Will Hasbro Studios Produce Hasbro-Based Movies Like the MCU?
With the release of films like Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, fans are wondering if Hasbro will take a similar route to producing a shared universe of movies akin to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This article explores the potential of Hasbro producing such films and whether they might succeed in creating a cohesive and engaging cinematic universe.
Hasbro as a Toy Manufacturer Versus a Movie Studio
Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between Hasbro as a toy manufacturer and a movie studio. In the case of the MCU and franchises like Star Wars, the movies are not primarily "Hasbro-based" but rather have Hasbro as a licensed manufacturer for toys and other merchandise. The characters in these films are owned and produced by Disney, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. However, for properties like Transformers, GI Joe, and even board games like Battleship, Hasbro is both the creator and the owner of the property, meaning they produce the movies and TV shows themselves.
Recently, Hasbro acquired the production company eOne. This acquisition has shifted their focus towards producing content under the Hasbro umbrella. While this does not preclude them from working with other studios for assistance in production and distribution, it indicates a stronger interest in producing their own films rather than relying on external partners like Paramount for, for example, the live-action Transformer movies.
Can Hasbro Create a Cohesive Cinematic Universe?
Given the success of the MCU, many are curious if a similar approach could work for Hasbro. The MCU has shown that a shared cinematic universe can be highly profitable and engaging for audiences. However, the key factor in the success of the MCU is not just the quality of individual films but the consistency and interconnectedness of the entire universe.
Hasbro has released several films featuring their properties, such as GI Joe and Transformers. With the exception of a few critically acclaimed films, most of these movies have not been as well-received as their MCU counterparts. To successfully create a cinematic universe similar to the MCU, Hasbro would need to ensure high-quality content and maintain a deep, interconnected narrative across multiple films.
If the films produced by Hasbro were of good quality, it is highly likely that they would be well-received by fans and would succeed in creating a shared cinematic universe. For example, the critically acclaimed Transformers film franchise began with Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and improved with the release of Transformers: Age of Extinction. If Hasbro were to invest in high-quality storytelling and consistent world-building, they could potentially create a successful cinematic universe.
Would Fans Watch Hasbro-Based Movies?
Despite the potential for success, there is also a question of fan engagement. Hasbro has a strong following of toy enthusiasts, but not all of these fans may be interested in watching films. Additionally, the quality of the films has often been a point of contention among fans. For instance, the GI Joe films have not received positive reviews and have fallen short of expectations. However, if Hasbro were to produce films that are well-received by both critics and audiences, there is no doubt that fans would be willing to watch them.
There is a notable list of Hasbro-based movies that fans would watch, such as Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and upcoming films like Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. These films have already shown potential and if produced to a high standard, fans would be eager to see more.
In conclusion, while Hasbro has the potential to create a cinematic universe similar to the MCU, the success of such a venture would heavily depend on the quality and consistency of the films produced. If Hasbro can produce high-quality content and maintain a deep, interconnected narrative, they could create a successful and engaging cinematic universe. Given the success of certain Hasbro-based movies and the potential demand from fans, it is a possibility that Hasbro will indeed produce more Hasbro-based movies in the future.