Before superhero films dominated the cinema with the Marvel Cinematic Universe at the latest, many comic adaptations were more than half-baked or completely disappointing. A particularly bitter example is The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen from 2003, which streams with a subscription on Disney+. * The superhero film with a great original and star power became a debacle.
This is the plot of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
The story of the comic adaptation takes place towards the end of the 19th century, where Allan Quatermain (Sean Connery) Cult characters from literature like Captain Nemo, Tom Sawyer, Dorian Gray and Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde want to gather as a superhero team. Together they are supposed to fight against the villain The Phantom, who wants to destroy Venice.
Superhero debacle failed on almost every level
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen hardly did justice to the popular comic template and ended up being more of a half-baked mix of genres, which today is mainly due to the poorly aged CGI effects stands out. According to Box Office Mojo, the fantasy blockbuster with a budget of $78 million grossed almost $180 million at the global box office. Not a disaster, but far below commercial expectations.
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen also marks the final screen appearance of James Bond legend Sean Connery. His role in the superhero film is being swept under the carpet after the star’s death in 2020.
*. If you purchase through these links or take out a subscription, we receive a commission. .