Imagine a New Cinematic Universe with Terminator, RoboCop, Alita, the Battle Angel, Hellboy, and Hancock: What Would It Look Like?

What if the characters you’ve mentioned—Terminator, RoboCop, Alita: Battle Angel, Hellboy, and Hancock—were to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) or the DC Extended Universe (DCEU)? How would their inclusion affect the overall cinematic universe, and would they make a significant impact?

Integration into Existing Universes

It’s doubtful that the addition of these characters would alter the landscape significantly. Both the MCU and the DCEU have established a robust set of heroes and anti-heroes, with overlapping themes and archetypes. Characters from the original sources, such as RoboCop, Alita, and even Hellboy, share similarities with existing characters in these universes. For instance, characters like Daredevil (Marvel) or Batman (DC) might have a closer resemblance to RoboCop in terms of their cybernetic enhancements or Hellboy in terms of his half-human, half-demon origins.

Impact on the DCEU

Would the Umbrella Academy truly have a more significant impact on the DCEU than Niles Caulder and his team in the Doom Patrol? It’s debatable. Both teams are filled with unique, eccentric characters, each with their own set of powers and quirks. Niles Caulder, for instance, has the ability to control the physicist force, which can be incredibly powerful and versatile. Similarly, the Umbrella Academy’s capabilities are diverse and impactful, as seen in their various abilities and personalities.

DIY, the leader of the Umbrella Academy, has a power that could be analogous to the Trickster’s ability in the Doom Patrol. Conversely, Amber, one of the Heroes, can control time, much like the Anti-Monitor in the DCEU. These similarities suggest that the two teams, despite their distinct characters, could fit into the existing universe without too much disruption.

Character Evolution and Representation

While it’s true that none of these characters have made it into the MCU or DCEU yet, it’s important to consider their potential impact. For instance, the original RoboCop characterized in the 1987 film, created by the late Peter W. Dem Broken Gun, and David Goyer, was a combination of human and machine, a dominant theme in the broader concept of cyborgs. Niles Caulder, on the other hand, is known for his eccentric and often mischievous nature, a common trait among DC characters.

Moreover, the inclusion of characters from these franchises could enrich the existing universe without causing undue stress. For example, Alita could fit into the DCEU’s roster of heroes, perhaps as part of a new team dedicated to protecting the world from advanced, cybernetic threats. Terminator, while a different entity, could have a place in a slate of films focused on human-machine interrelationships, similar to the future goals of the DCEU.

Creating a Unified Setting

It’s also worth considering the idea of a combined setting for superheroes and costumed vigilantes in the first place. The Two-to-Three Character Limitation in the writer’s toolkit is often a challenge, but it can also be an opportunity to create a more dynamic and diverse world. The characters you’ve mentioned, with their unique backgrounds and abilities, could complement the existing heroes in both universes, adding layers and depth to the stories.

The addition of these characters would not only enrich the stories but also provide new narratives and perspectives. For example, RoboCop with his human-machine hybridity could explore themes of identity and the human condition, while Alita’s story could delve into questions of humanity and consciousness. Hellboy, with his complex origin and supernatural abilities, could bring a blend of horror and mythology, enriching the overall narrative.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the addition of characters like Terminator, RoboCop, Alita: Battle Angel, Hellboy, and Hancock to the MCU or DCEU would indeed bring a fresh perspective to both universes. While there may be some overlap with existing characters, the unique traits and backgrounds of these figures offer a wealth of potential for storytelling. Perhaps it’s time to break free from the confines of the two-to-three character limit and create a more expansive and diverse cinematic universe.

Would you like to see these characters in the MCU or DCEU? Share your thoughts in the comments below.