The Drinker Fixes... Supergirl (How NOT To Tank Your Movie)

Overview

This episode critiques the handling of the upcoming Supergirl movie within the broader context of the DC Universe's struggles. It explores the challenges of superhero fatigue, the poor track record of female-led superhero films, and the pitfalls of modern PR strategies. The host offers actionable advice for improving the film's chances of success, while also reflecting on broader issues in Hollywood.

Notable Quotes

- The media aren’t your friends, and the paying customers aren’t your enemies. Treat both accordingly. – The Critical Drinker, on navigating PR and audience relations.

- Supergirl is a lame duck. The only way it can succeed is by riding the momentum of a strong and successful franchise. – The Critical Drinker, on the film's commercial challenges.

- Actors today don’t just have to perform in the film anymore. They also have to be borderline professional hype-men, PR gurus, and politicians all rolled into one. – The Critical Drinker, on the modern demands placed on actors.

🎥 The Decline of Superhero Movies

- Superhero fatigue is real, with audience interest waning due to market oversaturation.

- The MCU's box office dominance has sharply declined, with only two billion-dollar films since 2019, both relying heavily on nostalgia.

- Female-led superhero films have a poor track record, with only three of nine major releases in the past decade turning a profit (Captain Marvel, Wakanda Forever, Wonder Woman).

- The host argues that Supergirl is unlikely to succeed in this environment, especially without the support of a strong franchise foundation.

🦸‍♀️ Supergirl’s Market Challenges

- Supergirl lacks the cultural ubiquity of Superman, whose global recognition has been built over nearly a century.

- Previous Supergirl adaptations, such as the 1984 film and the CW TV series, failed to achieve significant mainstream success.

- The host suggests that DC should have prioritized solo films for heavy-hitters like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman before introducing secondary characters like Supergirl.

📰 The Media and Controversy

- The media thrives on controversy, often baiting actors into making polarizing statements to generate headlines.

- The host highlights how Millie Ook’s comments about online reactions to her role in Supergirl were sensationalized, overshadowing the broader context of her interview.

- A simple, neutral response from actors could avoid unnecessary backlash and keep the focus on the film itself.

🎭 The Role of Actors in PR

- Modern actors are expected to juggle multiple roles beyond acting, including PR and damage control.

- Poorly handled interviews, like those of Rachel Zegler and Brie Larson, can derail a film’s promotional campaign.

- The host emphasizes the importance of media training for young and inexperienced actors to prevent PR disasters.

💡 Recommendations for Fixing Supergirl

1. Adjust Expectations: Recognize Supergirl’s limited box office potential and either reduce its budget or release it later in the slate alongside stronger films.

2. Media Strategy: Treat the media with caution and focus on building goodwill with paying customers.

3. Actor Preparedness: Provide actors with robust media training to avoid controversial statements that could harm the film’s prospects.