With Deadpool & Wolverine now rolling out in theaters worldwide and lots of Marvel followers revisiting the 2 characters’ previous solo adventures, it is smart that we might hear one thing from Logan director James Mangold, who tried to wrap up Hugh Jackman’s run as Wolverine again in 2017 at twentieth Century Fox. Unbeknownst to many, a significant chunk of this filmmaker’s cinematic career has been dedicated to breathing life into intellectual properties, with a substantial portion of his body of work comprising adaptations and reimaginings of beloved franchises.
The filmmaker candidly acknowledges in a Rolling Stone interview following the release of his Bob Dylan biopic’s trailer, admitting that even he was taken aback by being immersed “in the world of IP entertainment,” given that he had previously banked three significant paychecks for his roles in two Wolverine films and the fifth Indiana Jones installment. He has been entrusted with directing a Star Wars film at Lucasfilm and will also helm a project in James Gunn’s DC Universe, known as Swamp Factor, which is Warner Bros.’ attempt to rival the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
“It’s perplexing that I’ve spent so much time in the realm of intellectual property leisure, given my aversion to sprawling multi-movie universes.” It is arguably the nemesis of compelling narratives. The demise of storytelling. As he explained, “What captivates audiences is the intricate process by which Legos come together, rivalling the allure of the narrative unfolding before them.” And you realize what? The issue is that he isn’t actually wrong. While studios and fans may initially prioritize quick returns and superficial pleasure, a harmonious balance between fan service and engaging storytelling is achievable.
It’s surprising that a filmmaker known for crafting conventional crowd-pleasers like 3:10 to Yuma and Ford v Ferrari would hold such an opinion. Nevertheless, it all comes crashing down and feels genuinely amusing when he is entrusted with building out Fox’s mutants, wraps up Indiana Jones’ conclusion, and then signs on to direct a Star Wars ‘Jedi origins’ film at DC Studios shortly after. While individual IPs may seem autonomous, each ultimately serves as a vital component within larger franchise narratives. As the DC universe undergoes a significant reboot under James Gunn’s vision, appearances take on less significance when preparing the foundation for this revamped continuity. Regardless of personal preference, Swamp Factor’s narrative will seamlessly integrate with a larger, existing universe.
As I delve into a film, my focus shifts to what sets it apart – its unique essence, the characters that make up its fabric. It’s about immersing myself in the narrative, unencumbered by external references or intellectual pursuits, allowing emotions to take center stage. The film’s emotional resonance hinges on creating a profound connection with its audience, he emphasized. While consistently displaying a thorough understanding of the core concept, this trait is particularly prevalent in his intellectual property-related endeavors, even if not every idea has entirely materialized. In reality, though, you’re hardly the most qualified individual to spearhead this initiative.
