The Most Expensive Superhero Movies Made To Date

In a recent blog I shared that I am on the clueless side when it comes to budgets for movies I see.  So, in the interest of readers of The Comic Whisperer’s Blog I looked up the most expensive superhero movies ever made.  Without a large preamble, let’s get to it:

17.)  Thor:  The Dark World (2013):  I am not a huge fan of the Thor movies but I will admit that the comic books have never disappointed.   This movie had an estimated budget of $170 million and wound up bringing in a smidgen over $206 million.  Yikes!  They just made their money back with a little profit for snacks at the cast party.

16.)  Captain America:  The Winter Soldier:  One of my personal favorites, this movie also had a budget of around $170 million but did much better in gross revenue at $259 million.  Their cast party had a petting zoo no doubt with this kind of profit.

15.)  Guardians of the Galaxy:  This one surprised me as it also had a budget around $170 million.  I would have guessed much higher.  The resulting gross sales did NOT disappoint coming in at a staggering $330 million.  When you can almost double your investment you’ve got to be happy.  I’ll bet they had Captain America AND Iron Man make guest appearances at their cast party.

14.)  The Dark Knight:  There is some controversy here about how much this movie made, but I’m going to stick with what I found on a reliable website.  The estimated budget for the film was $185 million with gross sales coming in at $530 million.  Wow!  That’s almost a 300% return on their money.  Now that’s good investing!

13/12.)  Iron Man 2 and 3:  The special effects in these movies were incredible.  It’s getting harder and harder to believe your eyes when you watch todays special effects.  It all looks amazingly real.  To make these movies look real took some big bucks.  Iron Man 2 had an estimated budget of $200 million and has gross receipts of  $310+ million.  Iron Man 3 had a similar budget of $200 million with gross sales of $408 million.  Although Robert Downey Jr. has said he is tired of playing Iron Man and is ready to call it quits, don’t think that the Iron Man cash machine is going to slow down.  Hopefully they won’t cast Ryan Reynolds as him as well as the other characters he’s mangled.

11.)  Spider-Man 2:  Sam Ramie’s combination of Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst didn’t disappoint in this movie that had a budget of $200 million.  Box office tickets sales loved them as they brought in an amazing $373 million.

10.)  The Amazing Spider-Man 2:  Marc Webb’s rendition didn’t fare too well.  What with a budget of $200 million no one was happy with receipts of $202 million.  No webbing can cover up that wound.

9.)  Green Lantern:  It’s no secret that I am not a fan of Ryan Reynolds the actor.  I’m sure as a person he’s an extremely nice guy.  It’s nothing personal.  This movie’s return on investment should be taken personally, though.   With an investment of around $200 million this bomb of a movie generated approximately $116 million.  In all fairness it wasn’t Ryan Reynolds who killed this movie.  Poor writing, lack of a real plot, no character development AND Ryan Reynolds were to blame for this box office disaster.

8.)  Superman Returns:  Despite being a HUGE Superman fan I did not see this movie.  Apparently I had good reason.  This film had a budget of $209 million and barely hit $200 million in total sales.  Maybe Superman should have stayed where he was and chosen not to return.

7.)  X-Men: Days of Future Past:  Enough cannot be said about the comic books surrounding Days of Future Past.  As an appraiser I can also tell you that these comics have increased in value.  The movie, however, was not so fortunate.  Having a budget of $200 million this comic book success turned box office meltdown struggled to hit $234 million.  A $34 million dollar return sounds great to me but, alas, in Hollywood they don’t see it the same way.

6.)  X-Men:  The Last Stand:   The X-Men hit the list again with X-Men:  The Last Stand.  I personally liked both this film and Days of Future Past but it appears that I was one of the few.    The initial investment here was around the $210 million mark and returned a measly $234 million.  It may have very well been one of their last stands.

5.)  The Avengers:  Loved this movie!!!  Again, I wasn’t the only one.  The Avengers had a budget of $220 million which seems low based on all of the special effects they had.  The return, however, was incredible, coming in at an earth conquering $623 million!  It’s no wonder why they are working around the clock to continue the development of these films.

4.)  Man of Steel:  Another Superman movie I haven’t seen, this film had a budget of $225 million with returns of $291 million.  Not a bad haul, but a disappointment for those who are comparing the Marvel and DC box office receipts.

3.)  The Amazing Spider-Man:  Is it me or are the Spider-Man movies getting harder to keep track of?  Different people playing Spider-Man, Spider-Man and Amazing Spider-Man movies, different Mary Jane’s, what’s a comic book fan to do?  It harkens me back to the football games my dad used to take me to.  Program vendors were yelling, “Get your program here!  You can’t follow the players unless you have a program!”.  I think I need a program.    This film had a budget of $230 million and had box office returns of $262+ million.  Not good, but not bad.  This franchise will continue to grow.

2.)  The Dark Knight Rises:  Yet another part of the Batman franchise makes it’s way onto this list.  With a budget of $250 million this outstanding film brought in $448 million.  If the Batman vs. Superman movie factored in box office take, it appears that Batman would be the clear winner!

1.)  Spider-Man 3:  The most expensive superhero movie ever made had a budget of $258 million and returned a smidgen over $335 million.  It is becoming abundantly clear that the amount of money you spend is not always translated into total revenue earned.  It’s a shame, really.  In Hollywood, it appears, that you don’t always get what you paid for.

All this being said we are still waiting on total receipts for Avengers:  Age of Ultron.  The budget for that film was an estimated $250 million.  Let’s see if that works out well in box office returns.

I think it’s safe to say that with the release schedule of Marvel and DC, among others, we will continue to see increases in budgets as production companies try to trump one another with rising returns.  As fans we can only benefit from this competition, so I plan to enjoy it.  Just remember to stay until the credits are over and the lights come up in the theaters or else you might miss the important stuff!!

The 10 Comic Book Movie Adaptations I’ve Tried To Push Out Of My Head

I’m not even sure I can tell you how much an “average” hollywood movie costs to make.  I suppose it depends on the actors, the topic, and the amount of special effects.  No matter how you look at it they cost more money to make than you and I make in...well...our lives.  On top of that we then spend our hard earned dollars to go see these money holes and hope they are worth it.

Here is The Comic Whisperer’s Top 10 Comic Book Movie Adaptations I’ve Tried To Push Out Of My Head:

10.)  R.I.P.D. - Which stands for Really Is a Pathetic aDaptation.  Arguably the love child of Men in Black and Ghostbusters, this film was terrible.  It’s no mystery that Ryan Reynolds was involved.  His acting is pathetic and you will see his earmark throughout this list.  Looking through the internet it looks as though this bomb cost $130 million to make.   This buddy cop meet supernatural thriller couldn’t even be resuscitated by The Big Lebowski himself Jeff Bridges.

9.)  Batman Forever (1995) - Just saying the title makes my stomach churn.  Those who saw the casting play out were somewhat hopeful when the Riddler was to be played by Jim Carry but were not thrilled at the casting of Val Kilmer as Batman and Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face.  Then it was made even messier by the addition of the Boy Wonder.  At the time it was a hit at the Box Office, but at the time it was all you had.  The addition of the new Batman films has made Batman Forever a distant, but ugly, memory.

8.)  Jonah Hex - I think many would put it closer to the top but I gave it top marks for makeup.  The whole “skin across the mouth” thing was well done (although I confess that I still have no clue as to how one could end up like that and not take a scissors and just clip the darn thing).  That being said, whoever decided to make this a film should get a hearty slap in the mouth.  This old west bounty hunter deserves more than being made a joke of on film.  Remember, this was fresh off the heels of Blade and Ghost Rider, so the studio was only too glad to give it the thumbs up.  But with Josh Brolin not able to enunciate properly and the Director Jimmy Heyward seeing that doing this film was MUCH different than doing his Pixar films, it was terrible.

7.)  Ghost Rider - I know, I know, I just said that the studios approved Jonah Hex on the heels of Ghost Rider BUT, even though a small box office bounty, Ghost Rider’s campy script and ridiculous villains places it on this list.  I will admit that although I am a Nicholas Cage fan (for such hits as FACE OFF and LORD OF WAR) even he couldn’t salvage this film.  This should be shown in a film class on how to have world class special effects and good actors and STILL be a bomb people want to forget.

6.)  Trinity - Wait, isn’t that another Ryan Reynolds movie?  Why, yes it is!  I don’t think it’s a secret that Blade was an incredible film.  I even give Blade II props for putting together a stellar cast, strong special effects, and a great storyline.  But Trinity just made no sense from the beginning.  It also has the distinction of being the first movie to prominently feature the made-up Esperanto language.  All this on top of bringing in new people, killing off old ones, and Ryan Reynolds’ tired sarcastic monologues (yet, in all of Hollywood’s brilliance this chowderhead is cast as Green Lantern, which stank, and now Deadpool where his mouth may prove valuable).  Although I haven’t seen it I understand that the DVD’s “extras” include a scene where Goyer the writer interviews Goyer the Director.  It’s kind of like ramming your head into a wall but with less opportunity for reward.

5.)  Green Lantern - By this point you must think that I have it out for Ryan Reynolds and, frankly, I do in a way.  I’m not a big fan since his only acting consists of remarks that aren’t funny that he tries to make funny.  There’s not much range to his acting.  But, I’m not the only one who feels this way about the movie.  Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 26% green splotchy thing and it got a staggering 1.5 stars.  (See?  It’s not just me.)  What with Ryan’s usual lines of sarcasm and the incredibly dull writing, this film took an awesome comic character and smashed it to pieces.  I know Hal Jordan and you, sir, are no Hal Jordan.  Add this to the list of garage sale fodder.

4.)  Barb Wire - Many would like you to forget this movie based on a short lived comic series, especially Pamela Anderson who played the lead character.  Being a huge Pamela Anderson fan, and not for her acting, I could see why she shouldn’t be counted on to pull this movie above it’s poor premise and “Casablanca-esque” writing.  That being said, Pamela does have the “attributes” needed for the tight fit latex costumes that grace the super-heroines.  This film however did not have the “attributes” needed to make it a good film.  If you have a choice between watching this movie and jumping on broken glass weigh your options.

3.)  Catwoman  Watch how two terrible films effect one another...it’s kind of neat.  Tim Burton and Michelle Pfeiffer (remember her?  me neither) were given the thumbs up to make this film while the Batman franchise was all the rage.  Unfortunately, the script for this movie was delivered the same day that Batman Forever premiered and it was mothballed (this is a classic case of cause and effect.  you didn’t think you’d be learning physics today did you?)   After years of bickering Halle Berry was cast as Catwoman and French visual effects supervisor Pitof was selected to make the film work.  It didn’t.  It earned Halle a Razzie and Pitof an early retirement.

2.)  The Spirit (2008) - This was an epic failure on more than one front.  First, the effects in this movie were nothing short of horrific.  You could make better effects in your kitchen with a couple of eggs, some yarn, a paper clip and a pinch of oregano.  Second, they took a huge success in Will Eisner’s character The Spirit and reduced it to burning rubble.  If the name sounds familiar, yes, we are talking about THE Will Eisner who the prestigious Eisner Award is named after.  They took his baby, not just anyone’s baby, HIS baby, and trashed it.    It had unforgettably bizarre and disturbing acting from Scarlett Johansson and Samuel Jackson (who played the character “Octopus”).  The height of the movie is when The Spirit is bound in a contraption resembling a dentist chair while Jackson in an SS type uniform drones on about death.  That, in itself, pegs the gag-meter.

1.)  Howard the Duck - How could this possibly be the worst comic adaptation?  Easily.  This was George Lucas’ baby after he stepped down as president of LucasFilm to focus on producing.  He should have stayed as President and rested on his Star Wars fame.  It’s a shame, really, as Howard the Duck is a great character that has come a long way since his introduction in Adventure into Fear in 1973.  He has a certain style with his direct and cruel wit accompanied by his love of cigars.  The problem is that the character in the film was nothing like that.  He was amiable and lovable....NOT very Howard the Duck.  There was also a sexual side, which was never in the comics, that became evident in the female duck whose nipples were evident on her rather large breasts throughout her scenes.  I’m not lying, watch the film and you tell me.  It was a brilliant idea gone astray and, if a movie is ever made again, I will deliberate between laying out the money for a ticket and laying the money on the floor and burning it.

Well, there you have it.  The Comic Whisperer’s list of The Top 10 Comic Book Movie Adaptations I’ve Tried To Push Out Of My Head.  Let me know if you have any additions or subtractions.  No matter how you slice it Ryan Reynolds has to go.

The 10 Villains I Want To See Done PROPERLY In The Movies

I’m sure there are a couple of you like me out there.  You know, the type of person who wants to see the villain win once in awhile.  The kind of person who appreciates the super heroes, and wants the good guys to win in real life, but in the movies would like to see them get slapped around a little.  The kind of person who would like to see Thanos or Dr. Doom or Lex Luthor as the last one standing.

But, I want to see them done properly.

I don’t want something sloppily done like villains in the Ghost Rider movie (or even Ghost Rider for that matter).  That was a mockery.  I’m talking super special effects, holy cow that guy looks real, I’m not going to sleep very well tonight, type of villain.  A villain that is a strong representation of the comic book character.

Let me say, however, that there will be some characters that have been done in movies who I do not mention.  Characters like the Joker (who has been changed and rehashed ad-nauseum) who I feel was incredibly done by Heath Ledger.  So, I may not mention some obvious, and devious, villains.

I make no attempt to even out DC and Marvel villains (and the one other choice mentioned) nor are they mentioned in order of preference or importance.  It is just a list of villains and I love them all.

Without further delay, here’s the list:

1.)  Dr. Doom:  I know, I know, you’re going to say that he was in the most recent Fantastic Four movie.  But, again, I said that I want a “strong” representation of the comic book character.  It kills me that with all the special effects we have, and the multitude of years he’s been represented in comic books, that he is STILL not done well in movies.  Is this really him?  Ummmm, no.  He wears a metal outfit, people, not some Freddy Krueger type of get-up. 

2.)  Galactus:  Come on, tell me that you wouldn’t want to see a full size Galactus in the movies devouring a planet.  Oh yes you would.  How awesome would that be to see that on a huge screen with surround sound.  I get goose bumps just thinking about it.

3.)  Darkseid:  I don’t think anyone would argue that Darkseid is just a different version of Thanos (which I’ll discuss shortly).  Properly done those omega rays would be incredible as they exploded on Superman’s chest (or went through it, depending on the writers).  I have seen some incredible cosplay of Darkseid over the years and in the movies he could be just plain fantastic.

4.)  Thanos:  Let’s get it out of the way now, you can easily argue that he has been seen briefly in movies and that he looks good.  I would then give you a hearty slap.  The Thanos we have seen, every so briefly, in the movies looks like a muppet.  Granted, this may not be the Thanos that we see in upcoming films, I’ll give you that.  I would add that THAT BETTER NOT BE THE THANOS WE SEE IN UPCOMING FILMS!  With all the CGI potential out there there is no reason to make him look like a muppet.  Anyway, he has destroyed the universe, commanded the infinity gems, asked Death to be his girlfriend, and defeated anyone who came near him.  What hasn’t he done?

5.)  Deathstroke the Terminator:  If you watch the show “Arrow” that has been running for a couple of years now, you have seen their version of Deathstroke.  It’s terrible.  Why doesn’t the comic book industry have a lobbying group that protests misrepresentations like this?  Deathstroke is and incredible villain, that could be played by someone in a costume, that has yet to be in a movie.  I haven’t checked upcoming films to see if he’s in any of them, but I doubt he is.  His obvious counterpart, Deadpool, is in a movie (played by the former Green Lantern, Ryan Reynolds, which I hold a particular loathing for).  You’ve had to put it together, right?  Slade Wilson and Wade Wilson?    The same person with a different look and, well, facial scarring.  Anyway, put Deathstoke in a movie and we’ll call it even.  And DON’T let them pull the crap they did in “Arrow”.

6.)  Brainiac:  How is it that they made so many Superman movies and never had Brainiac in any of them?  But let me clarify, I’m talking the huge skull-like spaceship Brainiac, not the human with a couple of electrodes on his head and green skin Brainiac.  Again, this would be a CGI thing, not some model strung up with fishing line, and it has potential.  Let’s bring him on!

7.)  Venom:  Please, tell me you haven’t thought of this one yourself during all of those Spider-Man makes and remakes.  You could even start where Spider-Man got the symbiotic outfit and then, as the movie builds, have it evolve into Venom.  Get rid of this “Electro” nonsense and the Green Goblin.  Let’s face it, Norman Osborn has become a bigger villain than the Green Goblin at this point and it’s gotten old and tired.  So, let’s make a change for the better and go with MY choice...Venom!

8.)  The Anti-Monitor:  Oh, yeah, the big guy.  The one who killed Supergirl and gave the entire DC Universe a run for it’s money.  Any comic fan worth his salt has read Crisis on Infinite Earths and can tell the story.  Bring on the Anti-Monitor!  ‘Nuff Said.

9.)  Grendel:  Books could be written about the arguments you could make with this character.  First, Grendel is not DC or Marvel.  In fact, you may not even know Grendel.  If you don’t, get some of the books you won’t regret it.  Second, for those of you who do know Grendel, which version should be used?  The male?  The female?  The young?  The old?  The Villain who fought Batman and The Shadow?  The “hero” who tried to escort a child safely across dangerous lands?  Who cares....just put Grendel in a movie and make him/her/it look awesome!  Grendel is, perhaps, my favorite comic character of all time.  I have the books, statues, etc.  A big thanks to Matt Wagner who made Grendel possible.

10.)  Reverse Flash/Professor Zoom:  No matter what you call him the Reverse Flash has caused a multitude of problems for the Flash over the years.  Killing people, screwing up the time stream, etc., etc.  He is a character that has been, unsurprisingly, absent from any DC movies.  This, of course, is for the obvious reason that the Flash has been absent as well.  Frankly, if the movie would be anything like the TV show, don’t bother.  I would prefer to see it done right.  Professor Zoom, or whatever you call yourself, you have my vote!

I’m sure you have your own list and I would welcome you to share it.  You may even disagree with my votes and I would welcome you to share it.  You may even think I’m dead wrong about some characters who have been represented in movies and I would welcome you to share it.  No matter what your vote I think you’ll agree that there needs to be more villains and less rehashing of the same old thing.