IS DEADPOOL ABOUT TO OPEN DOORS FOR OTHERS?

In trying to keep with the traditional tone of the character from the comic books, the currently being filmed movie Deadpool is reportedly going to have a R rating.  Which hasn't been the norm with comic book movies, but then most of the characters we've seen thus far don't need any "adult content". Things like language, blood, and violence (and lost of it). These are the things Deadpool is based on, but he isn't alone.

Sure, there aren't many other characters in the Marvel collection that require all three of those, but there are those who require two out of three. Some of the characters have had the R rating before, however, it was with a film company that wasn't Marvel Studios (or Disney Marvel Entertainment). Meaning, the story(ies) and overall quality wasn't there, not like we've seen thus far with Marvel owned and produced movies. Where is all of this going? Simple. If Deadpool is successful, will it entice Marvel Studios to begin to produce R rated movies with the characters they own? Deadpool isn't owned by Marvel, the rights belong to FOX (with the other X-Men and related characters). But, money speaks louder than anything in this industry. If Deadpool draws big numbers, it would show that the rating didn't hinder it, and possibly helped it. So, the question is a valid one. For some it is loaded with hope so that they have a chance to see their favorite characters staying true to form on film. Marvel has been looking to acquire the movie rights to characters every chance that they get. This was the reason why other companies have quickly produced or begun the process with the characters that they own (ie Fantastic 4, Spider-Man, etc). For those unaware, companies have x amount of time to do something with the characters that they own, or else the rights are up for grabs.
How this happened? Marvel was broke in the 90's and had not intentions at the time to produce movies, so they sold the rights to others. Things clearly turned around for the company, and is deep in the movie industry, so now are trying to buy them all back. Which would've been easier, however everyone is aware of the possible value in a comic book film.

Here is a list of characters who could use an R rating regardless of where they are made, even though Marvel has bought back most of them, and is looking to get them all under one roof...

Blade

Marvel now has Blade and others back in the fold. Now what to do with them? Blade has proven before the R rating can work, add better quality all around production who knows how big things could get. With some of the other characters on this list, there is even some cross-over appeal. Perhaps a separate "movieverse" for them would help. Blade could be the centerpiece of it all, given previous success.

Carnage

Sure he is a Spider-Man villain, and we should wait for him to simply appear in a SONY owned film (even though Marvel is "borrowing" rights to Spidey). However, this isn't a typical bad guy from Spider-Man's rogues gallery. He's a crazy, mass murderer that makes Venom look PG in comparison. So, either a solo or collective bad guy film, or a R-Rating for a Spider-Man film is needed for this character to stay close to home.

Ghost Rider

Marvel reaquired the rights, and could produce a PG-13 rated version and still do better. Jokes aside, similar to Blade, R-Rating with all around better production (even more so in this case. NO CAGE for starters) and this character will regain some respect on the big screen. And actually, could be the character to "join" this darker movieverse with that of the Avengers movieverse as he "works" in either light.

Wolverine

Yes, Wolvie can do his thing with a lower rating, and has shown that with more writing/acting focused films both on his own or with the X-Men. But, blood, guts and occasional dismemberment would make for quite the flick. And yes, a Wolverine/Deadpool movie would be insane, but would also need that R-Rating. FOX or Marvel, it would be nice to see. (Both are FOX by the way).

The Punisher

Not only does The Punisher need better production and most notably writing, he really needs the R-Rating. This is a character that shoots first, shoot some more, if anyone survives ask a question, and then shoot them. Although not wanting a direct ripoff, Punisher could be the Captain America of this world given his military background and approach to things. Oh, and Marvel bought his rights back as well.

There are others of course, but best to start with your top dogs to set the stage for a darker, R-Rated movieverse. Use them to even introduce characters who may need the rating, but companies are unsure if the fans are there.


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Transcending and Embracing

Figured best write an article or list on here instead of joining the masses and make Bitstrips all day long (don't usually follow the herd, but come on, comic style statuses, etc?? If your not using the app, it's likely because your making your own comic at the moment. Only acceptable excuse aha joking).

For years in terms of comic book/superhero movies, there was Superman and then there was Batman. There were some others, Captain America, The Punisher, etc., but those 2 were the best known if anything. Enter the 2000's and the floodgates opened. However, we were still left with actors and actresses who either didn't give 100% or bailed after one installment out of fear of type-casting. We have had some greats, and things worked out pretty well, but a lot of that is due to those who are clearly comic book fans and/or people who not just performed well in their roles but seemed to have fully embraced them.

Some of these are very obvious, however they still deserve props for it. There are some however that may surprise you, and at first surprised me when they popped into my head, but seemed to make sense once I thought about it more. And yes, some get extra points for being main characters in multiple genres (all of which are in the nerd world).

Hugh Jackman

Somewhat "The Face" of the comic book/superhero movie explosion. That's a matter of opinion yes, but he was the most notable character in the initial film that was followed by numerous movies. And to make things even better, Hugh Jackman fully embraces the character and admits to the role being what "made" him. Love or hate any installment in the X-Men/Wolverine franchise, hard to knock Jackman for his portrayal in any of them. Even his dedication on the physical aspect of the role deserves recognition.

Tom Hiddleston

Hard to mention Jackman without mentioning Tom Hiddleston, or you may know him by his Asgardian name, Loki. Talented is an understatement, and likely his reason for embracing the role and not fearing type casting. If it hasn't been said before, I am saying it now, as a DC Comics fan, I would love to see Hiddleston as The Riddler. Any role really, but The Riddler would be my top choice.

Patrick Stewart

I remember even as a kid in the early 90's he was top choice to play Prof. X if there was ever a movie. And although he will also forever be Captain Jean Luc Picard, and with James McAvoy receiving the torch so to speak, Stewart will always be Prof. Charles Xavier as well.

Sir Ian McKellen

Magneto. Gandalf. And they don't give the "Sir" title to just anybody. Just saying.

Hugo Weaving

If based on role selection, it would be safe to at least assume Hugo is a fellow nerd. In the Matrix trilogy, he was Neo's top nemesis in Agent Smith. In the Lord Of The Rings saga he is Elrond. V in V For Vendetta. And he was Red Skull in Captain America: The First Avenger. And like Hiddleston, I want him in my DC Universe. Top of my head, perfect Mr. Freeze. Even just to ensure that role is done well at some point.

Chris Evans

Like them or not, Chris Evans was the Human Torch in the initial Fantastic 4 franchise. Nick a "Mover" (telekinetic) in the movie Push. And more than redeems himself as Captain America both in solo and group ventures a la The Avengers.

 Nicholas Cage

I did say that there would be some shockers. Whether it was a title character Ghost Rider or in a co-starring role as Big Daddy in Kick-Ass, love him or hate him, Nic makes the list for being a fan and at least attempting to bring us our comic book characters to the big screen. Obvious fan, even if he takes it a bit far (see pic).

Robert Downey Jr.

"I am Iron Man." is a Tony Stark quote, but one that if Downey Jr were to use in real life, it would be kind of hard to argue. Of a series of decent to stellar performances, the Iron Man franchise is the crowning jewel in the "Ya, I messed up before, but sit back and have socks blown off" comeback tour for RDJ. Plus, he's Sherlock Holmes and you're not aha

Ben Affleck

Whether you embraced it, or you went Bat-crap crazy against it, or even if you took a complete wait and see approach, the casting of Ben Affleck as Batman in the upcoming Superman Vs Batman (or Man Of Steel 2) has garnered attention from all corners of the globe, and that ladies and gentlemen is a good thing. And if he nails it, there will be a lack of words for how beneficial this will be to the industry. If it fails, then at least Marvel will benefit aha Stay tuned for a positive review of 2003's Daredevil, a role Affleck was also the lead.

Of course there are many more, like Halle Berry having been Catwoman (opinion aside) and Storm, or directors like Bryan Singer, Kevin Smith, Zach Snyder the list goes on really. There are those who, I wouldn't want back in the mix (looking at you Norton), but that's a list for another day.

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