At the time of writing this article, the release date for Keluang Man hasn’t even been announced yet. But out of nowhere, Astro Shaw has already unveiled its own cinematic universe. The suddenness of this announcement has left many of us wondering if this is the right move. With that in mind, I’ve put together five crucial pieces of advice that I hope will help guide the creation of the Astro Shaw Cinematic Universe (ASCU) in a way that resonates with fans and stands the test of time.
#1: You Are Not Marvel
It’s pretty clear that Astro Shaw is drawing inspiration from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, especially with how they’re categorizing their films into “phases.” However, here’s the reality check: you’re not Marvel. While this might sound mean, it’s important to face facts. Marvel has a rich history that dates back nearly a century, and their fanbase is vast. Malaysia doesn’t have the same resources or audience size, and gimmicks like cameos, teases, and nostalgia may not have the same impact here. You need to chart your own course and find what works for your unique audience.
#2: Don’t Overplan
Be realistic about what you can achieve. We all know that Malaysian films are often constrained by budget, so it’s important not to overextend. Overplanning can lead to financial difficulties, and when that happens, you risk canceling many of your projects. This would disappoint your audience and they will alienate your ASCU. Instead, focus on one project at a time. Reflect on its reception, then plan the next project based on fan feedback.
Bigger studios than Astro Shaw have faltered for trying to do too much too soon. Universal Studios failed with the Dark Universe, Fox struggled with the rebooted X-Men universe, and Sony couldn’t build a solid Spider-Man Villains Universe. In comparison, Astro Shaw is still finding its footing, so take things one step at a time.
#3: Focus on Worldbuilding
A cinematic universe should feel cohesive. Don’t let each story or franchise stand on its own without any meaningful connections. It’s strange to imagine Keluang Man fighting crime in one world while Polis Evo is handling completely different issues, and High Council boys are punching each other in a school. Tie these threads together and build a shared world that feels interconnected.
#4: Take Care of Your Continuity
Right now, only Polis Evo, Keluang Man, and the High Council are confirmed as part of ASCU. I know fans are dying to have One Cent Thief to be canon as well but there’s one glaring issue: the actor who plays both Inspector Dani Khir from Polis Evo 3 and Iman Shah from One Cent Thief is the same. If you can’t even keep track of your cast and maintain continuity, how can fans trust you to fully commit to a cinematic universe? Sadly, it’s looking less likely that Digital Karma will ever work alongside Keluang Man and Polis Evo unless this is addressed.
#5: Establish Core Characters
When the MCU began, it had its core characters—Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor. They were the foundation. After Avengers: Endgame, Marvel struggled to find new faces for the audience to rally behind. ASCU should do the same by establishing a core trio. My suggestions? Keluang Man, Inspector Khai, and Kahar.
- Keluang Man is the reason Astro Shaw is diving into this universe, and he’s already been heavily marketed despite no official release date.
- Inspector Khai is an integral part of the Polis Evo trilogy, driving each of the three films. He could be a strong pillar in the ASCU.
- As for Kahar, he’s a villain, but also a high school student. Let’s see him grow, graduate, and evolve through a compelling redemption arc. He could be an interesting character to carry forward.
Conclusion
I know this article may come across as harsh, but it’s because I care about Astro Shaw’s projects, especially One Cent Thief. I don’t want to see the ASCU fail. The announcement came too suddenly, and there are far too many projects being teased. Please, take the time to plan carefully, listen to your audience, and build the ASCU thoughtfully. I’m rooting for you, but planning your next steps wisely is crucial to success.
