Key Takeaways:
• Disney hints at revitalizing the 2005 film, ‘Sky High’ for its superhero franchise.
• Despite the relatively poor box office performance, ‘Sky High’ enjoys cult status among critics.
• Director Mike Mitchell hints at a potential sequel bringing back original characters in a college-centric plot.
• The struggling Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) could be boosted by successful superhero films like ‘Sky High.’
Disney Explores ‘Sky High’ Potential
In light of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) ongoing struggles, Disney appears to be shifting its focus onto other superhero franchises within its portfolio. One of the potential names which have emerged from this exploration is the 2005 film, ‘Sky High’. Directed by Mike Mitchell, who also helmed the upcoming ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’, the superhero comedy starred Michael Angarano and Danielle Panabaker (‘The Flash’) in the lead roles.
‘Sky High’ is one of the best superhero comedy films that you may have never heard of, due it not hitting its mark at the box office. With a budget of $35 million, the film only grossed $86.4 million upon release. However, critics praised the film and it has since gained a cult following, highlighting the potential it holds for a sequel or spin-off series.
Sequel Possibilities: Old Faces in a New Setting
Throughout the Kung Fu Panda 4 promotions, director Mike Mitchell conveyed his interest in resurrecting the ‘Sky High’ franchise. Speaking to ComicBook, Mitchell unveiled that original characters like Zack Attack (Nicholas Braun), Royal Pain (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), and The Commander (Kurt Russell) could reprise their roles in a sequel.
The director also proposed an interesting twist for the sequel, the younger characters who were students in the original film would now be instructors at a superhero college. This plan suggests taking the charm and excitement of the original movie’s high school setting and transporting it to a college environment. The move aims to stay true to the film’s distinctive style while keeping it fresh and appealing to both new and returning viewers.
Replacing MCU with ‘Sky High’
Disney’s previously leading position as the highest-grossing studio was snatched by Universal last year, largely due to the MCU’s inconsistent theatrical successes. Bearing this in mind, Disney recognizes that superhero films can still act as a lucrative genre and should reroute its attention to projects like a ‘Sky High’ sequel to re-establish its dominance in the marketplace.
Despite the success of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ at the box office in 2023, Disney’s gamble fell through with Paul Rudd’s ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ and Brie Larson’s ‘The Marvels’. This financial hit, reportedly resulting in a loss of around $237 million according to Deadline, indicates the potential benefit to divert attention elsewhere.
‘Sky High’ star Danielle Panabaker has carried on her work in the superhero genre, playing Caitlin Snow/Killer Frost across various DC Universe shows on The CW, including ‘The Flash’, ‘Arrow’, ‘Legends of Tomorrow’, and ‘Supergirl’. Her co-star, Michael Angarano, is set to feature in Kevin Costner’s forthcoming Western drama, ‘Horizon: An American Saga’. With ‘Sky High’ now streaming on Disney+, it would be an opportune time to explore its sequel potential.
In conclusion, diversification within the superhero genre may be the savior that Disney needs to redeem itself from the MCU’s repeated box office mishaps. While reviving ‘Sky High’ in a sequel or spin-off series remains a concept, the prospect of returning characters in fresh plotlines may excite audiences and critics alike, proving a viable strategy for Disney’s franchise development.
