Let's take a (or another) look:
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom - Official Trailer #2:
Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War - Big Game Spot:
Solo: A Star Wars Story Official Teaser
Frankly, I don't know what to think about trailers anymore. For major studio franchises, they no longer have to serve as introductions to a film. They're now pretty just hype videos, especially the trailer for Infinity War, which just ought to be called Marvel: All-Stars at this point.
Perhaps that fatigue with franchise hype videos is why I found the Solo trailer most compelling of the lot, as it actually did call back to that traditional function of trailers as an introduction to a new story, even if it does feature some very familiar characters and themes. But we are here to talk about theme parks, so let's consider that angle.
Each of these franchises is well represented in Disney and Universal theme parks (and with Marvel, across both!). We know what Disney is doing next with Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. But Disney's only vaguely teased its plans for Marvel in California, and its Orlando plans are limited by Universal's rights to so many of Marvel's core characters. And it's been ages since Universal did anything fresh with Jurassic Park, as evidenced by the fact that its lands are still called "Jurassic Park" and not Jurassic World.
The development of theme park attractions almost always lags the movies, so perhaps the films can give us a better sense of the direction in which a company is taking the franchise than just watching theme parks can. So... what do you think about these trailers? And what do you think about the state of these franchises... in theaters, in theme parks, and beyond?
(Chuckle)
Within the context of the theme parks, the opposite is actually true. I'm very excited about Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and I think that could redefine what is possible within a theme park. On the other hand, while I'm interested in Marvel attractions, it doesn't have quite the same appeal since Marvel is a lot more about the characters than about the story and setting, making it a bit more difficult to create a compelling themed environment that can tie together several different attractions. I have no doubt Disney will do an excellent job, but especially if Phase Three is the end of multiple major characters a land that opens several years later may be a bit too late to capitalize on the appeal.
As for Jurassic Park/World, with the exception of the first film they are little more than fun popcorn flicks. Given the immense library of IP at their disposal, I find it highly unlikely Universal will dump a bunch of money into a franchise that could very easily turn south.
So where did the idea come from?
With so many WDI Imagineers now at UC, borrowing the Disney Villians night time themed land was bound to happen.
Meanwhile, the that and thought is trying
Star Wars came out strong with Force Awakens but looks like it’s suffering the same fate as the DC movies: trying to rush a lot of of movies out to recreate the Marvel shared universe but with mixed fan reaction and shrinking grosses.
Jurassic World was a big hit so the sequel might be bigger (think Pirates or Transformers) or quickly forgotten (remember Narnia had movies?)
Disney succeeds by spinning off new franchises off Star Wars and Marvel though I have no interest in seeing Solo or the Black Panther in the theaters. I given up on Star Wars with how badly they handled it. Marvel is still a good product. I'm looking forward to Infinity Wars. The next big thing has to be a BIG Avengers Infinity ride or forgettabout it.
I'm far more intrigued by the future of Star Wars. JJ Abrams pulled the wool over everyone's eyes by essentially making a shot for shot remake of A New Hope, and turned it into one of the highest grossing films of all time. The subsequent offerings thus far have been much stronger in my opinion despite the lower grosses. However, it's hard to meet or exceed such a high bar every time, especially with so much pent up exciting for the reigniting of a massive franchise. I think the success of Solo will be telling, especially considering the troubled production and removal of Miller and Lord from the director's chair. The trailer was very intriguing to me with a look that was surprisingly un-Star Wars-y (even more so than Rogue One).
Jurassic Park is a complete crap shoot at this point. On the surface, Jurassic World really wasn't that great of a movie, but might have been the function of perfect slotting - It released in the middle of June following a disappointing Disney movie over Memorial Day (Tomorrowland), far enough apart from Avengers Age of Ultron so as to not be affected by that blockbuster, and was able to carry momentum through July 4th. I think Fallen Kingdom will have trouble replicating what Jurassic World was able to accomplish this year. Leading up to it's June 22nd release this year, it will have Infinity War (releasing on May 4th), Deadpool 2 (May 18th), Solo (May 25), Oceans 8 (June 8), and Incredibles 2 (June 15) with Ant Man and Wasp (July 6), Skyscraper (July 13 - don't doubt the power of The Rock), and Mission Impossible: Fallout (July 27) following the dino-flick. I think Universal would be wise to do some updating of their existing JP attractions and lands to Jurassic World, but huge investments should wait and see if the rebooted franchise has staying power before investing the hundreds of millions needed for brand new attractions.
In terms of Jurassic.....I personally don't think Fallen King will do as well as Jurassic World, which benefited from nostalgia (by presenting what Jurassic Park hinted at....the fully realized theme park). That being said, I'm sure it will do quite well.
JP 3 wasn't anywhere near the previous 2 in terms of box office & popularity...but 14 years later the next film was a blockbuster.
Dinos will always be appealing, so even if there is a reboot or remake years from now, the Jurassic franchise will be fine. Signage / logs / films mays change, but the basic premise of "dinosaurs" isn't going out of style.
I feel the same way about Marvel. Yes, while Phase 3 will be coming to an end, the characters themselves have been around for decades & remain popular....so it's simply a matter of not relying TOO much on the current actor / film franchise....vs the character. The Spider-Man ride at IOA works not because it's Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield or Tom Holland.....but because it's Spider-Man. As long as Disney doesn't focus too much on the current cast (ala Guardians @ DCA), they'll be fine.
JUST WAIT until you see the massive expansion plans already completed for the Universal Orlando resort!
Marvel's films have fallen into a creative rut, each the same as the last and all in safe and uninspired fashion. Jurassic World was terrible and the second one looks worse, and despite needing an upgrade desperately Universal seem content to sit on their hands with the Jurassic Park section of Islands.
They have done one thing that is fresh: the Raptor Encounter at Jurassic Park in Orlando. That's a thrilling meet and greet, and perfectly in the spirit of the franchise (i.e., we are kidding ourselves that we can control these beasts).
The MCU will continue after 2019.....They might be tight lipped (without tipping their hand about who could be returning or not), but there's a plan in place.
Research Marvel Phase 4 on the www and you will see statements by Kevin Feige and Bob Iger speaking about the 20 planned movies.
Research data on Disney’s OFFER to buy FOX assets and you will see the OFFER need approvals worldwide. The process, again reiterated this week by Iger, 12 to 18 month’s.
Your asking Marvel to announce Phase 4 YESTERDAY, TODAY or TOMORROW because if they don’t the MCU is in jeopardy. Really???
As previously stated by another poster Marvel has films in various stages of production. His/her data came from Marvel statements and the publicity shots you are stating are needed.
As previously stated by comic blog sites, Phase 4 details WILL NOT BE RELEASED YESTERDAY, TODAY or TOMORROW due to revealing critical character spoilers.
Again, all this data is available via the comments to the original blog post.
But, the Jurassic World themed land UC has created is BEYOND AWESOME! Comcast executives are waiting for Jurassic Park 2 results. Internal debate is... convert JP: The Ride and Kong into a land taking over Toon Lagoon or wait for the new park.
WDW Imagineers have already developed an AMAZING Indiana Jones themed land that works for Animal Kingdom. The current debate, will the new Indiana Jones script revive the series. If so, say good-bye to Dinosaur. With Disneyland’s version of Indiana Jones track, already in-place, aka Dinosaur conversion/upgrading/plussing the ride can be relatively quick. Chester and Hester’s would be incorporated into the immersive land.
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