The 10 Worst Cinematic Universes That Crashed and Burned

Hollywood’s obsession with cinematic universes exploded after Marvel’s success, with studios rushing to link films into sprawling, interconnected franchises. The promise of endless sequels and crossovers often led to hasty plans, weak stories, and audiences left cold, turning ambitious dreams into box-office nightmares.

This list dives into the 10 worst cinematic universes that collapsed under their own weight. From rushed superhero sagas to misguided monster reboots, these failed attempts show how hard it is to capture lightning in a bottle.

‘Hanna-Barbera Cinematic Universe’ (Planned, Never Launched)

Hoping to rival Marvel, Warner Bros. announced a shared universe for Hanna-Barbera cartoons like Scooby-Doo and The Flintstones in the 2010s. A 2020 ‘Scoob!’ animated film was meant to kick things off but tanked with critics and at the box office.

The plan for crossovers like Yogi Bear meeting Scooby-Doo felt forced and lacked a clear vision. Without strong solo films or fan demand, it fizzled before it began. This was a misstep that never found its footing.

‘Robin Hood Cinematic Universe’ (Planned, Never Launched)

Sony bought a pitch in 2014 to build a gritty universe around Robin Hood, with solo films for Little John, Friar Tuck, and others. The 2018 ‘Robin Hood’ starring Taron Egerton was meant to start it but bombed, grossing just $86 million against a $100 million budget.

The film’s muddled tone—part action, part modern grit—alienated audiences. With no clear identity or fan interest, the universe died quietly. Sony’s dream of a Sherwood Forest saga never left the drawing board.

‘Valiant Comics Universe’ (2020)

Valiant Comics, an indie publisher, partnered with Sony for a universe starting with ‘Bloodshot’ (2020), starring Vin Diesel. Plans included films for Harbinger and Eternal Warrior, aiming to rival Marvel’s superhero epics.

‘Bloodshot’ flopped, earning $37 million globally against a $45 million budget, hurt by its pandemic release and poor reviews. The lack of standout characters and a rushed setup doomed this niche comic universe. It’s a footnote in cinematic failures.

‘Power Rangers Universe’ (2017)

Lionsgate’s 2017 ‘Power Rangers’ reboot aimed to launch a six-film arc, banking on the franchise’s TV popularity. The film, with a fresh cast, earned $142 million worldwide but fell short of its $100 million budget’s break-even point.

Critics called it generic, and audiences didn’t connect with the gritty tone. Plans for sequels vanished, leaving the Rangers unpowered. This universe’s failure showed nostalgia alone can’t fuel a franchise.

‘King Arthur Universe’ (2017)

Warner Bros. tapped Guy Ritchie for ‘King Arthur: Legend of the Sword’ (2017), envisioning a universe with solo films for Lancelot and Merlin. The film, starring Charlie Hunnam, blended modern flair with medieval myth but flopped, grossing $148 million against a $175 million budget.

Poor reviews slammed its disjointed style, and audiences stayed away. The universe’s overambitious plans crumbled with no foundation. Ritchie’s bold swing missed, killing Camelot’s cinematic dreams.

‘Men in Black/Jump Street Universe’ (Planned, Never Launched)

Sony planned a wild crossover universe merging ‘Men in Black’ and ‘21 Jump Street’ after ‘22 Jump Street’ (2014) succeeded. Titled ‘MiB 23’, it would’ve had Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill’s cops meet alien-hunting agents, with James Bobin attached to direct.

Conflicting tones and creative clashes stalled it, and Sony scrapped the idea. The concept was fun but too bizarre to gel. This oddball universe never left the pitch room.

‘The Amazing Spider-Man Universe’ (2012-2014)

Sony rebooted Spider-Man with Andrew Garfield in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ (2012), planning a universe with ‘Venom’, ‘Sinister Six’, and more. The 2014 sequel crammed in setups for spin-offs but earned mixed reviews and $709 million—less than hoped.

Sony’s rush to mimic Marvel’s crossovers overwhelmed the story, and fans didn’t fully embrace Garfield’s Peter Parker. The universe stalled, though ‘Venom’ later found solo success. This was a web that tangled itself.

‘The LEGO Movie Universe’ (2014-2019)

‘The LEGO Movie’ (2014) was a hit, grossing $469 million, sparking plans for a universe with ‘The LEGO Batman Movie’ (2017) and ‘The LEGO Ninjago Movie’ (2017). But ‘Ninjago’ flopped at $123 million, and ‘The LEGO Movie 2’ (2019) underperformed at $192 million.

The charm of the original faded with oversaturation and weaker stories. Warner Bros. lost the spark that made LEGO special. This plastic empire crumbled under its own bricks.

‘X-Men Origins Universe’ (2009)

20th Century Fox planned a universe of X-Men prequels starting with ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ (2009), with Hugh Jackman. Future films for Magneto and others were pitched, but ‘Wolverine’ got panned for its messy plot and a botched Deadpool, earning $373 million but disappointing fans.

The backlash killed the spin-off plans, though the X-Men series continued. Fox’s early attempt at a shared universe was a misfire. It showed rushing origins doesn’t build worlds.

‘Dark Universe’ (2014-2017)

Universal’s monster reboot, dubbed the Dark Universe, launched with ‘The Mummy’ (2017) starring Tom Cruise, aiming to link Dracula, Frankenstein, and more. Earlier, ‘Dracula Untold’ (2014) was meant to start it but was retooled after poor reception. ‘The Mummy’ grossed $410 million but lost money due to its $125 million budget and marketing.

Rushed planning, A-list casting, and a focus on action over horror sank it. Universal scrapped the universe, opting for standalone monster films. The Dark Universe is Hollywood’s biggest cautionary tale.

Which cinematic universe’s flop surprised you most, or did I miss a bigger disaster? Share your thoughts in the comments!