While several of Valiant Entertainment's comic titles have earned critical acclaim, many comics fans are still not familiar with the publisher's biggest characters. It could be argued that Bloodshot is their most popular character, and the simplest way to describe him is "what if the Punisher had Wolverine's healing factor?" Yeah, the guy is that dangerous.

In a universe that's packed with formidable characters, Bloodshot is arguably the most fearsome. He may not be quite as skilled as Ninjak or as powerful as X-O Manowar, but thanks to advanced nanobots coursing through his bloodstream, Bloodshot is virtually unstoppable. No matter how many times you hit him, the guy will keep his sights on you and never give up. He's a highly trained and determined dude who can heal at a ridiculously fast rate -- not even getting shot in the head will keep him down. Throw in some other cool abilities -- superhuman physical attributes, shapeshifting and even controlling technology -- and an easy to follow backstory, and it's no surprise that the he's the first Valiant character to get their own live-action movie.

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Directed by Dave Wilson (who worked closely with Deadpool's Tim Miller) and written by Eric Heisserer (Arrival), Bloodshot stars Vin Diesel as the deadly lead character. Valiant's very first live-action movie started production this week and is currently set for a 2020 release. Sony and Valiant's plan is for Diesel's Bloodshot to kick off a new cinematic universe, and eventually lead the way to a crossover Harbinger Wars film. In the wrong hands, Bloodshot could be a totally forgettable action movie.

But, if handled properly, Bloodshot could be a legitimately exciting and well-choreographed R-rated action movie that never slows down as it introduces a brand-new cinematic universe. In other words, Bloodshot has the potential to become the John Wick of comic book movie universes. Keep in mind, we're talking about comic book movies that exist within shared cinematic universes, so this unfortunately eliminates the very awesome comic book movie Dredd.

While Deadpool focused on comedy and Logan focused on drama, Bloodshot has the potential to be the first modern R-rated comic book movie in a shared universe that is simply badass and never lets up as it focuses on pure action. Luckily, it would appear that's exactly what the people behind the movie are going for, too. According to The Wrap, the movie's tone and look will allegedly draw inspiration from iconic action movies like The TerminatorRoboCop, and Total Recall. Hopefully, this also means Bloodshot is putting a focus on practical effects instead of relying too much on CGI. These are fitting movies to inspire Bloodshot. After all, the movie is about a seemingly unkillable character who, in the comics, doesn't know who he is and if he can trust his own memories.

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Just like John Wick, Bloodshot is a movie that likely won't be too concerned about comedy. There may be a one-liner here and there (this is Vin Diesel in an action movie, after all), but the overall plot will likely be pretty straightforward, so the focus should be on making sure the action is downright thrilling. That said, having the writer of Arrival on the project means there could be a surprising amount of depth, but when fans buy a ticket to see Bloodshot, they expect one thing: phenomenal action, and lots of it.

The melee fights should be gripping, swift and jaw-dropping, just like in the comics. The shootouts should be exhilarating, bloody and visceral. It should all be presented in a way that allows the choreography to shine. Hopefully, that's exactly how it'll play out on the big screen. It should be smooth and easy to follow, just like the handling of John Wick's action scenes. Too many quick cuts and shaky camera work could ruin the action, and that's the main thing this movie needs to deliver.

John Wick focuses on the lead character's personal mission, but it also builds intrigue in the world around him without focusing on it too much. Just enough was organically sprinkled in to show audiences that John Wick is in a unique world and there's the potential to explore so much more of it. Bloodshot also has the potential to focus on Diesel's deadly character while also incorporating some world-building, getting fans excited about Harbinger and Harbinger Wars. It should take note of the success and failures of other cinematic universes, and give fans just enough of the world around Bloodshot to make us want to see more of it. World-building should exist, but it shouldn't get in the way of Bloodshot's action-packed story.

RELATED: Bloodshot Sets 2020 Release Date

The impressive stunt work. The slick directing. The solid fast-paced script and the casual world-building. There's a lot to love about John Wick, and right now, it's looking like Bloodshot could thrive for the very same reasons. But one key ingredient has yet to be announced: the music. John Wick's score elevated each scene, and only time will tell if Bloodshot's score will accomplish the same.

Bloodshot has the potential to give the Valiant Cinematic Universe a completely enthralling debut as it unleashes Diesel's Bloodshot on a non-stop adventure that's full of intense shootouts and brutal brawls. If handled properly, it should have the same replay value as John Wick and inspire other comic book movies' fight choreography and action sequences. Otherwise, Bloodshot could become a fun but ultimately forgettable ride. Valiant fans, keep your fingers crossed that Bloodshot will be every bit as exciting as it should be.


Targeted for release in 2020, director Dave Wilson’s Bloodshot stars Vin Diesel, Lamorne Morris, Toby Kebbell, Eiza Gonzalez, Sam Huegan, Talulah Riley and Alex Hernandez.