Howard the Duck was at one point of the most poorly-recieved film based on Marvel property ever released. Now, over three decades later, the sci-fi comedy has found new life among audiences.
Stars Lea Thompson and the Howard the Duck comic book team were so inspired by the recent turn in reception, that they decided to pitch a reboot for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Thompson explained to The Hollywood Reporter, "Joe Quinones did some of the art for the pitch because he and Chip Zdarsky did the last run of Howard the Duck comic books... Chip and I worked together and came up with a really great pitch." Unfortunately, Marvel Studios seemingly passed. "Marvel liked the pitch, but they have different plans for the different characters."
However, Thompson is still hopeful and confident that she can help ensure the success of any future adaptation. "I still think I could do a really good job because I feel like I am the one who really understands the fans, both of the movie and the cartoon." The actor had previously revealed that she would pitch a reboot to Marvel Studios, saying, "I want to direct the Howard the Duck remake. Why not dream big, right?"
Howard the Duck was released in theaters in 1986 to negative reviews. The movie was produced on a budget of approximately $37 million and grossed just $38 million. The character has since appeared throughout the MCU in a post-credits scene for Guardians of the Galaxy and in a blink-and-you-miss-it moment in Avengers: Endgame.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter