The Marvel Cinematic Universe has become a universally well-recognized media franchise with a huge number of films and television series under its belt. If one were to claim that this powerhouse of the superhero genre has shaped popular culture for the past few decades, then one would be right to assume so. However, would you believe it if we were to say that the beginning of Marvel’s theatrical and cinematic journey to worldwide acclaim and mass appreciation was a rocky one?

Howard the Duck (1986)— Marvel’s biggest blunder ever?

1986’s uber-ambitious yet failed attempt at the big-screen adaptation of a then-famous Marvel character tells us that the world simply was not ready for Howard, an anthropomorphic talking duck. This particular film, which was produced by George Lucas and Gloria Katz, was an immediate failure in the eyes of film analysts. While the endeavor has now, in the present, garnered a cult-classic following, back in 1986, the character only infuriated the masses.

The post-release reception was simply a disaster. However, it was not only the aftermath of the film’s release that posed trouble. The endeavor, even during its development, faced a major setback—with famous actor and comedian Robin Williams quitting after just a week!

Marvel’s First Theatrical Release Was A Cinematic Catastrophe

Howard the Duck was criticized by many

Many famous critics of that time did not shy away from expressing their distaste for the lead character of the Willard Huyck-directed film. Howard was simply not doing it for the masses. Famed journalist and film critic of the Chicago Tribune, Gene Siskel, called Howard the Duck a “stupid film.” Out of 4 stars, he could only rate the film with a single one. Additionally, Siskel hailed the movie’s protagonist to be unbearable. The story, to him, had no point nor a center. The visual effects were lukewarm and unimpressive. 

The film tanked miserably at the box office. Its post-release reputation led then President of Universal Pictures, Frank Price, to step down from his position. He resigned in 1986. The voice of Howard, Chip Zien, revealed the following details about the incident:

“I had a friend who was a Hollywood screenwriter, and he had a meeting with Frank at Universal to talk about a project. So he was in Frank’s office and the massive billboard for Howard the Duck was still outside his window. And my friend said he saw Frank walk to the window, look at the billboard and shudder. And Frank said, ‘That movie is going to get me fired.’ And it did.”

Chip Zien voiced Marvel’s anthropomorphic duck

The primary reason behind such mass disapproval was due to the film’s inconsistent narrative, humorless jokes, and mediocre special effects that seemed to come from the use of outdated technology. The decision to have it made in a live-action format was cited by some as the main problem that led to its downfall.

Such obstacles, of course, did not stop Howard the Duck from winning numerous accolades! The movie went ahead to receive the Worst Picture award at both the Golden Raspberry Awards (1986) and the Stinkers Bad Movie Awards. Talk about hitting where it hurts the most. 

Jumanji Alum Robin Williams Was Left Horrified

Beloved actor Robin Williams quit Marvel’s first big-screen adaptation

A long list of actors were auditioning for Howard’s voice. Before Chip Zien’s triumphant reign, Robin Williams was the one chosen to voice the anthropomorphic duck. The latter was, however, severely exasperated with having to sync his voice with the animatronic duck’s bill in post-production. This was a result of having no professional voice actors around during the production process. Howard’s lines were simply read out loud, in monotony, by the puppeteers present on set.

This left Williams feeling rather confined and confused about the movie’s functionality. Chip Zien recalls it in the following way:

“What I was told was by the third day, Robin said, ‘I can’t do this. It is insane. I can’t get the rhythm of this. I am being confined. I am being handcuffed in order to match the flapping duck’s bill.’”

The procedure utilized behind the screen to make the Marvel character come to life was irrefutably a complicated one. To portray Howard, the production team had to bring in two suit performers, five puppeteers, and Chip Zien to voice the duck in post-production. It is no wonder that the Dead Poets Society alum felt restricted. The actor’s potential and improvisational style could not be made use of under such dire circumstances.

Howard the Duck in Marvel’s What If…?

It has almost been four decades since the disastrous film’s release. The character of Howard, while disliked greatly in the 1986 Marvel film, is now receiving somewhat of a revival through the MCU. Although the humanoid duck has only been a part of cameos within the acclaimed cinematic universe, he has still managed to garner a massive following of people who are eager to see more.

Will the future bring to us a stand-alone adventure of Howard within the MCU timeline? That would be best determined by whether or not the repercussions of the 1986 film are still being felt.