and DC
In recent years, superhero movies have exploded in popularity, garnering massive box office success and a dedicated fan base. While Marvel and DC have dominated the genre with their iconic characters and interconnected storylines, there is a growing trend of other cinematic universes emerging. From classic monsters to popular video game adaptations, studios are capitalizing on the success of the superhero formula and expanding it to other franchises.
This phenomenon has become known as the “cinematic universe,” where multiple films and characters exist within the same shared world, creating a larger and more complex narrative. But what exactly is a cinematic universe? And why has it become such a popular trend in the film industry?
To understand the cinematic universe phenomenon, we must first look at its origins. While Marvel and DC may be the most well-known examples, the concept of a shared universe actually dates back to the early days of cinema. In 1931, Universal Pictures released the horror film “Dracula” starring Bela Lugosi. Its success led to the studio producing more monster movies like “Frankenstein” and “The Mummy.” These films all existed within the same world and occasionally crossed over, setting the foundation for what would eventually become the concept of a cinematic universe.
Fast forward to 2008, when Marvel released “Iron Man” and kickstarted the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This groundbreaking film introduced audiences to a new way of storytelling, where characters from different movies could interact and coexist within a larger narrative. With each new installment, the MCU expanded and became more interconnected, leading up to the epic crossover event “Avengers” in 2012.
DC quickly followed suit with their own cinematic universe, starting with “Man of Steel” in 2013. However, unlike Marvel’s carefully planned approach, DC rushed to catch up and create their own ensemble film with “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” This resulted in a disjointed and often criticized universe, with each film struggling to find its place within the larger narrative.
But it’s not just superhero franchises that have caught on to the cinematic universe trend. In 2014, Universal Pictures attempted to revive their classic monster characters with “Dracula Untold.” While the film was not a critical success, it set the stage for a new cinematic universe known as the “Dark Universe.” This universe would have included reboots of classic monsters such as The Mummy, The Invisible Man, and Frankenstein’s Monster. However, after the poor performance of “The Mummy” in 2017, plans for the Dark Universe were ultimately scrapped.
Despite the failure of the Dark Universe, other studios continue to experiment with the cinematic universe formula. Sony Pictures is creating a universe based on Spider-Man’s supporting characters, including Venom and Morbius. Warner Bros. is also expanding their DC universe with standalone films like “Joker” and “Birds of Prey.”
Even video game adaptations are getting in on the cinematic universe craze. Legendary Entertainment has announced plans for a MonsterVerse, featuring iconic monsters such as Godzilla and King Kong. And Paramount Pictures is working on a shared universe for their popular horror franchise “A Quiet Place.”
So why have cinematic universes become such a popular trend? One reason is the potential for long-term financial success. By creating a shared universe, studios can release multiple films over several years with built-in hype and a dedicated fan base. This not only ensures a steady stream of revenue but also allows for merchandising opportunities and spin-off media.
Another factor is audience demand. As superhero movies became more popular, fans began to crave more complex and interconnected storylines. The success of the MCU proved that audiences were invested in following multiple characters and storylines over a series of films. This demand for more expansive and interconnected narratives has extended beyond just superhero movies, leading to the creation of other cinematic universes.
However, with the increasing number of cinematic universes, there is a concern that oversaturation may lead to fatigue and dwindling interest. Studios must carefully balance creating a cohesive and engaging narrative without overwhelming audiences with too many films and characters.
In conclusion, the cinematic universe phenomenon has changed the landscape of filmmaking, creating a new way of storytelling and captivating audiences worldwide. While Marvel and DC may have paved the way, other franchises are now jumping on the bandwagon and building their own shared universes. Only time will tell which of these universes will succeed and which will fall by the wayside. But one thing is for sure, the concept of a cinematic universe has become a permanent fixture in the film industry and will continue to shape the future of cinema.
