For the better part of fifty years, John Wayne graced films with his presence, primarily in Western films. In some cases, he was doing three or four movies every year. Why is this relevant now? Since 2008, we have seen a substantial spike in superhero related movies. It has grown to such a point that 28 superhero movies are slated to come out between now and 2020. Taking this into consideration, it is safe to say that the superhero movie is the new Western.
Westerns, like superhero movies, have a common element: a hero trying to overcome a dastardly villain, an "outlaw" as it were. The advantage that superhero movies have is that they can take place in a wide variety of places with a vast array of characters, whether it's a billionaire with various gadgets, a Son of Krypton, a virtuous solider, or a Man Without Fear who is always fighting for justice. While Westerns have shaped previous generations, teaching to be courageous, superhero films now shape ours. It starts off innocently enough, staring starry-eyed with our childish wonder, always wanting to see the good defeat evil. The superhero movie now indirectly influences our values in adulthood, inspiring us to stand up for people that maybe we otherwise wouldn't have. They can also bring to light commentary on the various social issues of our time, such as rights for LGBT people, government surveillance/big data collection, and matters of race. Superhero films help us make sense of the world around us.
Paradigms shift and the methods are different, but themes remain the same. Westerns often had one man fighting against many in pursuit of what "the right thing" was. For both generations we have sets of films that inspire us as people to be better than what we are while at the same time having our beliefs challenged and being given the tools to stand firm in our convictions.
Westerns and superheroes have intertwined before, with Marvel having comics such as the Phantom Rider and Kid Colt and DC with Jonah Hex. In 2010, there was a Jonah Hex film starring Josh Brolin. While the film itself didn't do well, it still showed two fantastic genres coming together. For the record, I would support Marvel coming out with a Western. The Marvel label itself sells films. Don't believe me? Take a look at "Guardians of the Galaxy."
Unfortunately, there is also the belief in over-saturation. We have to ask ourselves: are there TOO MANY superhero movies? Are we going to get sick of the superhero? And if we do, then what would take its place? Westerns have gone to wayside and I have to wonder if this fantastic group of movies will be gone next. The other leg up that superhero movies have over Westerns is they can cross many different genres: dramas, comedies, dramdies, etc. It is for this reason as well as the social commentary they provide will be the reason superhero movies will soar to new heights.
This is another article I wrote for The Odyssey. The original article can be found here.