a good marketing strategy is somewhat sketchy. I mean, what constitutes "good marketing"? If my standard is $200 million in gross domestic revenue and yours is $300 million, and the Hulk only performs at $205 million, then we have a disagreement. I say it was good and you say it was ineffective. What gives?

To me, it always come back to what we believe about the movie. If you're someone who's under the impression that it's been a poor marketing strategy thus far, so be it. Chances are you'll be disappointed in the end, with that negative sort of thinking infecting the rest of your mind.

 

[ChillcutZ]

Can we get a standing ovation? Your post is more or less what I'd always like to say, but can't say because I'm a regular. lol


man, i read these boards every day. trust me, im one of those regulars who get pissed off at these damn people on here expecting pie AND f'ing cake ya know, i just read this thread and it just infuriated me that i actually had to for once put my thoughts into word and tell people that. if their gonna cry this hard we should show em pictures of africa, might put stuff in perspective for some of you, ya digg? anyways, i find it great to market a movie late and stuff, too much gets me uninterested and with the bad taste of Ang's, trust me, itd still linger in my head the thoughts of the last film 'OMG HULK! THIS IS GREAT AND WILL BE A BETTER MOVIE CUZ WE GOT A GREAT TRAILOR OMG!'...didnt work and i dont want that happening again...due time and patience are great things, believe me



EDIT: and i broke my quote lol, sorry bout that