Beyond America: The Global Journey of Superheroes in Movies
Why Aren't Superheroes in Movies Just as Global as America?
One common question that pops up on forums and social media platforms is, 'Why do most superhero stories in movies take place in America?' It's true that many well-known hero films are set within the United States, but the story is a bit more complex than just sticking to one nation. Let's explore this global kingdom of heroes and the reasons behind their American-centric origins.
Most Superhero Stories Are Still Set in America
This is mostly due to the story roots of these heroes. The Marvel and DC universes, for instance, have their comic book origins in the United States. They have been shaping American culture for decades, and that influence is reflected in their storytelling. The term 'American-centric' is appropriate here, not because the creators want to limit their audiences but because that's where the narrative has developed.
Examples of Non-American Settings
While it is true that many stories are set in America, there are plenty of examples where authors and directors have stepped out of the usual American territory. For instance, Black Panther takes place in the fictional African nation of Wakanda, while Dr. Strange and Age of Ultron explore settings beyond the typical American locales.
Black Panther – A Unique African Setting
Black Panther was a groundbreaking film in several ways, including its representation of African culture and its setting. Although it was inspired by the eponymous comic book character, the film makers chose to create a fictional African nation, rather than sticking to Africa as it is in real life.
Dr. Strange – Nepal Takes Center Stage
In the Dr. Strange films, the majority of the story takes place in Nepal, which adds a unique and exotic touch to the superhero narrative. This shift from the usual American settings not only brings in a new geographical and cultural context but also helps in creating a fresh and engaging storyline.
Age of Ultron – A Fake European Nation
Unlike previous films where the fictional European nation was used as a backdrop to American heroes, the Age of Ultron introduced a brand new fictional country. This particular European nation is built from the ground up, providing a more vivid and engaging environment for the story to unfold.
The Question of Global Cinematic Universes
Another reason for the consistency in settings is the nature of cinematic universes. Companies like Marvel and DC, with their interconnected stories, need a recognizable backdrop to help continuity and to maintain a sense of belonging. While it's possible to set these stories in different countries, sticking to the hub of the first films ensures a smoother narrative flow.
Creating a Global Superhero RPG
Consider a designer who is creating a Superhero RPG, and setting it in a fictional Canadian city. While this provides a fresh and unique setting, it's crucial to understand that the story's focus is the interpersonal dynamics and interactions of the heroes, rather than the geographical accuracy. In essence, it's up to the creator to decide the setting, not the story itself.
Why Hollywood Films Often Stay in America
Finally, the simple answer is that Hollywood is based in America, and this is where the creators and audiences are. Movies, just like any other form of media, are a reflection of the society and culture they come from. It's no different for superhero films. The majority of Hollywood productions are set in the US because it's the place where the creators are most familiar with, and where the audience is most likely to relate.
Conclusion
While it may seem like there are only American settings in superhero films, it's more accurate to view it as part of the broader narrative framework. The creators have the freedom to venture outside the usual American settings, and many have done so, providing a refreshing change from the usual. In the end, it's up to the creators to decide the story's setting, and while the majority of superhero stories are American-centric, there's no rule against exploring different parts of the globe.