Superman Returns SR Sequel: $200 million or else!?

[buggs0268]

Problem is, you don't have much else besides "insider information" and assumptions of how well the movie will perform post-first month to back up that this is a failure.

Fact is, all that can be said about this flick right now is that it "performed disappointingly" for what they were trying to capitalize on. I'm just trying to let you know that failure is not the correct term at this time.

Failure is the only term for it. it is not just underperforming. they are worried about just trying to get to the 200 mill mark, which isnt even what it cost to make. So yes, i can say that this is a failure. it is at least 120 mill behind what they were expecting to be at by this time. Another Superhero movie of this summer, X-Men 3, was well past this by this time, even with it's drop off.

 

[The Riddler]

I just think you need to give it more time before you can call it a failure.

I won't argue that it's performance in the BO was disappointing, but it's not through yet.

i'll wait another few weeks then, before i call it a failure.

 

[KrypJonian]

I am done with you. i will have fun reading your posts when it does not pass 200 mill and there is no sequel greenlit. When the toys have shown to be no sellers. I really cant talk to someone as deluded as you. yeah I know. You will say something to the effect of I can't make an arguemnt to anything you are saying, and I am running away. Nope. That is not it. I just dont have time to aruge with someone who in the end will be proven wrong anyway. Have fun living in deluded ville. Make all the pretentious posts you want while this film tanks.

And you wouldn't call this post pretentious?

You think making fun of someone for something that MIGHT happen in the future isn't a little delusional? Dude, you're gloating before even being right...

 

[KrypJonian]

i'll wait another few weeks then, before i call it a failure.

At least it would be a more educated response. But DVD sales are also going to have to factor in eventually....

Unless you guys are already certain it WON'T sell

 

[jensmith]

They may not be "flying off the shelves" (nothing is, really, right now), but they're still selling. I've seen kids buying SUPERMAN RETURNS stuff, wearing it in public, etc. Are you watching every store every day of the week? How about online stores? How about taking into account the upcoming Christmas and holiday season?

It'll be interesting to see what the final total is. My anecdotal stories differ from yours. I've done my part and bought my kids SR merchandise but their friends all want the Pirates stuff, and my kids are annoyed that I've been plying them with SR stuff. Pirates junk is what is flying off the shelves at the stores we've been to and is all the rage at the playgrounds.

But I realize, that is not a valid data point. None of us know the actual numbers, and until we do, it's a big unknown.

Totally OT, but these toys are cheap pieces of #$#%$%#$. Though, I love the rock 'em sock 'em supes robot toy.

 

[KrypJonian]

Alright, my blood sugar's low, I need some OJ

See you guys later

 

[The Guard]

I am done with you. i will have fun reading your posts when it does not pass 200 mill and there is no sequel greenlit. When the toys have shown to be no sellers. I really cant talk to someone as deluded as you. yeah I know. You will say something to the effect of I can't make an arguemnt to anything you are saying, and I am running away. Nope. That is not it. I just dont have time to aruge with someone who in the end will be proven wrong anyway. Have fun living in deluded ville. Make all the pretentious posts you want while this film tanks.

Proven wrong about what? I don't have to say anything about your lack of ability to defend your flimsy argument. You say it for me, and you even explained why .

Failure is the only term for it. it is not just underperforming. they are worried about just trying to get to the 200 mill mark, which isnt even what it cost to make.

Except that they ARE at the 200 mill mark. They're at 243, I believe. Just not "domestic"

 

[The Guard]

Totally OT, but these toys are cheap pieces of #$#%$%#$.

Most toys are these days.

 

[buggs0268]

double post

 

[buggs0268]

And you wouldn't call this post pretentious?

You think making fun of someone for something that MIGHT happen in the future isn't a little delusional? Dude, you're gloating before even being right...

Based on the numbers and the ever dropping performance, it will not happen. i am not being dilusional, just looking at the facts at hand. that is not being pretentious. It is called being realistic.

 

[buggs0268]

Proven wrong about what? I don't have to say anything about your lack of ability to defend your flimsy argument. You say it for me, and you even explained why .



Except that they ARE at the 200 mill mark. They're at 243, I believe. Just not "domestic"

okay, i will get into this just once. The studios dont care about WW box office. They care about domestic. yeah WW makes money, but a bad or underperforming domestic BO hurts their ability to sell the film on DVD. The Punisher was an anomoly. Maybe it will make bank in DVD sells, but as far as BO outlook, sorry to say, the studios only care about domestic as that is the only one the press really cares to look at. That is why they said that "if it doesn't make 200 mill domestically, they wont geenlight a sequel". Did you see a World Wide figure mentioned anywere in that. No. Domestic only. Don't even bring up World Wide figures into it as they are not being counted here.

 

[The Guard]

okay, i will get into this just once. The studios dont care about WW box office. They care about domestic.

Oh, so the 100 or so million it makes overseas just...doesn't matter to them? Somehow I doubt it.

yeah WW makes money, but a bad or underperforming domestic BO hurts their ability to sell the film on DVD.

Uh...no.

The Punisher was an anomoly. Maybe it will make bank in DVD sells, but as far as BO outlook, sorry to say, the studios only care about domestic as that is the only one the press really cares to look at.

And we all know the press knows every little detail about everything.

That is why they said that "if it doesn't make 200 mill domestically, they wont geenlight a sequel".

Actually Jett and one of his sources said that. Being somewhat familiar with Jett and his sources, I don't particularly buy that line of thinking just because he reported it.

Did you see a World Wide figure mentioned anywere in that. No. Domestic only. Don't even bring up World Wide figures into it as they are not being counted here.

Why?

I thought you were done with me.

 

[Majestic]

okay, i will get into this just once. The studios dont care about WW box office. They care about domestic. yeah WW makes money, but a bad or underperforming domestic BO hurts their ability to sell the film on DVD. The Punisher was an anomoly. Maybe it will make bank in DVD sells, but as far as BO outlook, sorry to say, the studios only care about domestic as that is the only one the press really cares to look at. That is why they said that "if it doesn't make 200 mill domestically, they wont geenlight a sequel". Did you see a World Wide figure mentioned anywere in that. No. Domestic only. Don't even bring up World Wide figures into it as they are not being counted here.

And you say this because you sit next to Alan Horn every morning for coffee at starbucks for the weekly updates. Sure stop talking like you know things as facts and understand you have no clue jsut like the majority of people on this board. You are guessing period and that is it!

 

[jensmith]

Most toys are these days.

That they are. And it'll be interesting to see how much WB makes from their toys vs Disney's pirate junk (just as badly mass produced as SR's offerings. But SR has that cool rock 'em sock 'em robot. Run, don't walk, to the local toy store and get one!)

 

[Majestic]

The other money factoring into SR goes way beyond the box office and that is why there is so much licensing agreements that go into the movie before it ever comes out, just a general rule of business!

 

[The Guard]

That they are. And it'll be interesting to see how much WB makes from their toys vs Disney's pirate junk (just as badly mass produced as SR's offerings. But SR has that cool rock 'em sock 'em robot. Run, don't walk, to the local toy store and get one!)

Are you referring to the Superman/Metallo one? That is kinda cool.

 

[romeogbs19]

okay, i will get into this just once. The studios dont care about WW box office. They care about domestic. yeah WW makes money, but a bad or underperforming domestic BO hurts their ability to sell the film on DVD. The Punisher was an anomoly. Maybe it will make bank in DVD sells, but as far as BO outlook, sorry to say, the studios only care about domestic as that is the only one the press really cares to look at. That is why they said that "if it doesn't make 200 mill domestically, they wont geenlight a sequel". Did you see a World Wide figure mentioned anywere in that. No. Domestic only. Don't even bring up World Wide figures into it as they are not being counted here.

Dude -- relax. Regardless of how you feel, Superman is going to get a sequel. This darn TMZ "source" is being blown WAY out of proportion. One piece is all that's been offered -- and BTW, no one else is confirming this $200 million threshold (everyone keeps citing this ONE source), and quite frankly, there are far more bloggers (some of them screenwriters) who are denouncing this talk as complete bulls*%!@ -- and I tend to agree with them.

No matter how you slice or dice it, Supes is a franchise for the WB, and the WB ain't about to let go of its star because of ONE sour opening. To do so would be a MAJOR blow to the company. It's like Microsoft coming out and saying, 'sorry, our Windows OS was disappointing -- so we'll stop releasing new versions now.' Many equate the WB with Batman and Superman, so don't think for a second that executives inside WB won't find a way to bring the sequel to life -- with or without Singer (though frankly, I'm sure it'll be with Singer).

Whatever you want to say, Supes will gross awfully close to $200MM by the end of its run. And remember, even though Pirates and X3 did well, they are the exceptions rather than the rule this year.

Others, from Cars to Posiden to Da Vinci to MI3 haven't fared well at all. In fact, despite what everyone keeps calling SR, Superman will prob. be among the top 10 earners this year anyways.

Until we hear anything officially from WB, don't hold your breath on betting Supes won't get his sequel. The WB will make at least one more, and I suspect it'll be even more closely monitored and talked about than this one.

Now that's scary.

 

[Lestat74]

Dude -- relax. Regardless of how you feel, Superman is going to get a sequel. This darn TMZ "source" is being blown WAY out of proportion. One piece is all that's been offered -- and BTW, no one else is confirming this $200 million threshold (everyone keeps citing this ONE source), and quite frankly, there are far more bloggers (some of them screenwriters) who are denouncing this talk as complete bulls*%!@ -- and I tend to agree with them.

No matter how you slice or dice it, Supes is a franchise for the WB, and the WB ain't about to let go of its star because of ONE sour opening. To do so would be a MAJOR blow to the company. It's like Microsoft coming out and saying, 'sorry, our Windows OS was disappointing -- so we'll stop releasing new versions now.' Many equate the WB with Batman and Superman, so don't think for a second that executives inside WB won't find a way to bring the sequel to life -- with or without Singer (though frankly, I'm sure it'll be with Singer).

Whatever you want to say, Supes will gross awfully close to $200MM by the end of its run. And remember, even though Pirates and X3 did well, they are the exceptions rather than the rule this year.

Others, from Cars to Posiden to Da Vinci to MI3 haven't fared well at all. In fact, despite what everyone keeps calling SR, Superman will prob. be among the top 10 earners this year anyways.

Until we hear anything officially from WB, don't hold your breath on betting Supes won't get his sequel. The WB will make at least one more, and I suspect it'll be even more closely monitored and talked about than this one.

Now that's scary.

I agree with what you are saying in general, However...although Cars had an underwhelming debut weekend ( for a Pixar movie, anyways ) It has shown remarkable legs and will edge out X3 as the #2 movie of the year in a matter of weeks. It may even end up with as much Box Office gross as Monsters Inc. did. Da Vinci Code crossed the $200 million mark a while ago..it was a financial success ( Especially overseas ) so I doubt anyone at Sony gives a **** that it was everscirated by the critics. MiIII will definatly be seen as the big dissapointment of the summer...not because it won't make it's money back ( thanks to Worldwide box office, it will ) but because it underpeformed considerably compared to it's predeccesors. It is the Hulk of this summer for sure, much more so than SR. The Jury is still out on SR...If it makes it to $200 mil ( Which I really think it will over the course of the next several weeks with the help of IMAX ) then It will be seen as a somewhat profitable dissapointment. If a movie grosses $200 mil, then it means you got a lot of butts in that theater, so the notion that "no one cares about Superman anymore" is ludicrous. It'll likely end up in the top 5 of the year ( especially since there is no Winter movie event like a LOTR/Harry Potter/Narnia this year that I can think of ) Warners may have to re-think some things about the next one, that's for sure...but this is no Poesidon. or Stealth. Or the Island.

 

[Seen]

We'll see a SUPERMAN RETURNS sequel with Singer directing and Routh starring. Remember, back last year people were murmuring the same things for BATMAN BEGINS. And now look, we definitely have a sequel on the way.

Yes, I understand the substanial budget difference between the two films, but Superman is such an enormous merchandising property that I'm sure WB is rolling in cash from at least that respect.

Personally, I think a sequel would be the prime opportunity now. To be honest, I don't think WB really did a great job merchandising this film (and, no, I'm not talking about the toys). Read the essay from THE MANY LIVES OF BATMAN on how DC and WB worked in cahoots to build up the merchandising rights around the first Keaton outing, and you'll catch what I mean.

Estimates indicate that RETURNS pulled about the twelve million that was expected this weekend, and so is on track to pass two hundred million in domestic first-run. There's not really any doubt regarding the sequel, except perhaps budget -- and frankly, there's no reason a film of this kind should cost more than 200 million dollars to make.

The summer film season is simply very competitive. Every major studio has big releases, there are only so many opening weekends, and some films for which the studios have high hopes and invest lots of marketing money must do better than others. Bear in mind that just about all of these big flicks, including the "disappointments", are piling up money into the hundreds of millions of dollars. There've only been one or two bona fide bombs this summer.

The attempts of some Internet posters to spin the fact that the film hasn't met industry expectations into a public disinterest in or rejection of the movie are a lame joke. Movies that "most people don't like" don't sell as many tickets as SUPERMAN RETURNS has, regardless of how highly promoted they are.

 

[highguard]

I am done with you. i will have fun reading your posts when it does not pass 200 mill and there is no sequel greenlit. When the toys have shown to be no sellers. I really cant talk to someone as deluded as you. yeah I know. You will say something to the effect of I can't make an arguemnt to anything you are saying, and I am running away. Nope. That is not it. I just dont have time to aruge with someone who in the end will be proven wrong anyway. Have fun living in deluded ville. Make all the pretentious posts you want while this film tanks.

Well actually I am hoping that we are all proved wrong and that the Guard's position actually holds up. If SR can just hold on and get to 200 million, it is possible that there could be a sequel.

Because the suits might think that the marketing, putting it next to POTC2 was the single biggest factor that cut into its BO, ergo all they have to do next time is avoid big movies.

Somebody in that room will make that argument when the time comes I am sure.

 

[raybia]

Well actually I am hoping that we are all proved wrong and that the Guard's position actually holds up. If SR can just hold on and get to 200 million, it is possible that there could be a sequel.

Because the suits might think that the marketing, putting it next to POTC2 was the single biggest factor that cut into its BO, ergo all they have to do next time is avoid big movies.

Somebody in that room will make that argument when the time comes I am sure.

I really would like a sequel but if its just more of the same (Superman Returns Again!) then I say let it RIP.

 

[boywonder13]

http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showthread.php?t=241909

The WB will make an SR Sequel if Returns passes 200 thread, it been around longer than this, and has been merged withsomeone else who posted it......

Use the above thread

 

[Raiden]

At least it would be a more educated response. But DVD sales are also going to have to factor in eventually....

Unless you guys are already certain it WON'T sell

I don't think WB was counting on SR's DVD sales to help break even when they made the movie. And I don't think struggling to even get to 200 mil domestically after nearly a month is something that anyone anticipated before the movie premieres in the theatre, since this is Superman we are talking about, not some unknown superhero.

Don't make it sound like you guys predict SR was going to under-perform like this, because I'm sure everyone assumed that SR was going to be the movie of the summer.

 

[matmackaizer]

If SR does not beat Ghostbusters then there is no sequel.
Ghostbusters (1984) domestically $238,600,000
Superman Returns domestically $167,742,734

 

[LongshotRules]

http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showthread.php?t=241909

The WB will make an SR Sequel if Returns passes 200 thread, it been around longer than this, and has been merged withsomeone else who posted it......

Use the above thread

I think the key word is "will". I am sure WB will consider, perhaps seriously, the possibility of a sequel should SR crosses 200mil but it's not a guarantee. I am sure they'll wait for all the numbers to come in (WW, DVD, merchandise) before making the decision. They may want Legendary Picture to commit to the project first before greenlighting it.