Is it easier to make superhero films with male protagonists? What the X-Men can tell us about the challenges of adapting female superheroes to film

Abstract

This research investigates if it is easier to adapt male superheroes to commercially successful films, using the adaptation of X-Men as a case study. Reviewing existing interviews and sales data identifies concerns affecting the selection of film protagonists. These concerns are compared to stereotypical gender differences in X-Men comics that inspired the films. This analysis finds that because of these differences, male superheroes can more easily be adapted than female superheroes, to commercially successful films.