10 Overly-Optimistic Attempts To Launch A Movie Franchise

9. Van Helsing

Power Rangers
Universal Pictures

The basic concept for a Van Helsing series was solid; the younger, Hugh Jackman-shaped monster hunter tracks down the studio's stable of classic creatures. One monster per movie, franchise guaranteed. You've got a big star, brand recognition and a huge stable of iconic villains to choose from.

However, given that it burned through enough story to fill four movies the first time round, perhaps its for the best that Van Helsing never got a sequel seeing as by part three he'd have nobody left to face apart from maybe Abbott and Costello or Scooby-Doo.

Stephen Sommers launches $160 millon at the screen and fills it to the brim; we get Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dr. Frankenstein and his monster, Dracula, multiple Brides of Dracula, several werewolves, and even Igor the hunchback in a constant assault on the senses. If Sommers could have held his wad for even one movie, then the foundation of an entertaining franchise was in place.

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