Why Did People Think Iron Man Would Flop?
When Marvel Studios released Iron Man in 2008, it wasn't the first Superman, Batman, or Spider-Man movie. In fact, it was one of many lesser-known heroes that happened to be in the works during a turbulent period for the MCU. Let’s review Marvel movie history from a few years before Iron Man’s release, and how the industry navigated through some success and failures that led up to the grand debut of Tony Stark.
Miscellaneous Marvel Success and Failures
Before Iron Man, Marvel films had a mixed track record. Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2 were highly successful, capturing the hearts of audiences at the time. On the other hand, a non-MCU Hulk movie directed by an acclaimed director was a failure. Similarly, the X-Men series was a hit with X-Men and X2, but subsequent films like Daredevil, Punisher, Elektra, and Ghost Rider were met with mixed reviews. These films ranged from being merely unwatchable, to simply not great.
The release of X-Men 3 and Spider-Man 3 quickly followed, and these were so poorly received that it led to a call for a reboot. These series faced severe criticism, leaving the industry in a state of uncertainty.
Reasons Why People Thought Iron Man Would Flop
There were two main reasons why people thought Iron Man would flop:
Reason 1: The Majority of Marvel Movies Were Not Successful
A notable pattern in the Marvel movie history pre-Iron Man was that most of their films had been somewhat mediocre. Perhaps only one-third of their releases were deemed successful. This lack of a consistent track record raised concerns about the viability of a new superhero film.
Reason 2: Iron Man Was a B/C List Comic Hero
Iron Man, in particular, was a lesser-known character. His appeal as a character was often overshadowed by more well-known figures like Batman, Superman, and Spider-Man. At his core, he was a cocky billionaire inventor, which some felt lacked the gravitas and appeal of a hero like Superman or Batman.
However, Ryan Reynolds' career had taken a hit by the time he took on the role, and Jon Favreau had not directed an action film before his stint with Iron Man. Additionally, Marvel Studios was a relatively new entity in the film industry.
The Core of Comic Book Movies: The Character
Matt Fridge (vice president, Marvel Worldwide) and Jon Favreau (director of Iron Man) recognized what made a successful comic book movie was not the superpowers but the character. They understood that the essence of these films lies in the character development and emotional depth, rather than flashy special effects and grand narratives.
Key Takeaways
Iron Man’s success hinged on a number of factors. Firstly, the B-list status of Iron Man made the film seem less risky, while the successes of Spider-Man and X-Men provided a template for how to handle superhero opportunities.
Secondly, many superhero movies prior to Iron Man had received lukewarm receptions. There was a genuine fear that Iron Man would fall into this same category of 'another of the same'. However, with a strong storyline, compelling character development, and innovative direction, Iron Man succeeded where many others had failed.
Conclusion
The success of Iron Man was not just a shot in the dark, but rather a result of strategic planning, strong character-building, and a changing landscape in the superhero genre. It paved the way for the Marvel Cinematic Universe to become the behemoth it is today, and it serves as a reminder that even B-list heroes can become Hollywood A-listers with the right approach.
Keywords: Iron Man flop, Marvel movie history, comic book heroes