Ever since the Marvel Cinematic Universe redefined shared films back in 2012 with their mega-hit The Avengers, almost every studio has been looking for the next big shared property. As a result, there are a number of spinoffs in production. There’s the Young Han Solo film, Solo set to be released in May and the Obi-Wan Kenobi spinoff rumored to be in the works. There’s also a Transformers Bumblebee spinoff starring Hailee Steinfeld and John Cena is set for release this summer.
The X-men universe has a Kitty Pryde spin-off with Deadpool director Tim Miller and there are a rumored FIVE Game of Thrones spinoffs in the works at HBO. So with all these potential spinoffs in mind, we’re looking to some of the most successful spinoffs of the last twenty years.
Frasier
Frasier was always the fan favorite of NBC’s Cheers. Kelsey Grammer spun what was only intended for a few episodes into a recurring role, and then a main role for six seasons. After Cheers ended it seemed only right for everyone’s favorite uptight psychiatrist to get his own spinoff. The spinoff saw Frasier Crane move back to his hometown of Seattle and try his hand at becoming a radio psychiatrist. Coming off a highly successful original product and bolstered by an excellent supporting cast, Frasier was highly critically acclaimed, the show and the cast won 37 Emmys in the show’s run, By the time the show wrapped, in its 11th season, Kelsey Grammer had been playing the character for 20 years.
Daria
The monotone teen made her first appearance on the controversial Beavis and Butthead before moving to Lawndale and her own show. Although Daria was created by Beavis and Butthead showrunner Mike Judge, the show had an entirely new creative team – and it certainly showed. Daria was less interested in the lewd humor of the original and more its critique of society. The rather intellectual show was known for its sarcasm and deadpan commentary on suburban society.
Get Him to the Greek
Russel Brand’s drugged out rock star Aldous Snow was the breakout character of Forgetting Sarah Marshall, so when the time came for a spinoff he was, of course, the character the film centered on. Get Him To The Greek replaced the fantasy of Hawaii with the fantasy of Las Vegas, arguably a more accessible fantasy. Las Vegas is far more popular nowadays because casino games have become even more popular thanks to their accessibility online. With blackjack games available online with Super Casino in many variants, as well as roulette and slots, audiences are more used to storylines involving gambling and the lights of Las Vegas – definitely more relatable than a Hawaiian Vacation.
Xena: Warrior Princess
Originally a villain on an episode of The Legend of Hercules, the character of Xena was so popular that she got her own show. A cult hit Xena: Warrior Princess ran for six seasons and arguably left a far greater footprint on pop culture than its predecessor.
The Wolverine Films
This spinoff franchise had a little bit of a rocky start. X-men Origins: Wolverine was panned by critics, and its flaws have only been amplified since the success of Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool reminds audiences just how badly Wolverine treated the character. Wolverine was far better received, however, and the latest installment, Logan, was critically acclaimed and even nominated for an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Do you agree with our list? Is there anything you think has been left off?
We hope you're enjoying BRWC. You should check us out on our social channels, subscribe to our newsletter, and tell your friends. BRWC is short for battleroyalewithcheese.
NO COMMENTS
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.