The Franchise: A Satirical Look at the Superhero Boom and Its Crossroads
HBO’s new satirical comedy series, The Franchise, from the minds behind Veep, Armando Ianucci and Jon Brown, alongside director Sam Mendes, might initially seem like a direct jab at the seemingly unstoppable superhero movie boom. While the series certainly delves into the genre’s recent stumbles and identity crises, it transcends mere mockery. The creators, deeply familiar with the inner workings of blockbuster filmmaking, offer a nuanced perspective, poking fun with a genuine affection and even thoughtful suggestions for the genre’s future.
"It felt more interesting because franchise movies themselves seem to be going through a crisis," Brown explained to The Hollywood Reporter, drawing a parallel to the classic television series, The Sopranos. "There’s a feeling… an end-of-empires feeling. That felt like good background for a show that is both a workplace comedy and a satire of this culture; a cash cow recognizing that its best days may be behind it."
The Franchise doesn’t aim its barbs solely at the superhero films themselves or the audiences who enjoy them. Instead, the spotlight falls on the tireless creatives, often caught in the crosshairs of executive meddling and ever-shifting cultural expectations. Despite the satirical framing, the series acknowledges the love and dedication that goes into making these films, especially those working behind the scenes – the individuals The Franchise chooses to follow rather than the glitzy stars or fickle executives and producers.
"It’s not a cynical show," clarifies director Sam Mendes, emphasizing the series’ undercurrent of passion and hope. "There is a romance to [making movies]… and Jon has managed to capture that."
Brown echoes this sentiment: "You have to be respectful of these movies and the people that are involved with them… People may consider these movies formulaic, but if you go to the set of one of these films, everyone is trying their absolute best to make something special."
Yet, even with this appreciation, The Franchise doesn’t shy away from examining the industry’s pitfalls and offering its own unique perspective. The series’ creators, through their thorough research into the superhero franchise machine, have developed ideas on how they’d navigate the genre’s challenges if they were in charge.
Brown contemplates the evolution of Marvel’s relationship with its fanbase. "In the early days… they were able to make editorial and casting choices that were completely their own decisions," he reflects. "I feel like their relationship with their fan base has flipped, where instead of telling fans very confidently, ‘This is the movie and this is our way,’ it seems like they’ve gotten themselves into a position where they’re trying to chase a fan base that was more engaged in the previous phases than it currently is. When you start doing that, you start making decisions from a point of fear." Brown articulates a key point: "I guess the more you’re bold and fearless in what you’re doing, you have a better chance of making something really special—but that’s very easily said when you have all these corporate pressures. I guess you get to the point where you’ll try anything."
The Franchise offers a fresh and insightful exploration of the superhero film landscape, capturing both its triumphs and its struggles. The creators deftly blend humor with thoughtful observations, offering a unique perspective from someone who understands the inner workings of the industry. While the series might playfully poke fun at the genre, it ultimately expresses an appreciation for the creativity and hard work that goes into crafting these films, even as it encourages a sense of bold innovation in the face of overwhelming corporate pressures.
With its premiere set for October 6th on HBO and Max, The Franchise promises to be a compelling and entertaining watch for fans of superhero films, industry insiders, and anyone seeking a witty dissection of pop culture’s reigning force.
Beyond the Satire: A Look at the Superhero Genre’s Challenges:
While The Franchise provides a comedic lens through which to examine the current state of the superhero genre, there are serious issues underlying the satire. The evolution of Marvel’s relationship with its fanbase, highlighted by Brown, underscores a tension between creative vision and the need to please a demanding audience. The fear of alienating fans, the constant need to deliver increasingly spectacular spectacles, and the pressure to generate revenue can lead to a formulaic approach that sacrifices artistic risk-taking.
While the series explores the challenges faced by superhero franchises, it also suggests a possible path forward. The creators’ emphasis on boldness, fearlessness, and creative independence might hold the key to revitalizing a genre that, while immensely popular, risks losing its spark.
The Franchise invites us to consider what’s truly important in a superhero film – the impact of the story, the depth of characters, and the overall artistic ambition. While the series doesn’t shy away from the genre’s flaws, it champions a return to the core tenets of storytelling, reminding us that innovation, passion, and creative freedom are essential ingredients in any enduring cinematic experience.
What does the future hold for superhero films?
The Franchise offers a compelling case for a shift away from formulaic storytelling and towards a renewed focus on original ideas, character development, and artistic risk-taking. While the genre has undoubtedly evolved, the series suggests that the journey towards its next phase requires a willingness to embrace bold choices and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of the superhero narrative.
The series’ success will depend on its ability to find a balance between satire and genuine insight, while maintaining the comedic wit that is synonymous with its creators’ previous work. Yet, there’s a strong argument to be made that The Franchise can be more than just a funny look at superhero films. It has the potential to spark a conversation about the future of the genre and inspire creators to reclaim the creative freedom that has made it so captivating in the first place.
