Freaky Film Franchises 2

Just like episode 5 way back when, we’ve taken two film franchises each and dissected just how bonkers they have got (and are still going to this day!).

Morgan teaches Tom all about The Marine and Universal Soldier franchises, while Tom takes Morgan through Air Bud and Puppet Master.

Try and keep up, things are about to get thoroughly confusing (and merry).

The Marine series started off as a 2006 action film starring John Cena, and has since spawned over 4 sequels featuring various other WWE stars.

Universal Soldier began in 1992, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren, and has since had five movie sequels of varying quality.

Air Bud began life as a 1997 kids film about a Golden Retriever playing basketball. There have since been multiple sequels and spin-offs that will make your head hurt.

Puppet Master started in 1989 with a film about a group of anthropomorphic puppets animated by an Egyptian spell. There have since been 10 sequels and other spin-offs, and they still won’t die.

Developments since broadcast:

• The Marine 6 was released in November 2018 – Close Quarters – it is thought to be the final film in the series, but who knows?
• In late 2018, Todd Black and Jason Blumenthal hired Richard Wenk to write a reboot of the Universal Soldier films.
• In 2020, a Puppet Master spin-off titled Blade: The Iron Cross was released on DVD and streaming.