Now that the trailer for The Incredible Hulk has hit the web, we've gotten our looks at the three major superhero movies being released this summer: Iron Man, Hulk, and The Dark Knight. Being a huge Batman fan, I may be somewhat biased toward which film I'm most looking forward too, but here's my look at each:
Iron Man
Release Date: May 2, 2008Preview(s): Trailer 1 | Trailer 2
If it wasn't for The Dark Knight and Indiana Jones, Iron Man would probably be my most anticipated movie of the summer. Based on the trailers, I feel like this is being made out to be a summer blockbuster a la Transformers or Spider-Man: lots of action, a little romance, and a lot of explosions. That's not necessarily a good thing, but based on the talent involved I'm expecting a lot more out of this film. Jon Faverau has proven himself to be a solid director and Robert Downey Jr. is a great actor.
I wouldn't consider Iron Man to be a top-tier superhero, but the movie has been marketed well and there's quite a bit of anticipation for it across the web. The trailers are excellent. I could definitely see this putting up Transformers-type money, but with Indiana Jones coming out three weeks later, I don't know if this will have the power to get to that level.
Prediction: $240 million
The Incredible Hulk
Release Date: June 13, 2008Previews: Trailer 1
This is basically a reboot of the film created by Ang Lee a few years back. So the question becomes: is this film really necessary? While many people have strong opinions against the Hulk, were a lot of people really asking for a reboot?
Edward Norton plays Bruce Banner in this film, replacing Eric Bana. Norton is a great actor, but I'm just not sold on him as Banner (based on the trailer and pictures that have been released). Hulk himself looks better; the Abomination is the villain this time around, and I think it's a definite step up from Lee's Hulk in that regard. The trailer, however, doesn't show us much. Frankly, it's a rather bland trailer; it showcases Norton above all else (which is fine), but it just doesn't generate much excitement.
I can't see this film doing much; like Hulk, I see a big opening weekend, but a steep drop after that (especially with Wall-E opening in two weeks).
Prediction: $140 million
The Dark Knight
Release Date: July 18, 2008Previews: Trailer 1 | Trailer 2
I don't know too many people (on the web or otherwise) who aren't anticipating this movie. I think everyone was floored with how good Batman Begins was; it wasn't a huge box office success, but I think people were a little wary because of the previous Batman films. They won't make that mistake again.
The marketing for this film has been phenomenal. A few months ago, the Joker took center stage; now, Harvey Dent (the man who becomes Two-Face) is the promotion. Whether this was planned or due to the untimely death of Heath Ledger (who plays the Joker) doesn't matter; Warner Brothers has done an amazing job, without giving much of actual film away. The trailer did not disappoint either.
I can see no reason why this movie wouldn't blow past Begins at the box office. Better marketing, better villains, more exposure, and little competition after its release ensures that this will be one of the biggest films of the summer.
Prediction: $310 million
There are a few more superhero movies being released that are worth mentioning: Hancock (starring Will Smith), Hellboy II: The Golden Army, and Punisher: War Zone. I don't see any of them approaching the popularity of the big three (although you can never discount a Will Smith film), but each look promising.
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