In 2020,Bloodshotalmost had the solution to superhero fatigue. Directed by David S. F. Wilson,Bloodshotfollows Ray Garrison (Diesel), a soldier killed in action and revived with advanced nanotechnology, granting him abilities. However, Ray discovers his memories have been secretly manipulated, and he’s just a pawn. The film was the proposed start to aVin Diesel movie franchise.
Vin Diesel’sBloodshotcasting certainly made sense for a potential franchise. The actor has appeared in big movie franchises before, including theMarvel Cinematic Universe, and has also proven himself in leading roles - like in themovies that defined Vin Diesel’s career:Fast and Furious. Yet, unfortunately,’sBloodshotwas doomed from the start, and a franchise never happened.
Vin Diesel’s Failed Bloodshot Franchise Offered Something Different To Marvel & DC
Bloodshot Has Been Compared To Things Like Invincible
Interestingly,Bloodshotis actually based on the comic book superhero character from Valiant Comics, who debuted in 1992. Furthermore, the 2020 movie was supposed to be a part of a larger franchise - the Valiant Comic shared universe - withBloodshotmarking the first installment. However,Vin Diesel’sBloodshothad a less-than-stellar box office result, which disrupted future franchise plans.
Bloodshot’sbox office failure was disappointing as the franchise would have offered something different to the two other big superhero franchises, Marvel and DC.TheBloodshotcomic stories tend to be smaller-scale, but also darker, grittier, and more militaristic or sci-fi orientedthan those of Marvel and DC, often reflecting themes of government conspiracy, mind control, and identity struggles.
In fact,Vin Diesel’sBloodshotcould’ve been anotherInvincibleorThe Boys, which take an almost anti-superhero stance. Instead of leaning into the classic stereotypical values of a superhero movie,Bloodshotexplores the darker side to receiving powers, especially when an exploitative organization is involved. As a result,Bloodshot’smovie franchise could’ve easily offered the solution to superhero fatigue.
Why Vin Diesel’s Bloodshot Was Doomed From The Start
Bloodshot Faced Stiff Competition At The Wrong Time
Unfortunately,Bloodshotwas doomed from the start, and a franchise was never fully realized. According to figures byBox Office Mojo,the Vin Diesel movie earned just $37.3 million on a $45 million production budget, making it a complete and utter financial failure. However, this was not entirely due toBloodshot’squality, but rather, due to bad timing.
Released just one year afterAvengers: Endgame, (…)Bloodshotfelt slightly underwhelming.
Released just one year afterAvengers: Endgame, the final divisive conclusion to a story encompassing 22 movies,Bloodshotfelt slightly underwhelming. Considering theMarvel Cinematic Universehad just defeated god-like aliens with complex time travel,Bloodshot’ssomewhat down-to-earth story doesn’t really compare. As a result,Bloodshotscored a rather low 38% Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes, making it a critical failure.
That being said,Bloodshotscored a 78% Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes, which leads to the question of why its box office was so low. Unfortunately,Bloodshotwas released during the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant theaters were shut. Therefore,Bloodshot’sfailure was not entirely deserved, andif the pandemic movie was rereleased, Vin Diesel’s franchise might just see a resurgence.
