Marvel is meeting with writers and directors to discuss inexpensive movies based on less widely known characters, according to Chud.  Among the properties being discussed are Dr. Strange, Ka-Zar, Luke Cage, Dazzler, and Power Pack, with the movies expected to be made for $20 to $40 million, a very small amount by today’s standards.   

Marvel’s history would indicate that it might have some chance for success with the strategy.  The first Blade movie, based on a relatively minor character, cost a reported $45 million to make and ended up grossing $131 million worldwide (plus video and TV sales), and spawned two sequels.