• The article discusses 32 media properties that have not become larger franchises, despite having the potential to do so. It highlights various factors that may have contributed to these properties not reaching their full franchise potential, such as poor marketing, lack of studio support, or simply not capturing the public's imagination in the way that other successful franchises have.
• The list includes a diverse range of media, including movies, TV shows, video games, and even book series. Some notable examples mentioned include "Dredd," "Blade Runner," "Firefly," "The Iron Giant," and "Spectacular Spider-Man." The article suggests that these properties often had strong critical acclaim or cult followings, but for various reasons, they were unable to translate that into mainstream success and franchise expansion.
• The article serves as a reminder that the path to building a successful, long-lasting franchise is not always straightforward. It highlights the importance of factors like timing, marketing, and audience engagement in determining whether a property can truly become a major franchise. The article also suggests that even well-received and beloved media can sometimes struggle to reach their full potential, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry.