Re: The Avengers: Discussion Thread
Serenity was intended to be the first film in a franchise. Its box office didn't justify making another one. The other movies you mention weren't intended to launch franchises.
Those movies keep being made because they achieved their financial objectives. Serenity did not. I like Serenity. But in the business of the box office it failed - and frankly it's not hard to see why. It made $10 million in its opening weekend and barely pulled $25 million across its entire domestic run. Its budget was $39 million before advertising. Even taking into consideration its global ticket sales (a pathetic $13 million internationally), the movie lost money. FAIL. Saw VI by comparison made $28 million ($62 million globally) and cost just $11 million. WIN.
I think he was trying to point out that "Serenity" was a huge disappointment at the box office (because it was) and that's the reason why there wasn't/won't be a sequel. That's actually quite simple logic, really.
Also, he's not even 100% golden with his writing all the time, either. I guess I have to point out that in Whedon's last foray into superhero movies (he did a script polish on X-MEN) he was responsible for one of the worst lines in film history (you know, something about toads and lightning... I can't even reiterate it it's so painful).
It wasn't a financial "blockbuster." I agree with you there. Could it have done better? Yeah. Was it a financial "failure?" Not in my opinion. What Serenity lacked in ticket sales, it more than made up for in DVD sales, rentals, etc., due in large part because of "good" reviews from the critics and its strong fan base. To address your point, if someone adds up the numbers for Serenity, they're there. Universal didn't lose any money on this deal. That seems pretty logical to me.
My main point earlier wasn't about financial success. Given the foundation that it was built upon (i.e. a television series of 14 episodes,) Serenity did very well. (And yes, that is an opinion. We'll just have to agree to disagree.) The success of a movie is more than just the revenue they earn, which is probably why I'm not in the movie business. It is possible to have a qualified resume for a comic book-based movie in today's day and age, without having a title like "Avatar" or some other multi-, multi-million dollar grossing "blockbuster" under your belt. And in my opinion, Joss is a shining example of just that.
Don't let your fandom blind you to the business reality.
There's no "blind" fandom involved, when I know what a director/writer/producer is capable of. If I'm "blind," then so is Marvel Studios for even considering him in the running for this movie. As are they for Captain America, Thor, and every other movie they make in the future because I'm sure they'll consider another just like Joss in the future. Eventually, a "new kid on the block" will show up, get the job done, and impresses us all, despite the lack of hope his followers may or may not have had.
In order to make money in the business reality, people need to take risks. If they don't, I can guarantee you they won't be sitting "on top" for long. And if you're not going to take risks, then why bother?
Meanwhile we have Whedon directing one bomb film and a bunch of TV episodes. Which of those episodes suggests to you he can handle a $100 million CG action flick where the Hulk throws a car through a building?
The same could be said about Favreau, director of such movies like Made, Zanthura, and Elf. (As Dave has already mentioned before.) At the time, I can't exactly say that I envisioned Jon Favreau translating ol' Shell Head onto the "big screen" as well as he did. And if ANYONE honestly predicted that he would make the Iron Man franchise what it is now, please get in touch with me. I'm looking to win the lottery here soon.
If Joss isn't qualified to direct the Avengers, then neither was Favreau for Iron Man. And yet, here he is "on top of the world" years later, directing what has the potential to be one of the biggest movie franchises of all time. (And rightfully so.
) That's pretty impressive for a guy who got his start in "Rudy." As the saying goes, we all start somewhere.