Navigating the IP Minefield: HBO’s The Franchise Takes on Superhero Satire

In an age when superhero films are ubiquitous, HBO’s upcoming comedy series, The Franchise, cleverly parodies the chaotic behind-the-scenes world of MCU-like productions. Originally conceived during a time when superhero films were booming, the show’s creators faced a rapidly changing landscape of comic book adaptations between its pilot in 2022 and the eventual series order in 2023.

An engaging look at the chaos behind superhero films.
The superhero genre had reached a cruising altitude post-Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, with Marvel announcing a slew of new projects. However, the excitement soon dwindled as audiences witnessed a string of disappointing releases such as The Marvels, which faced the worst opening weekend in MCU history. Other attempts, including Warner Bros.’ Black Adam, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, and The Flash, struggled to draw audiences, leading industry experts to speculate about an industry adrift.

This turbulent backdrop shaped The Franchise and its creators. As the showrunner Jon Brown shared, “A big shift like that, it did feel like we needed to reflect the fact that it wasn’t 2020 where there were six TV shows over six months, and movies.” This adaptability to the industry’s flux is reflected in their narrative choices, adapting the pacing of superhero fatigue and cultural scrutiny of franchises.

The Chaos Behind the Scenes

As The Franchise worked through its script and production adjustments, its writers found themselves navigating a plethora of real-life drama from the superhero realm. Brown humorously acknowledged the pressures on their legal team due to various “public scandals and movie name changes.” His light-hearted response to the legal hurdles showcased a mix of seriousness and comedy crucial for the series’ tone.

“The reality of these franchises… they’re in a period of uncertainty. People are making moves and trying different things out by bringing an actor back or there’s a public scandal," Brown explained. “At a certain point, you have to put your pens down; you can’t get everything into one season.”

Such challenges provided a treasure trove of material for satire, revealing the vulnerable side of the superhero genre. As creators sift through the chaos, they explore how the fanfare can quickly become a farce, creating a narrative that resonates with audiences searching for genuine content among commercialized mediocrity.

Exploring the absurdities of beloved franchises.
However, establishing a comedy nested within this chaotic universe has its own hurdles. For instance, the creators frequently encountered trademark issues while crafting fictional superheroes for their show. Coming up with original names led to amusing back-and-forth iterations, with the original name “Multi Man” rejected due to its commonality. They eventually settled on the equally unconventional “Many Man” after much deliberation. Brown remarked, “There’s a big minefield of IP that you’re trying to dance through…you’re trying to find something that feels like a parody."
He further elaborated on one of their main characters, Tecto, who was originally named Tecton. “I think even our main hero Tecto, the earthquake guy, originally he was called Tecton… okay, you’re allowed that,” Brown recalled. Such exchanges highlight the complexities faced by creators within an industry where copyright restrictions dictate creative exploration.

The Irony of Superhero Culture

The Franchise seeks to shine a light on the absurdities prevalent in the superhero genre while holding a mirror to the industry’s antics. As the series approaches its premiere on October 21, the creative team is clear that this project is not about tearing down the beloved comic book narratives but rather celebrating their quirks in an accessible format. “It was never intended to tear them down,” stated the creators. They aim to encapsulate the charm and challenges of today’s landscape, where the superhero narrative is constantly evolving—sometimes for better and sometimes for worse.

Capturing the spirit of independent creativity in flashier genres.
As HBO finally unveils The Franchise, audiences will witness not only a comedic homage to a genre that has captivated billions but also a poignant critique of its pervasive nature in modern culture. In a fast-paced world that celebrates reboots and sequels, such shows will urge audiences to dissect the entertainment industry through laughter and light-hearted satire. Tune in to see how they navigate this IP minefield while eliciting laughter in the process.