Full Breakdown
Jon Watts Explores Franchise Potential for "Clown" Amidst MCU Transition
11/13/2025, 9:24:05 PM
Background on "Clown" and Its Cult Following
Jon Watts, recognized for his direction of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Spider-Man trilogy, made his feature debut with the horror film "Clown" in 2014. The film, which began as a viral fake trailer in 2010, tells the story of a father who becomes trapped in a cursed clown suit while trying to entertain his son at a birthday party. Despite a limited U.S. release that grossed only $55,000, "Clown" gained a cult following, particularly after its international earnings of $4.3 million and its recent remastered 4K Ultra HD release by Germany’s Turbine Medien.
Watts' Vision for a "Clown" Franchise
In light of the film's re-release, Watts has expressed a strong desire to expand "Clown" into a franchise. He envisions a series that could include up to seven films, drawing inspiration from cult classics like "Leprechaun." Watts stated, “I still see a lot of potential in the premise... I’d love for it to be like Evil Dead 2,” indicating his interest in exploring the story further and taking it in more adventurous directions. He and co-writer Christopher Ford have already mapped out a sequel, reflecting their ongoing interest in the character and the narrative's potential.
Transitioning from Superhero to Horror
Watts' career has seen a significant transition from the vibrant superhero genre to darker themes in horror. After successfully directing "Spider-Man: Homecoming," "Spider-Man: Far From Home," and "Spider-Man: No Way Home," he stepped back from the superhero genre, allowing Destin Daniel Cretton to helm the upcoming "Spider-Man: Brand New Day." Watts described this transition as a “passing of the torch,” noting that it will feel “genuinely weird” to watch the new installment without being behind the camera.
Official Statements & Responses
Watts has emphasized his openness to new projects, stating, “I’m open to anything and everything. I’m not limiting myself in that way. I’m most attracted to original ideas.” This sentiment reflects his desire to explore both horror and superhero narratives, showcasing his versatility as a filmmaker. He also mentioned his involvement in other projects, including the Star Wars series "Skeleton Crew" and the upcoming film "Wolfs," starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt.
Criticism & Opposition
While Watts has received praise for his work in both horror and superhero genres, some critics have pointed out the challenges of transitioning between such distinct styles. The mixed reception of "Clown" upon its initial release has led to discussions about the viability of horror franchises in a market dominated by superhero films.
What's Next for Jon Watts?
As Watts continues to navigate his career post-MCU, he remains focused on potential projects that align with his creative vision. The future of "Clown" as a franchise appears promising, with Watts and Ford eager to delve deeper into its narrative. Meanwhile, "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" is set to hit theaters on July 31, 2026, marking a new chapter in the Spider-Man saga without Watts at the helm.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I still see a lot of potential in the premise, so when I watch it now, I’m like, ‘Oh, we could have done so much more there.’ I’d love for it to be like Evil Dead 2. I’d love to tell the same story, but jump off to even crazier places,” — Jon Watts, Director
- “It’s going to be genuinely weird for me going to see that movie for the first time.” — Jon Watts, on "Spider-Man: Brand New Day."
- “I’m open to anything and everything. I’m not limiting myself in that way. I’m most attracted to original ideas. That’s sort of like the North Star for me — big, original ideas. But there are so many great things already out there that I think you can find a way to make it your own and to make it feel original.” — Jon Watts, on future projects
