Does the success of ‘Deadpool’ mean we’ll get more R-Rated superhero films?

Hello, fellow moviegoers!
   When the idea of a Deadpool film was pitched to 20th Century Fox, they were extremely apprehensive, understandably so. Deadpool is arguably one of the most popular characters among comic-book readers. However, when it comes to the average movie going audience, nobody knows who he is. At least, they didn’t. One of the best marketing campaigns in history later, Deadpool is unexpectedly smashing box-office records around the globe.
   Not only was Deadpool’s $135 million opening the biggest opening weekend for an R-Rated film ever, but also the largest opening for a comic book film introducing a brand-new character, and the biggest opening weekend for 20th Century Fox (who gave us all the X-Men films, and pre-Disney Star Wars). So with all of the success that Deadpool is having, does this mean that we’ll be seeing a lot more R-Rated superhero films in the future?

    Before Deadpool, mature films based upon comic books weren't the most successful. While 2009’s Watchmen was a critical success, when it came to the box-office it barely broke even. In today’s world, the audience for superhero films is multi-generational. So an R-Rated superhero film alienates an enormous part of its audience. Which is why most studios typically won’t invest millions of dollars in a film like that.
   However, everything we thought we knew just changed. Deadpool is currently on track to be one of the most successful superhero movies yet! A whole new field of comic book films has just been opened up. We can expect to see more R-Rated superhero movies in the very near future.
  It looks like Deadpool has a good chance to become a really big franchise. We do know that Fox is fast-tracking Deadpool 2, and it will feature fan-favorite character Cable. Also, we know that there has been movement on an X-Force film. So, I believe that after Deadpool 2 we will get an R-Rated X-Force film. It will be the first R-Rated superhero team-up film, and it will star Deadpool.
   These R-Rated superhero films won’t be exclusively X-Men. In the past few days, it has been revealed that Todd McFarlane has finished a script for an R-Rated film based on Spawn. However, this won’t be rated R for the same reasons as Deadpool. Spawn is going to be an R-Rated horror comic book film. However, just because a script is finished doesn’t mean the film will actually be made. Anyone can write a script, but I do think that Deadpool’s success definitely helps.
   Although there have been no other announcements for R-Rated comic book films, there are definitely conversations going on. Maybe Marvel Studios will decide to give it a shot. They have recently reacquired the films rights to Blade, or maybe they’ll decide to go with an unknown character such a Moonknight. While I don’t think DC is going to be developing an R-Rated film soon (as they are still trying to get a foothold), maybe somewhere down the line we’ll see an R-Rated Killing Joke film?
   Deadpool has completely changed the game when it comes to the superhero genre. It has shown that an R-Rated comic book film works, and it works well if it is marketed correctly. We will be seeing plenty more R-Rated superhero films in the future, so prepare yourselves.

   So what effect on the superhero genre do you think Deadpool will have? What comic book characters would you like to see given the R-Rated treatment? Let me know by commenting on this post! Also, if you enjoyed this article, share it on Facebook and Twitter. It really helps! Don’t forget, I post every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, so check back then for more movie reviews and miscellaneous movie thoughts!
 
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