Rebooted Marvel Animated Universe (RMAU)

The Rebooted Marvel Animated Universe, or RMAU for short, is a series of films that reboots the Marvel Animated Features series. The RMAU started in 2015 with the release of the animated film Fantastic Four.

Films
Fantastic Four (2015)

Before the release of the critical and commercial flop Fantastic Four in August 2015, an animated Fantastic Four film was released in early February. The film is based on the Galactus Trilogy storyline from the Fantastic Four comics. The film received a limited one night only screening at select theaters in partnership with Fathom Events, and also received a limited release in New Zealand and Australia. Critical reception to the film was generally positive, with praise for the animation and voice cast, although the plot was criticized. Overall, the film grossed over $3.6 million in box office receipts, along with an additional $10.7 million in DVD and on demand sales, for a total of $14.3 million, against a budget of $4 million, making it a success when comparing it to wider released films at the time.

The Spectacular Spider-Man (2015)

A film adaptation of the highly acclaimed television series The Spectacular Spider-Man was reported to be in the works as early as 2009, and, after the legal troubles that cancelled the series were fixed, the project started development. The film features all of the original voice cast and is composed of ideas from the series that were abandoned when the series was cancelled. The film received critical acclaim for its animation, voice cast, story, and faithfulness to the source material, and, due to the box office success of Fantastic Four, the film received a limited one week release in North America, New Zealand, and Australia. Overall, with $7.3 million in box office receipts from all countries, and $14.6 million in DVD and on demand sales, the film grossed over $22 million and surpassed expectations, largely due to fans still being loyal to the original series long after its cancellation. The success of the film led to talks about sequels being produced.

Black Panther (2016)

The first film adaptation of the Marvel character Black Panther was in talks since 1992, and an animated version in talks since 2003. The film was finally talked about again in late 2013, and production started in 2014. The film is loosely based on the Black Panther television series. The film received a limited release in the UK, and received positive reviews for its animation, voice cast, and faithfulness to the character, although the story was criticized as bland. With box office receipts totaling $2 million, and an additional $9 million in DVD and on demand sales, the film grossed $11 million, making it a success but notably less from the previous two animated Marvel features, cancelling plans for a sequel.

Ultimate Avengers III: The Green Goblin (2016)

The third and final film in the Ultimate Avengers animated film series, it mainly focuses on the Green Goblin's rise to power and features the introduction of Spider-Man in the series. The film received a limited release in New Zealand, and had a limited one-night screening at theaters in the U.S. and UK in partnership with Fathom Events. Critical response was mixed, with the animation and voice cast being praised, but main criticism focusing on the unnecessary need for a third film. With box office receipts totaling $3 million, and an additional $12 million in DVD and on demand sales, the film grossed $15 million in total, topping both the two previous Ultimate Avengers films in revenue.

Ultimate Spider-Man (2017)

A stand-alone sequel to The Spectacular Spider-Man and a spinoff of the Ultimate Avengers film series, the film is based off the Ultimate Spider-Man television series. Although it is a Spider-Man film and a sequel to the first animated Spider-Man film, it does not continue the original plot, features new animation and voice cast, and instead continues the story from the series. The film received positive reviews for the animation, voice cast, and faithfulness to the source material, although the plot was criticized by some. The film received a limited one-week release in the U.S. and UK, and grossed $7 million in box office receipts. With an additional $13 million in DVD and on demand sales, the film grossed over $20 million in total, making it a success.

The Amazing Spider-Man (2018)

After a hiatus of Marvel animated films, the third and final installment in the Spider-Man animated film series was released on Christmas Day 2018. The film received a limited one-week release in the U.S., UK, Australia, and New Zealand. The film received positive reviews for its animation, voice cast, and story, and called it a solid finish to the series. The film grossed $6.5 million in box office receipts, and with an additional $15 million in DVD and on demand sales, the film grossed over $21 million in total, making it a success. The film series generated $63 million in revenue, when not subtracting budget and advertising costs.

The Sandman (2019)

A spinoff of the Spider-Man animated series, the film is based on the Marvel character of the same name and was released in late July. The film received a limited release in Australia, but was released direct-to-video in the U.S. The film received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its animation but called the spinoff unnecessary. The film grossed a mere $20,000 in box office receipts, but grossed over $11 million in DVD and on demand sales, making it a moderate success.

Iron Man: Demon in a Bottle (2020)

The first animated Iron Man film since The Invincible Iron Man in 2007, and the first Iron Man film overall since Iron Man 3 in 2013, the film is based off of the "Demon in a Bottle" story arc from the Iron Man comics in 1979, and is also the first R-rated animated Marvel film. The film received a limited theatrical release in the U.S. and UK, and was released direct-to-video in other countries. The film surpassed expectations, largely due to the popularity of the original story arc. Reviews were positive, with critics praising the darker tone and the animation, although some found the faithfulness to the source material below expectations. The film grossed over $13 million in box office receipts, and with an additional $18 million in DVD and on demand sales, the film topped over $31 million in revenue, making it extremely profitable.