Vin Diesel hopes that his new movie Hasbro's planned shared universe, and more all attempting to replicate what Marvel Studios accomplished.
The latest attempt at a shared universe begins with Bloodshot, a Vin Diesel-led superhero movie that is based on one of Valiant Comics' most recognizable anti-heroes. The character made his comic debut in 1992 as a creation of Kevin VanHook, Don Perlin, and Bob Layton. Known initially as Angelo Mortalli, Bloodshot has starred in multiple solo series and Valiant crossovers, with his name eventually becoming Ray Garrison. The former soldier gains enhanced abilities through the nanites running through his bloodstream.
For Sony's big-screen adaptation directed by Dave Wilson, Bloodshot sticks rather closely to the source material. The film follows Diesel's Ray Garrison as he gets revenge on the people he believes murdered his wife. However, he soon learns that these memories are manipulated by RST, the company that saved his life with the nanites, and he is being tricked into killing whomever is next up on the hit list of RST boss Dr. Emil Harting (Guy Pearce). Now that Bloodshot is out in theaters, the hopes of a Valiant shared universe may depend on the success of this film - and unfortunately it doesn't appear to be the cinematic universe starter those involved hoped it could be.
Bloodshot Wants To Start A Shared Universe
When Sony began development on Bloodshot, the plan was for the film to be part of the first wave of movies in a Valiant cinematic universe. After having trouble getting the had a Harbinger movie in the works that was set to kickstart the universe, with Bloodshot in position to be the second installment. However, after having a difficult time getting Harbinger off the ground, Bloodshot moved forward and was repositioned as the start of the Valiant universe.
Even though Bloodshot doesn't explicitly set up a shared universe he wanted the film to launch the universe, giving him another potentially major franchise to be a part of. Although Valiant's characters are highly regarded among comic readers, they are not that well known to the general public. As a result, Bloodshot focused on a self-contained story that could get audiences around the world on board with Diesel's new hero.
With a star like Diesel attached and a mid-sized budget, that approach should work in theory. Unlike a potential cinematic universe starter like KT (Eiza González), and Wilfred Wagins (Lamorne Morris) drive off into the sunset.
Valiant's Next Movie Isn't A Sony Production
Unfortunately for Bloodshot, the film is no longer associated with any other potential movie adaptations of Valiant Comics - outside of a possible sequel. When Sony was developing its Valiant Cinematic Universe, multiple characters were in line to get their own movie. A movie based around the plus-sized hero Faith was in development, and Dave Bautista was previously linked to a potential moved on from the Valiant Comics library of characters last year.
It was announced in late 2019 that Sony had sold the rights to the remaining Valiant characters to Paramount. After Bloodshot producer Neal Moritz (who previously worked with Diesel on the Fast & Furious franchise before suing Paramount for ousting him from films) left Sony for Paramount, he convinced Paramount to buy the Valiant rights from his former studio home. This deal was agreed to after it was decided that Bloodshot was not essential to shared universe plans. There hasn't been much news on what future awaits other Valiant characters since this announcement, although Harbinger is believed to be first up and not associated with Bloodshot.
The Harbinger movie is currently being redeveloped by Paramount with Dylan O'Brien and Noah Centineo were among the names in consideration to play the lead role of Pete Stancheck, one of the most powerful people in the Valiant universe, who has telepathic and telekinetic abilities. Although Sony's Valiant movie might struggle, Paramount could still manage to launch a shared universe with its own films.
Bloodshot Is Set To Bomb At The Box Office
Although two different studios now have pieces of Valiant Comics' library, adapting the characters to the big screen isn't getting off to the best start. Sony is currently watching as Bloodshot's box office potential craters. The film is projected to open below $10 million domestically in its first weekend, and the spread of coronavirus is only further hurting its odds. Diesel's movies traditionally perform very well overseas, but Bloodshot's worldwide rollout is struggling as theaters around the world have closed down. Whenever the world and the movie industry goes back to normal, it might be too late for Bloodshot to find an audience. That said, there is a chance that the film could benefit from a lack of competition as the threat of coronavirus goes away, following multiple other films getting delayed. With a reported budget of only $45M, usual box office math says the film needs to reach around $135M worldwide to become profitable.
The chances of Bloodshot breaking even don't look good, which normally would likely spell the end of a Valiant cinematic universe. However, this box office performance will more than likely just hurt the chances of Bloodshot 2 happening. With Paramount controlling the other Valiant properties and understanding the impact coronavirus is having on the box office, the studio might not be too worried about Bloodshot's performance - unless they believe the film's poor reception will lessen excitement for future Valiant films. But,since Harbinger and other films aren't expected to crossover with Bloodshot, it is unlikely most audiences will even associate them with each other. So, even though Bloodshot won't be the reason for a Valiant shared universe beginning, it shouldn't also negate the chance of one still being created at Paramount.
