WI: Iron Man bombs at the box office

what if instead of becoming the 2nd highest grossing movie of the year Iron man instead does Green Lantern (2011) numbers and bombs at the box office . what would the ramification of this for the movie industry and Marvel.
 
The movie would have to be fundamentally different. A worse director could probably ruin it. I think Marvel would still push out The Incredible Hulk the same year, but if that too bombed then you'd see an enormous delay on the MCU, most likely.
 
The movie would have to be fundamentally different. A worse director could probably ruin it. I think Marvel would still push out The Incredible Hulk the same year, but if that too bombed then you'd see an enormous delay on the MCU, most likely.

Half the movie is Tony Stark building his suit in a cave with a bunch of scraps.
 
Considering the film was designed to be easy to understand for people new to Marvel and those who haven't read the original Iron Man origin story, while still following the guideline of said origin story (Afghanistan instead of Vietnam, 2000's wealthy industrialist instead of 1960's wealthy industrialist, etc.).

The film also rewarded those who read the comics with Easter eggs in the film that would remain ignored by those without comic book knowledge, but would be recognised by those with the knowledge (Captain America's shield on Tony Starks desk can be seen, Tony Stark's phone ringtone is the original 1966 Iron Man theme song).

Its hard to find a reason why the film would flop, but if you want the film to flop then make sure Robert Downey Jr isn't cast as Tony Stark/Iron Man. Considering the man's history, he was probably the best person to play that role. Get someone else and the film will probably have less success I think.
 
I agree it's difficult to see how it could flop, since Iron Man was considered (and still is, I think) one of the best superhero movies to date. You'd have to change the production of the film, like different actors or director.

But assuming it did flop, however it happens, the entire Marvel film project is strangled in its cradle. IOTL, the success and goodwill of Iron Man is what allowed Marvel to press on with their ambitious cinematic universe, even after Hulk underperformed and Thor and Captain America didn't capture anyone's imaginations. But here, without even Iron Man to lean on? The MCU never happens, and that has some massive ramifications:

• Marvel never becomes the cultural juggernaut it currently is. Characters like Captain America or Thor remain B-listers; characters like the Guardians of the Galaxy remain obscure.
• The idea of a Cinematic Universe is never tried. This means that every other studio doesn't suddenly scramble to make their own, with interesting ramifications of its own. For instance, whenever WB gets around to making another series of Superman movies, it will be just a series of Superman movies instead of the sequel transforming into some crossover showdown and set-up for other movies. Sony doesn't overextend themselves by trying to create a Spider-Man universe; Fox probably just lets the Fantastic Four rights expire; etc.
• Regardless of if he's in Iron Man or not, Downey Jr.'s career goes in a completely different direction. Instead of a sudden rebirth as a funny, jokey action star, he probably sticks to dramatic performances in small movies and very gradually rebuilds his reputation
 
This probably means that Disney doesnt buy Marvel (or, if they do, the subsequent Marvel films and tv shows are aimed at kids and families, no Agents of SHIELD or Daredevil here).
 
Iron Man was a last-ditch effort. So if it fails, it probably leads to Marvel collapsing yet again and being bought out at a far lower price than OTL. (I think they'd still find a buyer, it's just it'll be grabbing something when it's down and not at the height of its success).
 
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