Remember when last month’s new (and perfectly ok) Hulk movie was the great, green hope? Had The Fans bonering over its return to “core Hulk values” as opposed to the hilariously detested (and deeply flawed but interesting, dammit…) Ang Lee version? That it was the next step after Iron Man for Marvel pop cultural global world dominance and the sign that everyone couldn’t wait for an Avengers movie?
Hey, turns out no one really cared again.
“We’re happy with the financial results, even if they (only) reach the first film’s levels,” a Marvel insider insisted. “Having a sequel is not the definition of success.”
That’s fortunate, as even outpacing the first film’s worldwide haul by 10% looks optimistic at this point, and that’s not likely to stoke enthusiasm for a franchise follow-up anytime soon.
After four weekends, the Louis Leterrier-directed “The Incredible Hulk” has earned $125 million, the same as what “Hulk” had pulled in at the same time in its run. “Hulk” finished with $132 million, and its successor is unlikely to do much better.
Its foreign rollout is still in progress, with comics-friendly Japan among the territories the remake has yet to bow, but it appears likely that the Edward Norton starrer will struggle to reach $130 million internationally. The first film tallied $113.2 million overseas.
Not really sure what this proves or shows, though. Maybe the Hulk just isn’t meant for box office success? Although my favorite part of the article is easily this analysis:
What the shit does that mean? Is that even English for chrissakes? That’s the f*&king dumbest load of transparent ass crap I’ve ever read. It doesn’t even mean anything!
And what does it mean that both FF movies, two of the worst films ever made, out-grossed or matched a legitimately decent big summer movie?
Actually, the “overdelivered on underexpectations” thing makes perfect sense to me. People all over, comic fans and non, were wondering why Marvel would commit financial suicide by putting out a new Hulk film so soon after the ill-received Ang Lee version. The fact that it matched the last flick actually is a pretty major (in it’s own fucked up way) accomplishment, considering the amount of public perception baggage it had to get around.
Anecdotal Evidence Time: I have at least one friend, pretty serious nerd, who was avoiding the new Hulk because he thought it was a true sequel to the Lee version. Explained to him he was incorrect in his assumptions, and his interest shot right up.
As for the comparatively vile FF movies doing better than both Hulks, I have no real explanation. Just a theory that Jessica Alba has quietly been declared the Queen of Nerds. Put her in the title role of some sort of mega-nerd property, it’ll probably explode.
Then again, the average moviegoer was losing their shit ove the Silver Surfer. That’s probably the real reason why FF2 did so goddamn well.
“Underexpectations” is the most dumbest ass bs made-up word ever is all I have to say.
Also, new Hulk grossed EXACTLY THE SAME as the reviled Hulk. I still hesitate to see how this is an accomplishment.
I’m overexpectating the underwhelming overaverageness of the underexpectations to overwhelm the expected underachievement.
I think I inadvertently just created it. I like it! pr0n!!!
dvd sales
Dunc, I think that you are undervaluing the overachievement of Hulk overdelivering in relation to its underpromise. By underselling the film to the overly jaded media and overzealous fanbase, Marvel made a somewhat underwhelming box office return appear as an overproducer.
Should have Captain America appear in there. It makes so cool!
I thought this one was great compared to the Ang Lee version. It was full of action and thankfully there were no crazy introspective moments that lasted forever (though it was nice to know you could go get popcorn, go to the restroom, make a few phone calls, and still not have missed any scenes with the Hulk in them during that first entire hour). I think this one was much more on target with what they’re shooting for, though it isn’t quite there yet.