During Marvel's conference call detailing its Q3 financial results, Avi Arad, who heads up Marvel's very successful Hollywood operation, made a number of interesting comments about the Marvel-based films slated for 2004 and beyond. Given the fact that Marvel is now primarily a licensing company, these theatrical films represent the company's lifeblood. Here's a quick review of some of his comments about a very full slate of Marvel films for 2004 and beyond.
The Punisher -- April 16, 2004
Artisan Entertainment is producing The Punisher in a deal which provides Marvel with a 50/50 split of the profits after distribution fees. According to Arad, production costs for The Punisher (which just wrapped shooting) were in the high 30s (millions of dollars), and the marketing plan for the film will run into the mid 20s (millions of dollars). Arad also shot down rumors indicating that Artisan, with is in the process of merging with Lion's Gate, had the rights to a dozen other Marvel characters including Ironfist.
Spider-Man 2----July 2, 2004
Obviously Spider-Man is the jewel in the five-starred crown of Marvel-based films for 2004. Principal photography has wrapped on the film, though extensive special effects work remains. Although no actual marketing alliances were mentioned, there will be marketing partners across all the major categories: fast food, beverages, cereal, snack food, wireless phones, etc.
Blade 3 -- August 12, 2004
The latest entry in this modestly produced series didn't come up in the discussion. Though it represents Marvel's first successful movie franchise, it is now small potatoes in comparison to the major Marvel franchises (Spider-Man, X-Men, Hulk).
Man-Thing -- August 26, 2004
Arad told a stock analyst who asked about the Man-Thing deal that it was similar to Marvel's Punisher agreement (a 50-50 split), but that distribution costs were expected to be higher. Arad pointed out that as a horror movie, Man-Thing presented fewer licensing opportunities, but he feels it might catch on and result in a series of sequels like Blade.
Fantastic Four -- December 24, 2004
Arad said Marvel was working with Fox and trying to help the studio get this project finished in time for its 2004 release, but he admitted that it might have to be pushed back to the summer of 2005. Tim Rothwell, who heads up Marvel licensing, said he was busy lining up licensees for this project, which could have the makings of another major Marvel franchise.
Films in Development for 2005 and Beyond
When prodded by questions from one of the Wall St. analysts, Arad admitted that Iron Man (New Line Cinema) and Ghost Rider (Sony) were the only projects in this group that were far enough along to make a 2005 theatrical debut a near certainty. X-Men 3 will undoubtedly get made, but it is now a problem of aligning the schedules of the principal actors and behind-the-camera talent. The Hulk 2 also appears to be definite go -- Arad pointed out that Universal sold 3.5 million copies of the Hulk DVD during its first week of release, so even though Ang Lee's Hulk film was something of a disappointment in spite of $130 million domestic box office, it will end up as a huge success (especially considering the enormous sales of licensed Hulk merchandise). Universal is also developing Namor, while Paramount is working on Deathlok, but these projects remain in the development phase far from an actual theatrical release. Fox is working on an Elektra film, which appears to be a bit farther along, and which the studio wants to release before starting work on a sequel to Daredevil.
