Long before the MCU was raking in billions and telling large, interconnected stories with beloved characters like Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Captain America, there was Howard the Duck. Marvel‘s first theatrical feature film, which tried to capitalize on the success of the wisecracking, womanizing anthropomorphic duck, was a legendary disaster that had the comic book giant reeling for over a decade from its failure. For as plagued with controversy, contractual disputes, and odd creative choices as it is, though, its tale is fascinating. A new documentary titled Howard the Doc (Or: How I Learned to Start Quacking and Love the Bomb) now looks to tell that story for the first time in film form. Collider can exclusively share that Anchor Bay Entertainment has acquired the project and will release it in theaters this fall, followed by a physical and streaming release.
Howard the Doc takes viewers on a deep dive into the full history of the 1986 film and its importance in carrying comic book cinema to where it is today. Howard’s big-screen debut was a product of Star Wars studio Lucasfilm and executive producer George Lucas, with Willard Huyck tapped to take the reins. Despite all the talent involved, including a cast headlined by the likes of Lea Thompson and Tim Robbins, with Chip Zien voicing Howard, it became a punchline — a four-time Razzie winner that only made about $38 million against a budget north of $30 million and, generally, didn’t do its main character justice. However, the film’s bold tone, complete with some offbeat humor and impressive special effects, also resonated with some viewers and created a dedicated cult following. Even the film’s stars share a certain fondness for the film, with Ed Gale, the main suit performer for Howard, saying he gets more fan mail for his role as the crude duck than his turn as Chucky. Howard has also since gotten a bit of redemption in the MCU with Seth Green voicing him.
Making his directorial debut with the documentary is Ernesto Trinidad, who also negotiated the acquisition deal with Anchor Bay. “When I discovered there wasn’t a single documentary about one of the most unique comic book films ever made — or its fans — I knew this story had to be told,” he said about the project’s conception. “It’s a weird, wonderful part of cinema history that deserves the spotlight.” Helping guide Howard the Doc’s view into the movie’s journey from pariah to cult classic will be new interviews with key cast members, crew, and more, sharing firsthand accounts of the atmosphere on set and the radical creative vision. Thompson and Gale will speak on their experiences, as will Beetlejuice and Sleepy Hollow character actor Jeffrey Jones and Star Wars and Jurassic Park special effects guru Phil Tippett.
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Anchor Bay Entertainment CEO Thomas Zambeck hailed Howard the Doc as a vital and entertaining dive into the “risks, the ridicule, and ultimately the redemption” of an unexpected inspiration for modern comic book movies. He said in a statement:
“This is the origin story nobody saw coming. Howard the Duck was Marvel’s first theatrical leap—long before the MCU changed the industry. This documentary is a fascinating look at the risks, the ridicule, and ultimately the redemption that helped shape modern fandom. That’s why Howard the Doc feels so essential—and why we’re proud to bring it to audiences.”
Howard the Doc will hit theaters this fall before arriving on physical media and major streaming platforms through Anchor Bay. Check out the official poster above.
via Collider