40 years ago, way back in 1986, Howard the Duck came to the big screen. George Lucas served as the executive producer of the infamous live-action adaptation. Fresh off the successes of Star Wars and Indiana Jones everyone thought it would be a masterpiece. But, they were wrong.
The 1986 cinematic disaster Howard the Duck, stands as one of the most legendary, high-profile box office bombs in Hollywood history. Long before the Marvel Cinematic Universe dominated global box offices, Marvel's very first theatrical feature film didn't feature Captain America or Iron Man. Instead, audiences were introduced to a cynical, cigar-smoking, beer-drinking waterfowl from space. Backed by big money, the film was supposed to be a massive summer blockbuster. Instead, it became a historical warning about the perils of studio interference and unchecked 1980s indulgence.
The story follows Howard, a 27-year-old anthropomorphic duck living on Duckworld, a planet identical to Earth, except ducks evolved instead of humans. After a laser spectroscope accident on Earth rips him through the cosmos, Howard crashes down into an alley in Cleveland, Ohio. He immediately crosses paths with Beverly Switzler (played by Lea Thompson), the lead singer of an all-female rock band named Cherry Bomb. Alongside a frantic janitor-turned-scientist named Phil Blumburtt (Tim Robbins), Howard must navigate a world that views him as a freak. Things take a dark turn when scientist Dr. Walter Jenning (Jeffrey Jones) is possessed by a malevolent extraterrestrial force called a "Dark Overlord of the Universe," forcing Howard to swap his sarcasm for "Quack Fu" to save the planet.
The question now becomes, do we need a remake? Despite the film's initial failure, Howard the Duck gained a cult following and has since made notable cameos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—most notably appearing in the Guardians of the Galaxy films, voiced by Seth Green.
I mean, I first watched it when I was very young and I thought it was cool. Would a younger generation, or all of us 40 year olds, looking to relive our youth, enjoy it today? As of right now, nothing is in the works, but will it happen? We shall see!
 |
| Find him on X @brogan78 | on Instagram | on Facebook | or on Youtube |