Since the year 2000 until now, there has been a booming trend in superhero movies. But, there have been a few superhero movies during the mid to late 90s such as “Spawn” and “Blade.” However, it would seem that Marvel Comics has been milking the conversion to film for all its worth.
One of the earliest Marvel Comics movies to make it on the silver screen was “Blade,” which starred Wesley Snipes as the half-human/half-vampire hybrid. Blade has all of the vampire-like abilities and none of the weaknesses. However, Blade possessed some personality flaws as he was out to get revenge. He pretty much has a one track mind. To him, all vampires and sympathizers were scum. But, he did possess the thirst for blood. Blade’s humanistic aspect came in when he has to cope with what he was.
Currently, Snipes has been sentenced to three years behind bars for charges of tax evasion.
Image Comics’ “Spawn” was also converted to a live-action movie adaptation. He could be classified as a hero. However, his personality flaws made him very human. Spawn was cast into the fiery pits of Hell for unwittingly killing thousands of innocent people.
However, the boom in what turned into a trend of superhero movies didn’t start until after 2000. There was the first “X-Men” movie that had come out that year. But, the trend officially started back in summer of 2002 with the release of “Spider-Man.” Then sequels followed shortly after such as “X-2” which looked to have fared better than its prequel.
There were plenty that sold and there were plenty that flopped.
Now, the main focus of this summer’s superhero movies would be showing everyday human flaws of such characters. The hottest thing this summer would be their human flaws.
One prime example would be “Iron Man,” which is set for early May. Robert Downey Jr. plays Tony Stark, who owns Stark Industries. In a sense, he is Marvel’s equivalent to DC Comics’ Batman as he and Bruce Wayne both own companies that deal in advanced weaponry and technology. Stark is pretty much a playboy and womanizer who is just like any other guy. His main powers come from his suit. Without the suit, Stark does not have any other powers.
Mainly, the focus of these films is presenting characters that the audience members can relate and empathize with.
There is the sequel to “Batman Begins,” called “The Dark Knight,” set to come out this July. This is also the last film which will star Heath Ledger. Christian Bale reprises his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman. Ledger is set to play the Joker. Interestingly enough, Batman is portrayed to be just as twisted as the Joker.
According to the executives at Marvel Studios, these heroes cannot be presented as if they were action figures. In addition, the executives explain that while there is a risk of making characters flawed, there is still a great risk in presenting them as if they were presented as action figures. They say that it is important to make characters that audiences can connect with.
But Iron Man and The Dark Knight are only a few examples. There is “The Incredible Hulk,” “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” “Get Smart,” and “Hancock.”
In short, flawed superheroes are considered “in” this summer.