39 Years Later, Marvel’s First Movie Remains One of the Strangest Moments in Franchise History

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has solidified its status as the most successful cinematic franchise in history, but its origins include a remarkably odd entry: Howard the Duck. Released in 1986, this film stands out as a prime example of the bizarre and sometimes bewildering nature of early superhero adaptations. While the MCU frequently explores the surreal, adapting wild comic-book concepts—from Asgardian deities to the Quantum Realm—it also contrasts those elements with heartfelt narratives that resonate with audiences. This duality is part of the MCU’s charm, but it underscores just how strange its beginnings were.

Despite its triumphs, the MCU has experienced its share of missteps. However, even the most poorly received films within the franchise tend to be better regarded than many of its predecessors. At a time when DC’s Batman was a cinematic powerhouse, Marvel was represented by underwhelming films, including the infamous direct-to-video iteration of Captain America released in 1990.

The Peculiar Legacy of Howard the Duck: Marvel’s First Feature Film

Howard the Duck: A Unique Production by Lucasfilm

Howard the Duck premiered as Marvel’s first full-length feature, showcasing the adventures of its namesake—a satirical anthropomorphic duck. This character, known for his absurdity and adult-themed humor, found a niche audience among comic readers in the late 1970s. However, by the time the film was conceived, Howard’s popularity had waned, leading to further challenges during production.

Interestingly, despite its reputation, Howard the Duck boasts a Rotten Tomatoes score that narrowly surpasses that of Madame Web, standing at 13% compared to the latter’s 11%.This highlights the sometimes contentious legacy of early superhero films.

In stark contrast to the contemporary MCU, Howard the Duck diverged significantly from its comic roots. Rather than embodying the misanthropic antihero of the comics, the film presented Howard as a more affable figure. The creative team, including producer George Lucas, opted to emphasize the character’s whimsical side, aligning the narrative with slapstick comedy rather than sharp satire. Unfortunately, this approach did not translate into box office success; the film was met with critical derision, receiving four Razzies and garnering seven nominations overall. Nearly four decades later, the perplexing existence of this film continues to intrigue audiences.

How the MCU’s Success Elevates Howard the Duck’s Oddity

The Obscurity of Howard the Duck Today

It is fascinating to evaluate how Howard the Duck’s cinematic quality compares to the standards set by today’s MCU. While the MCU pushes creative boundaries—utilizing concepts like the multiverse to explore unconventional narratives such as Werewolf by Night and Marvel Zombies—it does so from a position of confidence owned by its extensive successful track record. The fact that this mightiest of franchises began with a confused and poorly-received film adds to the mystique surrounding Howard the Duck.

Recently, Howard the Duck has made a return to the MCU, voiced by Seth Green, adopting a more comic-accurate portrayal. He is gradually positioned closer to his original comic book persona, but to date, the multiverse has not yet introduced a live-action variant of the original character. Despite his appearances, including participation in the Battle of Earth during Avengers: Endgame and involvement in one of the most eccentric episodes of What If…?, it appears more likely that Howard’s contributions to the MCU will remain minimal. Such a conclusion may be for the best, considering his filmic history.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes/YouTube

Additional Reading: Screen Rant