Marvel Exec Talks Hulk 2, Punisher 2
How likely are sequels to these films that disappointed at the box office?
Marvel Vice Chairman Peter Cuneo told Motley Fool that "disappointing" isn't a term he'd use for Hulk or The Punisher.
"Well, I don't agree with you that The Hulk was disappointing or Punisher," Cuneo told the stock watchers' Web site. "The Hulk did $250 million worldwide box, which is a huge box, and as you may recall, we had tremendous success with our toy line, which was a complete sellout, over $100 million worldwide. Our licensing was also very, very strong, and we had a complete sell-through of all of the consumer products associated with Hulk. So from our point of view, while some people may have been predicting higher box office, we were very thrilled with Hulk, and Hulk 2 is currently being worked on. That is the ultimate test for success or failure. If films make money, then there will be sequels. So Hulk 2 is being worked on now by Universal.
"In addition, The Punisher was a relatively small-budget movie. It was an R-rated movie, which always limits the box office. Now regardless of what people thought of the box office on Punisher, we have had very good results with the DVD, and THQ has just released a video game, and it is doing extremely well. So in the end, Marvel will make money from The Punisher franchise, and once again, Punisher 2 is being worked on right now by Lions Gate," Cuneo said.
Click here to read Cuneo's comments about Elektra.