As a seasoned movie enthusiast and critic who has witnessed the evolution of Hollywood over the past few decades, I must say that the upcoming HBO comedy series, “The Franchise,” seems to have struck a nerve that resonates deeply with my own experiences. The fact that this satire is rooted in real stories from behind-the-scenes of massive comic book movies makes it all the more intriguing and relatable.
It’s well-known that the forthcoming HBO comedy series, “The Franchise,” is a biting satire of popular superhero blockbusters. However, it’s interesting to note that the show is based on true events from behind-the-scenes workings in the world of massive comic book movies. Starring Daniel Bruhl, Jessica Hynes, Billy Magnussen, Aya Cash, Jimesh Patel, Lolly Adefope, and others, “The Franchise” tells the story of a director who suspects that the studio is secretly making another movie behind his back, with all his hard work set to be discarded. This may sound utterly absurd, but according to the show’s creator, Jon Brown, it might not be as unbelievable as it seems.
In an interview with THR, Brown shared that the team behind The Franchise conducted extensive investigations, talking to individuals who had worked on Marvel and DC films. They were astonished by some truly wild tales they heard about the production process of these superhero movies. Essentially, the level of chaos encountered during the filming was far greater than they had anticipated. Even though Marvel Studios and DC Studios seem to have meticulously planned strategies for their multi-billion dollar franchises, Brown emphasized that things don’t always run smoothly when creating a superhero movie. He disclosed:
It’s commonly believed that these films are planned out in distinct stages over the next decade. However, behind the scenes, things can be quite dynamic. For instance, you might find a film set where a limousine arrives in the morning, and new script pages are handed out through the window. Or, producers on set could have multiple versions of the same script open, picking lines from each one to create a scene. Sometimes, a studio will send an actor to the set in the morning, and the day’s entire scene is rewritten to accommodate a last-minute cast addition. This gives the impression that everything was decided years ago, but in reality, such changes happen frequently in Marvel and DC films.
The Franchise Had to Pick Specific, Non-Superhero Actors
Investing a substantial sum into an HBO comedy series that critically mocks the studios that create superhero films, given that HBO itself is now among those studios, inevitably risks straining relationships. Throughout the audition phase, Brown and HBO’s representatives exercised caution in selecting actors, deliberately avoiding those associated with prominent superhero franchises. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule – Daniel Brühl (Zemo from the MCU) and Aya Cash (Stormfront in ‘The Boys’) are part of the cast for ‘The Franchise’, but the majority of the actors are largely disconnected from the superhero genre. Brown elaborated on this decision:
It’s quite challenging to discover actors capable of portraying convincing superheroes, as they need both the right physique and the appropriate demeanor. These actors should ideally have experience in related roles.
In the premiere of “The Franchise,” Sam Mendes (famous for “1917”) takes the helm as director. During an interview, Mendes shared insights about his involvement in the series, expressing that working on any significant franchise, not just superhero movies, can be quite madcap. In his own words:
As I delve into the world of creating films within the [franchise], let me tell you, it’s a rollercoaster ride that swings between the absurd and the chaotic. Decisions, at times, feel like they’re being made by the flip of a coin or the toss of a die – precarious balancing on a knife’s edge is the norm.
The Franchise
premieres on HBO on October 6.
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2024-09-19 17:01