Hulk Sequel Not Likely
Written by Ian Cullen on July 10, 2008 – 3:07 pm -
By Ian M. Cullen
It would seem that a more action spin on the plot and a change of lead actor and director hasn’t helped the fortunes of Marvels Incredible Hulk.
According to a report from international media service Reuters the movie hasn’t exactly roared its way into the Box Office Record books.
The new movie helmed by Louis Leterrier has only really managed to match the performance of the commercially unsuccessful Ang Lee movie, which was universally panned by critics and fans alike.
To date the movie has only managed $125 million at the US box office after a month on release. Its predecessor finished its theatre run with $132 million. By Contrast Iron Man which was released a month prior to the new Hulk Movie managed a whopping $200 million internationally in the space of a single weekend – and still managed to out gross the Incredible Hulk at the US Domestic Box office too boot.
A Marvel insider said: “We’re happy with the financial results, even if they [only] reach the first film’s levels. Having a sequel is not the definition of success.”
David Davies an entertainment analyst for Arpeggio Partners claims that the movie could be considered a success due to the low expectations that people had about it from the start.
“Hollywood is always about perception,” he noted. “The first Hulk had such high expectations after the NBC-Universal merger and was supposed to be critical-favourite Ang Lee’s breakout commercial blockbuster.
“Then with the new Hulk film, Marvel was able to underplay the importance of the success after the great success of Iron Man this summer. So the new one overdelivered, relative to its underpromise.”
Related posts:
- Hulk Goes Mobile
- Jon Favreau May Not Direct Iron Man Sequel
- Marvel Announces Future Movie Release Dates
- Tim Roth Says Kids Encouraged Him To Do Hulk Movie
- Will Iron Man make the grade?
Tags: Hulk, Marvel Comics, Movie
Posted in Comic Book Corner, SF-TV & Movie News | 6 Comments »
By adam on Jul 12, 2008 | Reply
They should concentrate on creating 13 episode television series, which is grounded in conspiratorial thillers with a series arc, rather than movies!
By Ian Cullen on Jul 12, 2008 | Reply
I think you have a good point there. I was never really a huge fan of the hulk comics – yet loved the TV series.
My main problem with the movies is the CGI just doesn’t cut it for me. I prefered Lou Farino in the green paint – and the sort of humanity that low managed to project through that make up – where as all the CGI stuff seems to dehumanise the hulk. I mean yes he is a mutation due to the gamma radiation – but there is a human side their in the Hulk character too and the movies just didn’t pick up on that.
By adam on Jul 12, 2008 | Reply
Cool. If you look on you tube and type in Hulk, you will get all the body building people on there. There are many on there which are more than capable of being a Hulk. If I’d had the chance to write the screenplay I would have come from the angle of a Jeykll and Hyde situation; especially if it had been for a series. This would have enabled the exploration into the dark mind of Hulk and the inner turmoil of Bruce, ultimately his salvation coming through the acts of his humanity… A lost chance in that movie. All about the money shot I fear. Ad.
By adam on Jul 12, 2008 | Reply
Also with the way HEROES is working, there is more than enough scope to explore these characters with so much depth, exploring many issues with DNA genetics and the link to the mind and consciousness too…
By Ian Cullen on Jul 12, 2008 | Reply
Yes – I’m quite enjoying Heroes too. I also enjoy Lost. Imagine Bruce Banner being stranged on a beach with a small group of folk – having to live more or less in isolation for fear that his other side will come out and kill someone in the heat of anger.
Personally I enjoyed what Ken Johnson did to the Hulk – and casting Bill Bixby was class.
So you write as well as draw? Just that I can write to a point but can’t draw to save my life – well not the the standard folk would see in comics anyhow.
By adam on Jul 12, 2008 | Reply
Yes – I enjoyed Season one more the two of Heroes though (writers strike was a prob). Yeah, I write stories and self publish my own books, got a fair few on the go – some I draw and some my friend Tony draws. I love writing and am workingon some TV scripts at the mo… Given the chance to write The Hulk though would be a dream – I too loved The Hulk as a kid. I love all the psychological angles and the Shadow Self within us all… you never know, I might write a synopsis and send it in to a company one day soon for a pilot… you never know… I feel there is so much that can be done with both characters, especially today.