User blog:StrangerAtaru/Franchise Ideas - Robin Hood

Franchise Ideas – Robin Hood

Personal Thoughts: This movie has grown on me I admit; I never used to like this movie and still think it’s soundtrack is really one of the weakest in the studio (the music itself, not the songs like Roger Miller’s fun works), but it’s really a rather daring movie for a studio to at least have concepts of what heroism is in the face of persecution and authoritarian natures.

Characters:

-Must Haves: The obvious two: Robin Hood and Little John. The movie was set up with them as Butch and Sundance, so really, they’re the only musts with everyone else as a “maybe”. (really for all the other movies, it’s really just two “musts”; I only had five with The Aristocats because it’s the only one where it doesn’t work without Duchess, the kittens and O’Malley)

-Other Possible

-On the opposite side of Robin and Little John there are the female duo of Maid Marian and Lady Kluck. To be honest, they only really matter to the story in the middle third but Maid Marian’s depiction here has made her a fan favorite and it’s impossible to do her without her lady in waiting. They’re practically guaranteed (well Marian is) but considering other factors and characters, I can’t just make them as “Musts” in my head compared to the lead duo.

-In the same regards there are the villains: Prince John is basically “THE” villain of the movie but it’s hard for me to say he’s a “must” immediately since most of the movies are just about two key characters and Little John is Robin Hood’s partner and he’s bigger priority. However, I’d probably rank Prince John higher than even Maid Marian as my #3 since…well, he’s the biggest authority figure and the one they’re rebelling against.

-As for the other villains, I rather have the Sheriff of Nottingham over Sir Hiss if I had to choose. I know Sir Hiss is John’s partner and a memorable one in his own right, but the Sheriff is the brawn to John’s “cowardly brain”; he’s the main enforcer of the wannabe king’s tax code and the one who combats the most with Robin Hood both with the archery competition and the climax at the castle. Maybe you could bring in Sir Hiss later, I suppose, like in a Tower Competition if you want to eventually have him. (and Nutsy and Trigger…nah)

-The two major “Merry Men” also could be in this are Friar Tuck and Alan-a-Dale, who maybe if they make it start off big enough but not as important…or too important. If anything, I’d have Alan-a-Dale maybe as the means to “tell the tale”, maybe make him the first character you can collect to “recollect” all that happens in Merlin’s stead. Friar Tuck has his moments and things he can do but never gets as much notice or focus which is a shame since he is crux as well towards the end with the last third. (in the same way as Maid Marian in the middle third)

-And then there are the kids…and surprisingly they are effective and useful. A Cascading Critters combo of Skippy, Sis and Toby I wouldn’t disapprove. (keep Tagalong away, though)

Attractions: There are quite a few locations though my worry is how to not make it another “Brave”. Surprisingly the “Brave” collection doesn’t have an “archery grounds”, and considering how that’s where a major section of the movie occurs here, I could see it being used here instead. Regarding Nottingham…my big problem is do you want to depict the entire town with a castle overhead, or just have the castle itself (which is the centerpiece of the climax of the movie and seen earlier on like with Maid Marian). Robin’s camp is also potentially a nice locale to have as well for “recovery” after all the crazy stuff elsewhere.

Other Things: The “archery set” is already with Merida, but the Robin hat obviously has to be collectable, maybe also “drink goblets” as well could be fun or “Golden Arrows” or “Money Bags”.