Hi, so for a while I have been a big fan of Cinematic Universes that showcase so many interesting characters. I'm aware producers have multiple writers for different stories, but I have a question as a writer to producers. If I were to pitch or write a spec script to kickstart a cinematic universe, what is the key elements you're looking for?
Thank you for your time.
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To me, cinematic universes are all about the characters that inhabit them. I would always focus on your characters, their needs and obstacles and the stakes in their journey and the world starts to take shape from there. Death Vader is a great bad guy but he only exists so Luke Skywalker can be a hero in that universe and it all stems from their character’s journey.
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I'd focus on the universal themes of the characters - what can the audience identify with as it relates to their traits, their goals, their imperfections. Then, counter that with the universe you are building and tell us why it's unique, what the nuances between the world and the characters?
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Character and story comes first.
Don't forget, the John Wick 'continental' universe didn't come about as the primary focus of those films; they were hinted at and gradually built upon in the background of a character-centric story.
Same goes for the Marvel universe. It begin with one Iron Man story before Samuel Jackson came along and introduced him to a bigger universe.