Who does not want to be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe or any other superhero franchise? There are lots of Hollywood actors who dream of joining the superhero genre. It makes you financially sound; it boosts your popularity and what not!
However, despite all these, there are still some who think that the long-term contract is something that stands as the barrier to their wish to join this genre. Even earlier, actors like Chris Evans and Elizabeth Olsen spoke about the lengthy contract signing. This list got another one when Star Trek actor John Cho spoke his mind on this.
What Did John Cho Say About Signing Long-Duration Contract?
Actor John Cho, best known for his roles in the Star Trek films, has recently opened up about his reservations about the lengthy contracts that Marvel Studios offers to actors.
In an interview with Vulture, Cho expressed his discomfort with the idea of being locked into a multi-picture deal, comparing it to “indentured servitude.”
“If you play, you know, Condorman, you’re young, you’re just in from Ohio or whatever, you’re signing a 15-year contract, and they have the option to make three or four. That’s the weird thing about it,” he told Vulture.
The Cowboy Bebop actor admitted that the process of becoming a superhero “doesn’t sound fun.”
Also, he is someone who does not want to be on diet to become a superhero. “I don’t particularly want to diet. Or work out like crazy,” he added.
While these superhero films can be incredibly lucrative and offer actors a chance to become household names, they also come with a significant amount of pressure and commitment. And, John Cho is among those actors who do not want to get committed to one franchise for too long.
Also Read: Cowboy Bebop: John Cho Had No Idea The Anime’s So Popular Before He Was Cast
Long-Term Contracts in Superhero Movies: Career Boosts and Setbacks
With its larger-than-life characters, captivating storylines, and spectacular action sequences, superhero movies have become a dominant force in the film industry. For actors, landing a role in a superhero franchise can be a career-defining moment, offering the potential for stardom and financial success. However, the long-term contracts often associated with these roles can also have significant implications for an actor’s career trajectory.
For instance, Robert Downey Jr.‘s portrayal of Iron Man in the MCU launched him to global stardom. The charismatic actor not only became the face of the MCU but also experienced a remarkable resurgence in his overall career.
Similar to, Downey Jr, Chris Evans‘ portrayal of Captain America in the MCU transformed him into a household name. While his initial hesitation about the long-term commitment was evident, Evans embraced the role and used it as a platform to engage in diverse projects.
On the other hand, long-term contracts can also restrict an actor’s artistic freedom and limit their ability to explore other genres or projects. Brandon Routh’s career stalled after his one-film stint as Superman in 2006’s Superman Returns.
Being typecast as a superhero character can make it difficult for actors to break away from that persona and land roles in other types of films.
Signing a long-term contract for superhero movies can be a make-or-break decision for actors. And the decision comes down to the individual actor’s priorities and career goals.
