Four Movie Characters Who Should Have Gotten Their Own Film

When people talk about a movie, the main characters and the stars who play them are usually the ones who come to mind. However, as an avid movie watcher, I know the best films are the ones with strong supporting players who don't always get the fanfare they deserve and, in some cases, are even wrongfully vilified (or correctly vilified).

Some of these supporting characters are even intriguing enough to justify their own film - either a spin-off movie or an origin story. While this has happened, there are plenty that didn't get that love that should have.

Here are four I think are perfect examples, though not necessarily by the same actor/actress for obvious reasons.

Maleva - The Wolf Man (1941)

Before there was Larry Talbot (Lon Chaney, Jr.), there was Bela (Bela Lugosi), the gypsy fortune teller who bit Larry and changed him into a werewolf. 

While Bela's origin story might also have merit, it is his mother, Maleva (Maria Ouspenskaya) who has always intrigued me most. This is both because she went out of her way to help Larry, even though he killed her son and because I often wonder how much pain she went through as she did what she could to protect Bela while also putting her own life in danger. A prequel story that focused on her and the steps she took would be intriguing.

Emily - The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

My wife and I recently re-watched this movie, one of her favorites, and during that re-watch, I realized Emily (Emily Blunt) might be the most relatable character in the film. 

Yes, I know there are those who will disagree and there are plenty of scenes that don't work in her favor but hear me out. She's a hard worker who is tasked with training a new hire who thinks she's too good for her job. Despite this, Emily does what is expected of her, even helping Andy (Anne Hathaway) when she could have easily sabotaged her, only to effectively be demoted because she caught the flu at the wrong time.

I honestly would love to see a movie that either chronicles her start at Runway or follows her after she finally leaves the job for something greater.

Ivo Shandor - Ghostbusters (1984)

Referenced in both Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Ivo Shandor is central to the plots of both, decades after his death. A movie about his life, at least based on what we were told about him, would make an excellent horror film.

Think about it - a medical doctor who performed unnecessary surgeries and founded a cult with more than 1,000 members, who also knows enough about the paranormal architecture to create a dimensional portal in New York City. How could that not be good cinema?

Clarisse Renaldi - The Princess Diaries (2001)

In yet another movie starring Anne Hathaway, there is a supporting character that might be more intriguing, Clarisse Renaldi, Queen of Genovia (Julie Andrews).

While this movie focuses on Hathaway's character adjusting to life after learning she's a princess, I honestly think a story about her grandmother, who is essentially keeping the throne warm for her would be more intriguing. We learn from this movie there are those who are seeking to steal the throne. We learn from the sequel Genovia doesn't consider women capable of ruling without a husband by their side. So, a queen who is only in charge because both her husband and son are dead would theoretically face quite a few challenges. 

I would love to see that story.

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