The annual Comic Con in San Diego, California, has become a staple pilgrimage to fan and film alike, in the world of modern film and television. What started as a platform for tv or films solely devoted to comics, fantasy or sci fi, have now expanded to include any project with a strong enough fan-base to warrant a place at the convention.
Sutdios and filmmakers alike have rejoiced at the opportunity to discuss and advertise their projects for low costs. A good showing at the convention can cause a firestorm of buzz on the internet and amongst fan circles that can spell success for an otherwise unknown production.
Marvel Studios is a prime example of a company that owes a huge amount of its success to the industry convention. The buzz created by Jon Favreau and the Iron Man team in the lead up to the film's release is the most successful example of how a small production can build buzz and interest to a fever pitch prior to its release.
But now Marvel Studios Panels at Comic Con will face something they haven't before. A serious vein of criticism and anger towards their recent decisions. This is a key moment for both Comic Con and Fandom in general.
Until now, the nature of the convention has meant that a production or studio preaching to the converted when they talk about their films- a converted who are so greatful to see their beloved stories brought to life and taken seriously, that they're willing to give the producers a lot of leeway. But not this time. This time we're seeing a company that has already released two of its own films to critical acclaim, and is currently producing and filming several more. And now, less then a month away from the live panels for Thor and Captain America- Marvel Studios has announced that they will re-cast Bruce Banner for the upcoming Avengers. Despite strong fan support for Ed Norton's performance in the 2006 "the Incredible Hulk".
Kevin Feige will likely face repeated questions about how and why he decided to pull an oscar nominated actor, who has expressed a deep passion for the role of Bruce Banner, off the Avengers lineup- when fans are clearly in support of Norton. I can't help but hope (somewhat childishly) that he'll get boo'ed off the stage.
Perhaps unwittingly, Marvel is setting itself up to have to answer for its actions- and for the underlying tension growing between fans and the studio. If fans are sufficiently vocal with their outrage, Marvel will likely reconsider its lineup for future conventions- pulling any producers from the spotlight and only showcasing directors and actors.
Personally, I hope that the anger and frustration fans feel will be shouted from the rooftops. Marvel has billed itself as a studio that cares about what we think, that makes decisions with our opinions in mind. Well they're going to hear what we have to say July 22-25. And they're going to wish they didn't f_uck with us...
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