{"id":7723,"date":"2019-05-22T16:13:54","date_gmt":"2019-05-22T23:13:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog-proxy.atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/?p=7723"},"modified":"2019-05-24T11:00:36","modified_gmt":"2019-05-24T18:00:36","slug":"the-freaky-history-of-superhero-horror-movies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/history-of-superhero-horror-movies\/","title":{"rendered":"The Freaky History Of Superhero Horror Movies"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Brightburn<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is delivering a horror-bent twist to the familiar Superman origin story this weekend, and it&#8217;s got a lot of people excited about the idea of injecting horror into the superhero cinema landscape. But horror and superheroes have been mixing it up at the movies for almost forty years. The two genres aren&#8217;t actually strange bedfellows. In fact, superhero horror movies have showcased some of the best of both worlds over the years. Let&#8217;s take a look back at how\u00a0creepshows\u00a0with capes have made their mark in cinema history.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Marshes and Mutations: The \u201880s<\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aIiZFa4xw5w?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Though comic books had long embraced the idea of mashing together superheroes and horror, it wasn\u2019t until 1982 that this particular genre blend made its way to the big screen. After making his name with controversial fare like\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Last House on the Left<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Hills Have Eyes<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, Wes Craven became attached to\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Swamp Thing<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, an adaptation of the cult favorite comic book by Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson. Craven wrote and directed the film with the intention of showcasing his variety as a filmmaker. Still, the finished movie featured enough monster fare that it still felt at home in the horror genre.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Swamp Thing<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0received a decent critical reception and became a beloved gem thanks to home video and numerous airings on cable stations.\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Swamp Thing<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0was successful enough to earn a sequel,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Return of Swamp Thing<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, in 1989. Though this follow-up leaned more on a cartoonish tone (and a noticeably lower budget), it still managed to find a following once it hit video. It\u2019s fair to call\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Swamp Thing<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0the grandfather of superhero horror movies.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/27E4Qfj7iEY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Swamp Thing<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is the grandfather, then\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Toxic Avenger<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0would be the kooky uncle that lets you watch all the movies your parents won\u2019t allow you to see. Directed by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael\u00a0Herz, the founders of\u00a0Troma\u00a0Entertainment, 1984\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Toxic Avenger<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is a trashy parody of superhero stories and over-the-top monster movies. The film is filled to the brim with scuzzy characters, ridiculous gore, and a charmingly juvenile sense of humor. The movie became an essential watch for lovers of\u00a0slimeball\u00a0cinema, and it spawned three sequels and a children\u2019s cartoon (which is kind of insane).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The \u201880s might not have been the heyday of superhero horror, but these two entries set a foundation that would help the sub-genre grow in the following decade\u2026<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Superhero Horror Rises, Falls, and Rises Again: The \u201890s\u00a0<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With the gargantuan success of Tim Burton\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Batman<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in 1989 &#8212; one could argue Burton\u2019s film returned the Caped Crusader back to his horror-tinged roots &#8212; superheroes and comic book adaptations were getting scooped up by movie studios. And thanks to\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Batman<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2019s darker tone, it meant that a number of new superhero films would be rubbing elbows with the horror genre.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/W8oGHvO2RgU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Before he\u2019d change superhero cinema forever with his\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Spider-Man<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0films, Sam Raimi created his own masked vigilante in 1990 with\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Darkman<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Inspired by the classic Universal Monsters like the Invisible Man and Frankenstein,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Darkman<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0mixes mad science with mobster mayhem to create a wholly unique and dynamic experience that still holds up today. Thanks to strong reviews and an impressive performance at the box office,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Darkman<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0would get two direct-to-video sequels and cement itself as the first great superhero horror film of the 1990s.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cNvd0bB4nPM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">However, it was 1994\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Crow<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0that would take superhero horror to a new height. Adapted from James\u00a0O\u2019Barr\u2019s\u00a0underground comic, director Alex Proyas brought incredible style and mood to this story about an avenging spirit. Tragically, lead actor Brandon Lee was injured on set and died during surgery. Even though this horrific accident will always cast a shadow over the movie,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Crow<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0yet again proved that critics and audiences were ready to support superhero horror. Unfortunately, this would also usher in a period of superhero horror that wasn\u2019t quite as warmly received.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/l0lbmUaooSw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The first film that didn\u2019t quite land the way it should have was\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Shadow<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Released barely two months after\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Crow<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, this celebration of pulpy action couldn\u2019t find its footing with audiences or critics. To be fair, director Russell Mulcahy brings a ton of impressive flair to the film, but it never definitively commits to either a darker noir tone or flighty fun. Still, it\u2019s maintained a steady stream of support over the years though it\u2019s certainly the movie that leans the least into its horror elements.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZzpJ4Cstbpg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">But if you\u2019re looking for the real stinker of superhero horror, it\u2019s going to be a movie you&#8217;ve likely never heard of. Directed by Jim\u00a0Wynorski\u00a0(who also helmed\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Return of Swamp Thing<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) and based on the comic book character created by Forrest J. Ackerman and Trina Robbins,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Vampirella<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0was a direct-to-video cheapie released in 1996 that starred Talisa Soto \u2013 most movie fans will recognize her as Princess\u00a0Kitana\u00a0from\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mortal Kombat<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mortal Kombat: Annihilation<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u2013 and Roger Daltrey. Yes, the lead singer of The Who was the vampiric villain in the clunky superhero horror movie. Even\u00a0Wynorski\u00a0has disowned this movie and says it\u2019s the one film he regrets making. Only those with the strongest stomachs for bad,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">bad<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0movies should track this one down.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JQchtOZsOpo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">And yet, the theater wasn\u2019t exactly delivering top-notch superhero horror either. In 1997, Todd McFarlane\u2019s monstrous superhero Spawn made his big screen debut in\u2026 well,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Spawn<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Director Mark A.Z.\u00a0Dipp\u00e9\u00a0made his directorial debut with this digital effects extravaganza. While it did decent business at the box office, critics tore\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Spawn<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to shreds and its reputation seems to have only gotten worse over the years. The \u201890s started off strong for superhero horror, but\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Spawn<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0almost ended the sub-genre on a low note for the decade, thanks in large part to the movie&#8217;s ambitious special effects outpacing the technology of the time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cNEXUOoL400?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Until, that is, a little movie from director Stephen Norrington brought a Marvel Comics character to life.\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Blade<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0sliced its way into theaters in 1998 and the superhero movie renaissance began in full. Starring Wesley Snipes as a vampire hunter who is also half-vampire,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Blade<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0perfectly blended crowd-pleasing action with gonzo horror and gore in a way that audiences had never seen before. It was a\u00a0bonafide\u00a0smash hit and paved the way for comic book cinema to be taken seriously as blockbuster events. It\u2019d end up receiving two sequels and continues to be one of the highlights of superhero movies, horror or otherwise.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The \u201890s had some high highs and some low lows, but it was the decade that really set the bar for superhero movies. Who would have thought things would only get better?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Mainstream Mania: The \u201800s<\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/R20724MykwI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">By the \u201800s, superhero horror movies were hitting their stride with wide audiences. Still, there would always be lesser known fare making its way to home video.\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Faust: Love of the Damned<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0was a direct-to-video adaptation of an extreme underground comic by Tim Vigil and David Quinn. Even though it seems like a riff on\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Spawn<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Faust: Love of the Damned<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0actually predated\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Spawn<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2019s creation. This was developed by director Brian\u00a0Yuzna, the demented genius behind goopy cult classics like\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Society<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Though it flew under the radar, it\u2019s begun to get some love from fans of wacky effects films. It\u2019s not for everybody (it might not be for most people), but it\u2019s a bloody little gem in the superhero horror sub-genre.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/R_f1uCWKZQs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As far as the mainstream was concerned, superhero horror had gotten to a point where a clever filmmaker could do something incredibly fresh with the genre. Enter M. Night Shyamalan and\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unbreakable<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Hot off the success of his horror film\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Sixth Sense<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, Shyamalan applied his twisty storytelling techniques to the superhero archetype and created a thriller that is often regarded as one of the best superhero films ever made. And thanks to\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unbreakable<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2019s\u00a0sequels,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Split<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Glass<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, this retroactive first entry in a trilogy has become even more beloved over time. It might not seem like a horror movie at first, but just wait until that final act where things get much darker than you expect.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kA9vtXbbhVs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unbreakable<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0was too subtle with its horror influences,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hellboy<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0was an all-out explosion of effects-heavy monsters and comic book action. Guillermo del Toro directed this 2004 ode to creature craziness, adapting the widely acclaimed comic series by Mike\u00a0Mignola. Though its box office wasn\u2019t stellar,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hellboy<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0found favor when it hit home video and fans were able to pore over the incredible effects work and charming performances. The 2008 sequel,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hellboy\u00a0II: The Golden Army<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, would receive a similar reception and has gained newfound appreciation in the years since its release, often being cited as one of the most underrated superhero movies of all time. They\u00a0ain\u2019t\u00a0wrong.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3fdRKme00uI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">2004 also brought audiences\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Van\u00a0Helsing<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, a Universal monsters mashup directed by Stephen Sommers. Sommers had found enormous success with his new version of\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Mummy<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and he had Hugh Jackman in the title role as a badass monster hunter. What could go wrong? Well,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Van\u00a0Helsing<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0ended up being pretty despised by critics and its overall success at the box office relied on international audiences to turn a profit. It was clearly positioned to be a franchise starter &#8212; there was an animated prequel film &#8212; but its lackluster reception made it fairly dead on arrival.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oU4moy3Wz4c?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Wanting to get back into the business of superhero horror, DC Comics got Francis Lawrence to direct an adaptation of\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Constantine<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, based on the rakish sorcerer character created by Alan Moore. Fans were perturbed since the comic book John Constantine was a blonde Englishman and the 2005 film turned him into a smoldering American played by Keanu Reeves, while critics were mixed on the movie\u2019s darker tone and nasty spirit. It was another case of home video helping a movie find its audience, and\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Constantine<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0maintains a significant following to this day. It\u2019s pretty crazy to look back and think that a studio would spend $100 million on a movie where a chain-smoking magician does battle with a demon made out of bugs. That happens in the movie!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KR1uw4IAe6I?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Meanwhile, Marvel had a TV movie\/direct-to-video adaptation of\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Man-Thing<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0hit the same year as\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Constantine<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Man-Thing is kind of Marvel\u2019s version of Swamp Thing, and the response to the movie was not exactly positive. It was considered for theatrical release, but disastrous test screenings forced Marvel to sell it off to the Sci-Fi Channel (now SYFY) instead. It\u2019s not a terrible movie but it\u2019s definitely not on par with many of the other entries in superhero horror. This one is for die-hards only.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tp12CD2A4NA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Marvel would bounce back with\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ghost Rider<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in 2007, just a year before the Marvel Cinematic Universe would kick off with\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Iron Man<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Starring Nicolas Cage as the Spirit of Vengeance, the movie was written and directed by\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Daredevil<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0writer\/director Mark Steven Johnson. While still firmly planted in heroic action and a fun tone,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ghost Rider<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0never let up with its horror elements. It did good business but critics were pretty savage. Even though it would get an even edgier (and less successful) sequel in 2011,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ghost Rider<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is another movie like\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Shadow<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0that doesn\u2019t feel like it can decide what sandbox it wants to play in. Still, you get Nicolas Cage going full Nicolas Cage and that\u2019s always a treat.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The \u201800s were a wild time for superhero horror, but most movies in the sub-genre were trying to be as broadly appealing as they could be. This led to them leaning more toward superhero fare and less toward horror. Would things change once 2010 rolled around?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>The State of Superhero Horror: The \u201810s and Beyond<\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_l0zSd_DQQ4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This decade got off to a rocky start with another DC Comics adaptation:\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Jonah Hex<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Directed by Jimmy Hayward, this Western spin on supernatural action\/horror had a solid cast and some good production value, but it fell into that same trap of pushing its horror elements to the side in favor of a more mass appeal mood. You\u2019ll see good turns from Josh Brolin and Michael Fassbender, but this felt like a remnant of the previous decade.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/i-M5Qx57_UU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Taking inspiration from horror films like\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Carrie<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and comic book storytelling, 2012 brought us\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Chronicle<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0from director Josh Trank. This found-footage approach to a group of teens that develop telekinetic superpowers was a bold new approach to the story, and it went to some surprisingly dark places. It ended up being a sleeper hit and critics heaped praise on this bizarre little hybrid movie. Its success would lead Trank to direct an adaptation of one of the most famous superhero teams of all time.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/e-BVs-KCSiA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Josh Trank\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fantastic Four<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0was released in 2015 but it seems like it\u2019s been ages since its debut. The film was roundly derided by critics and audiences had little to no interest in a grim take on superheroes while the Marvel Cinematic Universe was in full swing. Trank\u2019s original vision for the movie was supposed to be inspired by David Cronenberg, applying a body horror take on the classic superhero family that echoed their comic book origins. Elements of that remain in the finished film, but it\u2019s apparent that the studio attempted to reshape Trank\u2019s movie into something more commercial and less horror-focused. It\u2019s a shame we\u2019ll never get to see the intended version of\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fantastic Four<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, but what we\u2019re left with is a fascinating example of a studio getting cold feet with something they didn\u2019t understand.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Besides the sequels that have been previously mentioned, the \u201810s have been sorely lacking in superhero horror fare. This might have something to do with the rise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and superheroes being viewed as more marketable and palatable properties. But, the sub-genre is making a comeback in the later part of the \u201810s.\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Venom<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0was a huge success in 2018, and Sony is currently in production on another horror-flavored character from the Spider-Man universe,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Morbius<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. We just got a brand new\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atomtickets.com\/movies\/hellboy\/263100\"><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hellboy<\/span><\/i><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0film, and we\u2019re waiting to see what will happen with the unabashedly creepy\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atomtickets.com\/movies\/the-new-mutants\/242618\"><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The New Mutants<\/span><\/i><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Brightburn<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is looking to be a big deal for the sub-genre. And craziest of all, the two films that kickstarted this whole endeavor &#8212;\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Swamp Thing<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Toxic Avenger<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0&#8212; are getting revived as a streaming series and a remake, respectively. It all comes full circle.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Superhero horror is here to stay, and it\u2019s exciting to see\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Brightburn<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0leading the way for all new forays into this niche. It just goes to show that putting superpowers and scares together can be a win-win for both genres.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>Brightburn<\/em> is in theaters this weekend. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.atomtickets.com\/movies\/brightburn\/280997\">Get your tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Brightburn\u00a0is delivering a horror-bent twist to the familiar Superman origin story this weekend, and it&#8217;s got a lot of people excited about the idea of injecting horror into the superhero cinema landscape. But horror and superheroes have been mixing it up at the movies for almost forty years. The two genres aren&#8217;t actually strange bedfellows. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":7749,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[50,58],"tags":[40,37],"class_list":["post-7723","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-editorial","category-horror","tag-featuredpage","tag-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7723","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7723"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7723\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7750,"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7723\/revisions\/7750"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7749"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7723"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7723"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atomtickets.com\/movie-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7723"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}