Before we touch on the formation of a potential cinematic universe at Capcom, let’s take a step back. Let us take a trip down memory lane at the very start of this year. Certainly when Sonic the Hedgehog graced the silver screen. And the fear of the Coronavirus was a looming yet distant threat for most of the word, but I digress.
Let’s face it. The success of Sonic The Hedgehog light a huge bulb in plenty of Capcom executives.
And what a success that was. Honestly, things didn’t start great for Sonic the Hedgehog or SEGA, movie-wise. The initial look of Sonic was abysmal and fans demanded a better looking Sonic. And they got one, but frankly, that did turn things for the better. 300 million dollars in revenue later, Sonic the Hedgehog seems like a sobering lesson for Capcom’s plan.
Monster Hunter World is on sale
However, before we get to the Capcom’s potential gold-mine, we must mention Monster Hunter World is on sale here at IndieGala. It’s one of Capcom’s bestsellers, and in just a few months, will be in almost every movie theater in the world.
You see, you are a Hunter in Monster Hunter. An integral and important part of the Fifth Fleet. And of course on orders from the Research Commission, you’ll get to travel to the New World. Each hunter is given quests to hunt monsters on the brand new environment. You can either capture or slay them. And eventually use them for research purposes, but it’s up to you. When you get to capture such monster, or eventually defeat them, you also get to earn monster materials. Those materials can be used to craft weapons and fighting equipment, and the fighting can start all over again.
But the Monster Hunter World is just a small part of this topic. No. We’re looking at the bigger picture. What Monster Hunter- the franchise could potentially signal for Capcom, and what can the company learn from Sonic’s mistakes?
Especially, since the Monster Hunter movie adaptation is scheduled to be released in September of this year. However, there’s a huge possibility the release date could be postponed (due to the Coronavirus threat)… but there’s no such news on the horizon, for now. So let’s not go there. At least not for now.
Capcom’s Monster Hunter Movie is on the horizon
But that’s not all. If you take a peek on Wikipedia’s page of upcoming movie releases (that are based on video games) you’ll see the Monster Hunter movie first. And that’s fine. However, if you scroll down, you’ll notice 3 additional properties being turned into live-action feature movies. In the not so distant future.
Yes, Monster Hunter is the movie who’s already finished and the only one with a premiere date, but the other three are announced as well. And with lot less confirmed info and TBA added to the release date. Regardless, what are the additional three video games in Capcom’s pipeline?
Well, firstly there’s the untitled Devil May Cry movie. Secondly, there’s the Mega Man film adaptation, and last but not least, there’s the Untitled Resident Evil (remake) film. Three additional movies that are based on the Capcom intellectual properties.
Consequently, there’s not much-confirmed info about those movies, but since they’re announced, it could mean big business for the Capcom cinematic universe. And big business means even more profit.
Start small and then go big
Ultimately Monster Hunter is already a finished product for Capcom, and understandably the company had faith in their well-trusted collaborator. Paul W.S. Anderson. He did the majority of the Resident Evil movies, and in their eyes, he seems like the perfect guy for this job. Which is understandable.
However, if the company wants to emulate Sonic the Hedgehog’s success or even some of MCU’s biggest success stories, they need to start small. And once they’re an established brand, then they should go big.
Let me elaborate. Rather than spending 200 million dollars on a Michael Bay type of director, and hiring an A-list star that’s equally expensive… Why not go for a smaller-scale charismatic lead instead? Even Robert Downey Jr wasn’t always Robert Downey Jr. Not to mention, Marvel took a blind leap of faith and put their trust in Downey Jr when nobody else dared to say his name. Let alone cast him in a blockbuster.
Tips for the Capcom future
Moreover, instead of spending a big chunk of change (aka the film’s budget) on some A-list cast, why not focus their recourses on the things that matter in video games adaptation? A few decent writers, talented directors, and kick-ass CGI. The holy grail indeed.
I mean, even Sonic needed a little bit of retouching. And certainly, after the fan’s online complaints, the nagging paid off. The company invested in some decent visual effects/design team and boom! Sonic was Sonic again.
And I can’t stress this enough. Hollywood must (I Repeat MUST) invest in screenwriters that know how to take the essence of the video game and transform it into the silver screen. Because most of the time it’s the exact opposite. Let’s face it. It’s the reason we have abominations like Doom, Assassin’s Creed, and others flops. Horrendous video game adaptations that were most likely made by people who probably haven’t even heard about the games. Let alone played it.
It doesn’t have to be some big Hollywood hot-shot. A talented rookie will do if the bare minimum of the job is to have played some of the aforementioned games. They must know the game!
Learn from other’s mistakes!
What can the failed Dark Universe (that sadly ended with Tom Cruise’s Mummy) teach big studios?
Well, first of all, don’t force the Cinematic Universe down our throats instantly. While it’s good to plan, it’s also good to let things take their natural course. Make a good movie and then aim for a Cinematic universe. Let the fans demand it. In addition to the blatant money grab aspirations, the forced cinematic universe aspirations are just insulting. Furthermore, forceful agenda-pushing might have the opposite effect.
Next, don’t insult our intelligence with the sub-standard finished product. Whether it’s a poor visual presentation or structurally half-baked product, nobody likes to watch a boring movie. Especially when the video games are one hell of a thrill ride.
In conclusion, the studios should invest in the things that will get you big returns. Visual artists, VFX specialists, talented screenwriters, and bad-ass directors. Those are the things that matter in a decent video game adaptation. Don’t you agree?
Your thoughts on Capcom: Monster Hunter
What are your thoughts on the Monster Hunter movie? Are you going to be watching it? Tell us in the comment section. We’d love to know all about it.