There have been many canceled comic book movies since MCUThe DCUAnd various adjacent franchises that could have been huge box office hits if they had been made. Throughout the history of comic book movies, the genre has grown to become the dominant force at the box office. The movies of the MCU, for example, have broken many records with their global success, which promotes cementing the superhero genre as one of the most popular in modern cinema.
Sometimes, however, comic book movies are canceled before they can ever happen. Occasionally, an announced movie is scrapped despite its massive potential, and even planned comic book movies that seem certain to achieve box office success are forever unmade. With that in mind, here are 10 canceled comic book movies that could have ruled the box office.
10
Channing Tatum’s Gambit movie could have been perfect
Tatum proved he was born to play Gambit
After years of reportedly being considered for the role, Channing Tatum was announced as the star of a Gambit solo movie in 2014. However, the film entered development hell, and was ultimately scrapped in 2019 following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox. As Channing Tatum was given the opportunity to play the role as part of Deadpool & WolverineIn 2024, it’s clear what the actor’s Solo Gambit movie could have looked like.
Tatum’s ability to entertain and entertain as Gambit made his appearance one of Deadpool & Wolverines best inclusions. The short amount of time he spent playing the role on screen was the best live-action gambit to date, which is exactly why Tatum has always been so heavily attached to the role. Has his Solo Gambit movie come to fruition, It would undoubtedly have capitalized on both Gambit’s popularity and Tatum’s charismaProbably making it a box office smash.
9
Guillermo Del Toro’s Hellboy 3 is one of the genre’s biggest wasted opportunities
Another Perlman-led Hellboy movie should have materialized
Guillermo Del Toro’s reputation as a filmmaker speaks for itself, and his two Hellboy Movies are some of the best comic book movies of the ’00s. Ron Perlman’s tenure in the role saw him embody the spirit of the character, bringing Hellboy to life in all his red, gritty glory. After the success of the first two movies, a third went into production, but ultimately never came to fruition.
Consider the huge anticipation surrounding another Perlman-led Hellboy movie, it almost certainly would have found box office success. The combination of del Toro and Perlman so perfectly fit the world of Mike Mignola’s comics that Hellboy 3 was eagerly awaited by many. The years of built-up anticipation would likely have translated to an impressive box officeBut unfortunately, the film was scrapped in favor of an ill-fated 2019 reboot.
8
Tim Burton’s Batman continues to sound excellent
Burton’s Batman movies could have continued with a box office smash
1989 was the release of Tim Burton’s Batmanfollowed by the sequel, Batman Returnsin 1992. The two films were originally intended to be followed by a further sequel, reportedly dubbed Batman continues. However, there are still concerns about how family-friendly Batman Returns Is, the director was asked to resign from the sequel, and Tim Burton’s Batman Movies ended after two films. His planned sequel eventually became Batman ForeverBut Burton’s original vision had real potential.
Burton reportedly eyed Robin Williams to play the Riddler and Marlon Wayans as Dick Grayson. Batman Continues would also bring back Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Billy Dee Williams, making for an excellent 90s cast. With so much star power, and as the continuation of a successful franchise, Batman continues Could have earned big money At the box office it was made in accordance with Burton’s original plans.
7
The Deathstroke movie from DCEU sounds fascinating
Unique ideas would have made Deathstroke a DCEU hit
Of all the many canceled DCEU projects, the death stroke Movie may just be the most unique. The film would have paid off the tease of Justice League’s post-credits scene, which saw Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor meet Joe Manganiello’s Deathstroke. Manganiello’s solo film is reportedly set to be directed by the speech Director Gareth Evans. Despite barely making it past just rumours, the Deathstroke movie was a fascinating prospect.
Gareth Evans’ work on the speechCombined with Manganiello’s own star power, could have contributed to huge box office success. Evans’ action credentials combined with a DCEU setting and all the support of an existing shared universe could have contributed to a solid box office take For those death stroke Movie. Although it never made it to the big screen, it is undoubtedly an interesting and unique comic book movie in the DCEU death stroke Plans.
6
Man of Style 2 was too highly anticipated to fail
Henry Cavill’s Superman return would have paid off massively
Although Man of Steel Was the film that started the DCEU, it never received a direct sequel in the franchise. Although one was initially planned to allow Henry Cavill to reprise his role in a second solo movie, it was eventually scrapped in favor of the DCU reboot. The canceled Man of Steel The sequel was set to feature the villain Brainiac, as well as facilitate the further exploration of Cavill’s Man of Tomorrow.
Considering the popularity of Man of Steel And the high profile of the DCEU, it’s safe to say that Man of Steel 2 would have been a success. Zack Snyder’s slightly more grounded approach to the character of Superman was one that many fans enjoyed, especially as it examined different aspects of the hero. Could Cavill return for Man of Steel 2The sequel likely would have found success at the box office, though it was never meant to be.
5
The Amazing Spider-Man 3 would have been a major franchise payoff
Teas for Garfield’s Spider-Man threequel made it a sure success
After the first appearance in the role in 2012 The Amazing Spider-ManAndrew Garfield reprized the role for the 2014 sequel, The Amazing Spider-Man 2. The second film set up many mysteries to be revealed by its own successor, teasing a number of exciting plot points that seemed to promise The Amazing Spider-Man 3 Would be the most exciting movie in the franchise. however, The Amazing Spider-Man 3 was finally canceled before it could be made.
The planned movie would have seen Peter Parker uncover more of the mystery surrounding his parents, as well as potentially facing off against the Evil Six. like The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Going to great lengths to tease the third film’s story, it seems like a huge missed opportunity For box office success. What’s more, the talents of Andrew Garfield, Sally Field and Dane DeHaan would almost certainly have been used once again, contributing to even further success.
4
Ben Affleck’s Batman movie may have been a DCEU high point
Affleck’s Batman needs more exploration in the DCEU
Ben Affleck’s role in the DCEU’s movie timeline was a crucial role, despite the fact that he felt severely underused. Made its debut in 2016 Batman v Superman: Dawn of JusticeHe showed up later Justice League And The bottle. Affleck’s Batman never starred in his own solo movie, despite one that was in the works with Affleck himself tipped to direct.
An Affleck-driven Batman solo story could have proven to be one of the DCEU’s most profitable entries. In terms of appeal, Few characters can boast such widespread popularity as BatmanAnd Affleck’s own gritty and tortured take on the vigilante was especially good. Although Affleck’s film was scrapped before he got to make his own movie, it probably would have used both Affleck’s skills behind a camera and in front of it.
3
Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 4 would have expanded on his incredible vision
Another Raimi Spider-Man movie would continue his trilogy’s success
Sam Raimi Spider-Man trilogy has gone down in history as a landmark piece of superhero cinema. 2002s Spider-Man and the 2004 sequel, Spider-Man 2Set a high bar, and although 2007s Spider-Man 3 Didn’t quite live up to it in quality, it still made a respectable amount at the box office. Sam Raimi originally planned to continue the franchise with a fourth movie, and although Spider-Man 4 Was never made, it could have done well if it was.
Raimi’s reported plans for Spider-Man 4 They are ambitious, but his approach to the other 3 movies makes the canceled film seem so promising. Raimi’s vision and the meticulously built world he established over the span of the trilogy made for an especially rich franchise, and a further entry would only have capitalized on that. Regardless of independent details, Three successful movies would mean that Raimi’s Spider-Man 4 would dominate the treasury It was made.
2
Zack Snyder’s Justice League sequel could have been huge
Snyder’s plans for the DCEU would have translated to box office success
As proven by the MCU’s movie timeline, team-up movies are a big deal. The DCEU’s first attempt at a large scale crossover Justice League It may not have the desired effect, but it is not a complete disaster. However, Zack Snyder leaving midway through production ultimately led to some issues with the film, and it never received its planned sequels. Snyder’s vision was realized, the Justice League Sequels probably would have earned big at the box office.
Capitalizing on the setup of Darkseid’s arrival on Earth and the dark nightmare future glamped by Batman, Justice League 2 seemed to have a fascinating story to tell. The return of Henry Cavill’s Superman, Ben Affleck’s Batman and Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman, as well as their fellow heroes, would only have been a big draw for global audiences. It’s hard to imagine anything but a huge box office take for the DCEU Justice League 2 It came to fruition in accordance with Snyder’s plans.
1
Superman Life could have capitalized on major star power
Nicolas Cage as Superman would have been a big moment for the genre
When it comes to canceled comic book movies, few are as well known as Superman lives. With many famous names attached to the unmade movie, it is one of the most high-profile cancellations of a superhero movie in the history of the genre. With a script originally written by Kevin Smith, Tim Burton attached to direct, and Nicolas Cage signed on to play Superman, Superman lives was once planned for a 1998 release.
finally, Superman lives quickly went into production hell and was eventually put on hold in April 1998. After several years of creative differences with various writers and directors, and Superman lives was completely blocked. The combination of Nicolas Cage, Tim Burton, Kevin Smith, and the iconic figure of Superman could only have been a box office success, making it one of the most hypothetically lucrative canceled movies MCUThe DCUAnd further.
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