Remember when we all thought superhero films were as dead as Uncle Ben? Blimey, what a difference a year makes. As someone who’s covered film premieres from Leicester Square to the London IMAX for over a decade, I’ll admit I’d started writing obituaries for the cape-and-tights brigade. But this summer, Superman and the Fantastic Four have proven there’s proper life in the old genre yet.
Let’s be honest – the past few years have been about as pretty as Thanos without his morning coffee. The Flash zoomed straight into the bargain bin, Madame Web got tangled in its own mess, and even Marvel’s sure-thing sequels started looking shakier than a Jenga tower at closing time.
When Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts both stumbled earlier this year, my WhatsApp groups were buzzing with the same question: “Is this finally it for superhero films?” But then something rather extraordinary happened.
DC’s new Superman film didn’t just take off – it absolutely soared. Unlike 2013’s gloomy Man of Steel (which I watched through my fingers at the press screening), this version’s brought back something we’ve been gasping for: actual joy. With 500 million in the bank after just 20 days, it turns out audiences were proper chuffed to see the Big Blue Boy Scout smiling again.
Speaking of pleasant surprises, Marvel’s latest crack at the Fantastic Four had about as much advance goodwill as a parking ticket. But First Steps has done something rather clever – it’s remembered these characters are actually meant to be, you know, fantastic. The numbers don’t lie – it’s tracking to overtake both Captain America and Thunderbolts combined.
Having chatted with directors, producers, and more than a few exhausted marketing execs, the secret sauce seems to be threefold:
– Actually understanding the source material (revolutionary, I know)
– Focusing on character over CGI punch-ups
– Remembering these films should be fun, not homework
Both Superman and Fantastic Four have returned to what made these characters popular in the first place – optimism, family themes, and genuine heroism. They’re not trying to be gritty crime dramas with capes stuck on.
Early signs point to yes, but with caveats. Both studios have learned from past mistakes, focusing on quality over quantity. The next 12 months will be crucial, with several major releases planned.
Both Marvel and DC have ambitious plans, but they’re being notably more selective. Wonder Woman’s next outing is getting a complete creative overhaul, while Marvel’s X-Men reboot is taking its sweet time in development.
The superhero genre isn’t just back from the dead – it’s showing signs of genuine evolution. As someone who’s watched more comic book films than I’ve had hot dinners (and that’s saying something), I’m cautiously optimistic. The key now is whether the studios can resist falling back into old habits. Superman and the Fantastic Four have shown the way forward – here’s hoping the rest follow suit.
Share your thoughts below! Is this superhero renaissance the real deal, or are we setting ourselves up for another Morbius-sized disappointment? Let’s chat in the comments!