Marvel's Black & Minority Characters: Roundtable Discussion - Part 1

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This is a continuation thread, the old thread is [split]196385[/split]

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

"Black Knights"
A Focus On Marvel's Mutants Of Colour
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An Essay By:
Caliph a.k.a. "Lightning Strikez!"
August 29th, 2005

As we get press forward into the 21st Century, it is interesting to note the many changes that are happening in Hollywood. Break-throughs are slowly, but surely being accomplished. Opportunities are being awarded that 20 years ago were considered taboo. And with A-listers like Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx and Halle Berry finally getting recognition with prestigous awards perhaps greater things are to come.

Considering that the hottest cinematic genre at the moment is the comic book film industry, it could be only a matter of time before Hollywood turns its attention to black comic characters. To say that Black audiences are not major comic readers would be sheer naivety, and yet, several of Marvel's black characters appeal to audiences comprised of all colors and backgrounds.

Is A Storm Really Coming?

For example, consider The Weather Goddess AKA Storm. She is arguably Marvel's most iconic and well-loved black heroine. Yet, according to the general consensus, the character has not been given the same kind of focus and development as her counterparts.

Many feel that a lack of respect has been shown towards Marvel's premier black heroine: from bad wigs, bad lines, bad directing...and perhaps even miscasting, the Halle Berry/Storm fiasco is the only X-Men related hot-button that continues to garner controversial attention from critics and fanboys alike. In both X-Men films, the vast majority of the character development was chopped and left on the cutting room floor--even a reported African origin scene was dropped. Aware of what Storm means to people worldwide, Halle Berry (the actress who plays the role) has fought for improvements, but she has consistently been slammed with criticism for speaking out.

Does such poor treatment bode well for future cinematic treatment of other mutants of colour? It's not like we have a lot to pick from you know. Is this how it's going to be? Already, there have been rumblings about possible film developments, but currently they remain in development hell while millions of dollars are spent on other B and C-list comic characters (i.e. Elektra and Swamp Thing).

What Does The Future Hold? ​

Storm. Cecilia Reyes. Luke Cage. Bishop. Black Panther. All are mutated and/or specially powered heroes that offer compelling stories--each of which could easily sustain a strong film and audience. Will Hollywood take a step backward by ignoring these rich stories in favor of characters that garner little interest? A glimmer of hope was shown with the Blade series, but considering its subject matter and rating, only limited audiences could benefit from that. Could something more mainstream be created? Do you believe that they may be afraid to "go there" with developing a true, full blown urban superhero story?

In this thread, let us discuss what the future may hold for Marvel's mutants of color.

Some Topics For Discussion ​

*The rumored Storm movie Spin-off: Marvel's answer to a DC Wonder Woman film?

*What realistic obstacles lie in the way of these productions?

*The rumored X3 relationship between Storm & Wolverine: Opening doors or closing them?

*Do you believe that Halle Berry and Wesley Snipes are unfairly singled out by fanboys for their complaints for better treatment by Hollywood?

*Are current black actors/superheroes overshadowed by their co-stars?

*What do you think the future holds for these characters in comics, video games, toys, film and other franchises?

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A NOTE TO MY FELLOW HYPESTERS: This is meant to be a sophisticated, cerebral discussion--a place where people of like mind can discuss these kinds of issues freely. Keep in mind that this thread is not exclusive per se, and that all Hypesters have a right to speak on these matters.

 

[T'Jai]

I miss the convo's in this thread...

 

[MessiahDecoy123]

I'd just like to say Halle Berry was a terrible Storm.

Mousy and timid instead of a powerful and motherly matriarch.

Such a waste of a black icon. Hopefully we'll see a proper depiction of Storm in an eventual reboot.

 

[RockSP]

I can't place all of the blame on Berry. She didn't write the WOLVERINE guest starring the X-Men movies.

 

[sandwraith]

Well strictly speaking I think the first Blade movie was a massive step in the right direction for the Black/minority Superhero. While some may argue that the vampire genre has its own built-in fanbase, you can't deny that they did a good job with the casting on that movie.

 

[MessiahDecoy123]

I can't place all of the blame on Berry. She didn't write the WOLVERINE guest starring the X-Men movies.

I believe she was horribly miscast. She has nothing in common with the character other than being female and having brown skin.

It's like getting Adam Sandler to play Wolverine because he's white and male.

 

[E-Man]

What ever happened to LS anyway?

 

[RockSP]

I believe she was horribly miscast.

I agree.

But it wouldn't have mattered who they cast if the role was the same as it was with Halle, i.e. background fodder.

 

[Gamma Ra]

I'd just like to say Halle Berry was a terrible Storm.

Mousy and timid instead of a powerful and motherly matriarch.

Such a waste of a black icon. Hopefully we'll see a proper depiction of Storm in an eventual reboot.

Storm should have been N'Bushe Wright at the time IMO.

 

[E-Man]

N'Bushe Wright would have made an excellent Storm. If they make a Black Panther movie I'd love to see her as T'Challa's stepmother, Ramonda.

 

[moraldeficiency]

I'd just like to say Halle Berry was a terrible Storm.

Mousy and timid instead of a powerful and motherly matriarch.

Such a waste of a black icon. Hopefully we'll see a proper depiction of Storm in an eventual reboot.

^this. Although I'd just change that to say Halle Berry is just terrible. Her hotness disguises just how crappy she can make a movie become.

 

[BLACKVULCAN]

Halle was bad but i dont think she was terrible. I mean she was what maybe a tenth of those flicks. like Rock said those flicks were "Wolverine and his amazing X friends!" For sure i would have gotten someone else. I think Angela Basstte when she was younger was made for that role.you know Hollywood whoever they think is hot at the moment gets made into a movie star! I am waiting for Katy Perry to be the Scarlet witch! Hehe

 

[moraldeficiency]

X-Men, catwoman.... I could go on here but really when I think about her acting talent all I can really think of is that topless scene from swordfish. You read whedon's take on how she butchered his lines for her?

Basstte, that is a good actress. Hell there are lots of good actresses that could have had the part. Personally I would have liked to see an actual african in the part. But they needed a name.

 

[RockSP]

But they needed a name.

Not really. Nobody in that movie was a huge star. People went to see it because it was X-men.

 

[moraldeficiency]

Not really. Nobody in that movie was a huge star. People went to see it because it was X-men.

Actually they were going off the blade promise that comic movies taken seriously could sell. Hence the need for people like stewart and mccellan. Legit actors bringing legitimacy to a genre that until then was basically camp. The more known and respected the actors the more credible it was that this was going to be something unique (which at the time it really was). Berry was the only black actor in it and I think the decision was made (and this is just my opinion) that they needed someone very known for the draw and berry fit the bill. I just would have preferred an african actor who was better than berry and didn't screw with the reading so much.

People went to see it because it was a good movie. The diehard X-Men fans weren't really what the studios cared about. They'd see it no matter what. What they need was mainstream audiences.

 

[MessiahDecoy123]

Anyone think a Heroes for Hire movie with Iron Fist would be more financially successful than a stand alone Luke Cage movie?

 

[moraldeficiency]

Yes, I think it would have much more action and a better dynamic with partners.

 

[RockSP]

People went to see it because it was a good movie. The diehard X-Men fans weren't really what the studios cared about. They'd see it no matter what. What they need was mainstream audiences.

I wasn't really talking about "die-hards". The X-Men are known beyond comics readers thanks to cartoons and video games.

 

[E-Man]

Anyone think a Heroes for Hire movie with Iron Fist would be more financially successful than a stand alone Luke Cage movie?

I think either or could be relatively successful. They just have to make it look like it's a fun movie, and they'll get decent box office returns.

 

[moraldeficiency]

I wasn't really talking about "die-hards". The X-Men are known beyond comics readers thanks to cartoons and video games.

Cartoon watchers are mainly kids and videogamers are probably comic fans. Their target audiences that 20-35 demo is who they were going for along with families and such. It's just a different audience. Put it another way, people who aren't us. People who don't go to a comic book forum website and discuss things, people who find these debates pointless and silly. Those people are who X-Men were targetting, we're already money in the bank.

 

[T'Jai]

Also posted this in the "black superhero movies" thread as I can't find a 100% appropriate thread I'll post it here 2... http://web.mac.com/tim_jackson/iWeb/Tim Jackson Cartoonist/Cartoon Gallery 1: Comic Strips.html

 

[Gunga Diner]

[YT]tGkWY2RAorA[/YT]

A guy who I interned with at a media company in DC made this. It's hilarious and I'm really happy for him. This is getting posted on worst previews and a bunch of other movie sites, so Marvel could potentially see this. They've seen the Marvel/DC stuff