Three Superhero Movies On Netflix That Need Their Own Franchises
When it comes to superhero franchises, it makes sense to start that line of thinking with the Marvel Cinematic Universe and what’s coming (and has come) from DC. Those are the powerhouses. But there are some movies on Netflix now that are ripe for a superhero franchise of films.
Let’s take a look at three flicks on Netflix that definitely need another movie in the series, if not more. Some have them coming and others we are waiting to see.
Project Power
In Project Power, New Orleans becomes the testing ground for a new pill that grants users unpredictable superpowers for five minutes. Jamie Foxx plays Art, a former soldier who’s on a mission to find and rescue his kidnapped daughter, the key to the power pill’s mystery.
Teaming up with a local cop (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and a teenage dealer named Robin (Dominique Fishback), Art delves deep into the underbelly of the city, facing off against nefarious figures who seek to control and exploit the pill’s immense potential.
The allure of Project Power isn’t just the unpredictability of the superhero powers (though watching users discover their abilities, or lack thereof, offers a thrilling roulette of outcomes). It’s also in its commentary on power dynamics, societal inequalities, and the lengths to which people will go for a taste of power.
Set against the rich backdrop of New Orleans, the story mixes the charm of the city with the gritty reality of its streets, offering a unique setting not often seen in superhero films.
As for the potential of a franchise, the universe of Project Power is ripe for exploration. The concept of the power pill opens doors to numerous storylines: where did it come from? What other abilities are out there? How does society change in the wake of such a discovery?
And as characters like Art and Robin develop, there’s potential for deeper dives into their backgrounds and the moral complexities of using such superhero powers.
With its unique take on superhuman abilities and a world that mirrors our own yet teeters on the edge of fantastical, Project Power lays the groundwork for a series that could delve deep into the ramifications of power in all its forms.
The Old Guard
In The Old Guard, viewers are thrown into a covert world of immortal superhero warriors led by the indomitable Andy (played by the ever-charismatic Charlize Theron). These fighters have seen and shaped centuries of history, healing from wounds that would kill any mortal.
But in the modern age, where every move can be surveilled and every secret unveiled, they find themselves at risk when their unique abilities are exposed.
As they combat those who seek to exploit their immortality, they also discover Nile (KiKi Layne), a new immortal, whom they must integrate into their age-old team.
The movie splendidly blurs the lines between action-packed sequences and introspective moments, tackling questions of immortality, purpose, and the burdens of living through countless lifetimes.
Theron’s Andy stands at the heart of it all, a battle-hardened leader grappling with millennia of memories and the weariness of outliving everyone she’s ever known.
But it’s not all gloom. The camaraderie of the team, especially between characters Joe and Nicky, provides warmth and humor in the face of their challenges.
Given the film’s success and the rich universe it introduces, it’s thrilling to know that a sequel is in the works. The Old Guard presents a wealth of history to delve into, from Andy’s origins to the many eras the team has traversed. Plus, the ending sets up new challenges and adversaries for our immortal heroes.
With such a rich tapestry of stories available from the past and the promise of future confrontations, The Old Guard could easily shape itself into a memorable and compelling franchise, cementing Theron’s Andy as one of the iconic action heroes of this generation.
Code 8
In the gritty, near-futuristic world of Code 8, society looks quite familiar – except for the 4% of its population born with various supernatural abilities. These “Power Enabled” individuals, instead of being lauded superheroes, are marginalized and often find themselves pushed into lives of poverty and crime.
The story zeroes in on a young electric-powered man, Connor Reed, portrayed by Robbie Amell. Struggling to pay for his ailing mother’s health treatment, he’s lured into a criminal world of heists and high-risk jobs.
Enter Garrett, an enigmatic figure played by Robbie’s real-life cousin, Stephen Amell, who ropes Connor into a world of increasingly dangerous undertakings.
The movie offers a refreshing and raw twist to the oversaturated superhero genre. While most films in this category play on grand scales of global or universal threats, Code 8 keeps it grounded and personal.
The city’s super-powered residents aren’t fighting intergalactic foes; they’re battling societal discrimination, economic despair, and an aggressive militarized police force.
It’s a tale of two cousins, both on and off the screen, navigating an oppressive world where superpowers are more a curse than a blessing.
Given the unique angle and the profound themes the movie introduces, along with the on-screen chemistry between the Amell cousins, there’s a pulsating energy that suggests Code 8 could spiral into a captivating series or franchise.
The foundation has been laid, and as the credits roll, viewers are left with the hope of diving deeper into the universe of Lincoln City and its “Power Enabled” denizens. With Robbie and Stephen Amell at the helm, the potential for an enthralling, character-driven saga is palpable.
