Everybody who watches the movie industry knows that, these days, it is dominated by several mega-franchises. With movie costs still way too high, the risks of a cinematic release mean that it is increasingly difficult for mid-budget projects to make a big splash in theaters. Studios then rely on established IP, feeling it is lower risk.
Now, those crazy cats at Variety have done a feature piece where they have analysed eight of the biggest mega-franchises through several lenses, including audience interest, buzz in the US and overseas, as well as cost-effectiveness, and profitability. They have canvassed a vast swathe of industry players and experts for opinion.
The results are… interesting. They might actually track general sentiment among Outposters.
In summary…
Star Trek is pretty much dead, with a comment made that unless it can become a disruptor, it will remain finished.
Star Wars has massive commerical potential, but has screwed the pooch and is stuck in a creative no man’s land, needing to do something big to get back to health.
DC and Marvel seem to be swapping trajectrories. Marvel still has a draw for talent, but an interesting comment from one agent says that it is noticable that fewer of his clients are trying to get on board the MCU train compared to five years ago. It is still high on the commercial potential.
DC fares better for creative health, and with lower market saturation than Marvel. Insiders are saying the success of Superman has given the brand back the buzz. They just hope that the studio can push through.
Surprisingly, the biggest winner overall appears to be James Bond. With a new home in Amazon, a new team in place behind the scenes, including the well-regarded David Heyman, and a heavyweight director on board in the form Denis Villeneuve, it looks like the whole industry is excited to see what comes next.
Franchises themselves don’t always get a clear run in the commentary. As one veteran insider puts it:
“It’s not why anyone wanted to be in this business, to make the 12th version of something.”
It’s as if they read our minds.
