After being pulled from Marvel Studios’ feature film slate, the Inhumans got a second chance earlier this year when it was announced that Marvel, ABC and IMAX were teaming up to develop a series based around Black Bolt and company, which would premiere in IMAX theaters before making its way to the small screen.
Things got off to a shaky start with an overwhelmingly negative reaction to the first official image (seen above), and went from bad to worse once the first trailer hit. A wave of negative reviews translated to a modest $3.5 million at the box office for its IMAX premiere, and the show has been bleeding ratings week over week since it launched on ABC at the end of September.
We’ve already heard reports that the quality (or lack of) of Inhumans was “a source of contention” between Marvel and ABC, and now IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond has admitted – as with virtually everyone else – his company was also disappointed by the finished product.
“Going forward, we intend to take a more conservative approach consistent with the ‘Game of Thrones approach’ to capital investments and content,” said Gelfond. “We will be more conservative when considering whether to invest our own capital; and if so, to what extent. Customers expected a production akin to a mega-budget blockbuster movie, rather than pilots for a television show. Moreover, the fact that this was Marvel IP set the bar at a level you wouldn’t see from other pieces of content or IP because of the reputation and the high production value of Marvel movies.”
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Marvel’s Inhumans explores the never-before-told epic adventure of the royal family including Black Bolt, the enigmatic, commanding King of the Inhumans, with a voice so powerful that the slightest whisper can destroy a city. After the Royal Family of Inhumans is splintered by a military coup, they barely escape to Hawaii where their surprising interactions with the lush world and humanity around them may prove to not only save them, but Earth itself.
Marvel’s Inhumans airs on ABC on Friday nights.
Originally published October 27, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
