Super Saturation: how long will the superhero craze continue?

2017 has seen the release of a number of critically-acclaimed and financially successful films in the superhero genre, notably Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman and James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy 2.

Interestingly, in 2015 Steven Spielberg was reported saying that “We were around when the Western died and there will be a time when the superhero movie goes the way of the Western.” But, despite critics disheartening response to films like Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in recent years, the superhero film seems to be stronger than ever.

There have been two superhero films this year that have encouraged debate, ponderance and such an overwhelming volume of personal opinion. These are, quite obviously, Wonder Woman, and James Mangold’s Logan. Jenkins’ cinematic take on the Amazonian warrior princess is the first superhero film to be directed by a woman, but also, the highest grossing film of any female director in history. An inevitable sequel was announced just two days ago at this years Comic-Con, so it seems that fans eagerness and the profitability of the project will provide numerous movies to come, with her appearance in the upcoming Justice League scheduled for the end of this year also.

Bat-Man Clan - Justice League hits UK cinemas Nov 16th

A follow-up to this colossal blockbuster hit was expected by everyone, but what it also signals is many more female-driven spectacles of the comic-book persuasion. Many will seek to replicate the success of Wonder Woman, and audiences will surely welcome any interpretations after the thrills provided by this particular outing. Regardless of personal opinion on the film, it has arguably provided a cinematic experience more original than many of DC Comics past adaptations. Similarly, Marvel have offered cinemagoers some originality with the latest check-in on the the Wolverine, Logan.

The latest film of the X-Men franchise seemed to completely subvert what fans of the films could expect. It was gritty, bloody, and furiously violent. It also felt a lot more mature in its provocation of themes of ageing and regret than the other entries in the series. With these two films in particular seemingly breathing some new life into the gradually tiring genre, there have also been other releases this year that suggest the trend of superhero films is long from faded. Guardians of the Galaxy is a Marvel comic book that most casual cinemagoers had never even heard of until the film was announced some years back, now it has already spawned a successful sequel, and this is certainly not the last we have seen from the colourful cast of space misfits. Thor: Ragnarok, the third-film in the Thor series is due to hit cinemas this year too. Sequels have just become a given for most releases of the genre. Arguably, this is a bad thing. Blockbusters used to be a lot more exciting before the release of The Avengers in 2012, because now the majority of big-budget films spout from pre-existing Marvel properties. Whenever audiences see these films, it is almost an automated response to say “Can’t wait for the sequel next year”, because the cinematic universe they have conjured requires sequels to keep the high-concept feature machine operating. Sure, these genre films have been around long before The Avengers, but they were no way near as frequent. Even before 2018 begins, it is confident to say that the the majority of next year’s most anticipated releases are already superhero films - and it would not be naive to predict that they will be the most successful financially. This was not the case many years ago, there was some sense of mystery as to which blockbusters will be released, and what existing properties they will be based from - now it is painfully predictable.

With films like Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk championing at the box-office, it would be ridiculous to say that notions of an interesting blockbuster are dead. However, it can be said with cynical misfortune that similar films could be being made if there were not so much attention on adapting comic-book franchises. It seems the comic-book hero will be alive and kicking on the big screen for years to come, but as the sequels reach the possibility of Fast & Furious numbers, and the heroes get even more obscure, will fans finally grow bored of these productions? And how soon will that be? It is hard to say, but the day will come.

Written by Chris Weston