5 Signs The Superhero Movie Bubble Is About To Burst

3. There Are Too Many Movies

Currently there are 28 super hero movies lined up for the next 6 years and many more rumoured. 2017 alone will have (at least) 9 superhero movies that reach theatres. Keeping in mind that, according to the Motion Picture Association of America, roughly 80% of all moviegoers report that they are infrequent or occasional consumers, it's hard to imagine that too many people will see more than one or two of these films a year. The genre has started to compete for sales with itself. Instead of choosing between a drama, a comedy or a superhero film audiences are now choosing from a drama, a comedy or three superhero films. Most people don€™t have the money or the required interest to keep up with the rate at which studios are pumping these movies out. The extreme length of the schedule causes problems. Not only does it constrict writers and producers far earlier than necessary in terms of creative production but it also tires out the audience. The excitement of announcing a new film is completely gone. Audiences know exactly what to expect so no one is surprised. And the long wait drains the enthusiasm out of moviegoers. In proper conditions a movie is announced then after production, teasers and trailers build hype for a couple months and then the movie is released. Now the build up is drawn out and anticipation gives way to boredom and exhaustion. Its easy to be excited for a week or even a month leading up to a films release it€™s a lot harder to stay excited when you have to wait for three years. The other big problem is that there aren€™t enough marquee superheroes to fill such a packed schedule. Instead of franchises built around household names the schedule is packed with heroes like Aquaman and the Black Panther. In the past studios have relied on franchises and name recognition to generate interest and audiences, now when the heroes aren€™t so recognisable they will have to rely on good reviews, smart marketing and word of mouth buzz, a giant step away from the current model.