Thunderbolts* Star Defends Marvel From Critics After Several MCU Films Disappoint At The Box Office

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Thunderbolts* Star Defends Marvel From Critics After Several MCU Films Disappoint At The Box Office

Key Takeaways

  • MCU movies like Eternals, Ant-Man, & Captain Marvel face criticism for underperforming at the box office.
  • Marvel stars like Sebastian Stan and Chris Hemsworth defend MCU films against harsh critiques.
  • Despite backlash from renowned filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola, MCU actors continue to support and appreciate their work.

As a gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen countless films adaptations from various universes, but none have captivated me quite like the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The MCU has been a constant companion throughout my gaming years, providing a much-needed break from the virtual worlds and offering a shared experience that transcends the screen.

In more recent times, a number of films produced by Marvel Studios have underperformed at the box office compared to predictions. Yet, among these, one notable Marvel Cinematic Universe actor has remained supportive and defended Marvel Studios amidst the critical feedback they’ve faced.

The films “Eternals,” “Ant-Man,” and “Captain Marvel” from Marvel won’t have sequels because they didn’t do well at the cinema. This is causing some trouble for Marvel as they try to bounce back from financial losses. Some critics, including Martin Scorsese, a famous movie director, have expressed their disappointment with Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies. In fact, Scorsese stated that MCU films are not real cinema. To clarify his point, he wrote an article for The New York Times in 2019 titled “Martin Scorsese: I Said Marvel Movies Aren’t Cinema. Let Me Explain.” He compared MCU superhero movies to amusement parks that lack the qualities of a good movie. Another well-known filmmaker, Francis Ford Coppola, agrees with this view. However, one popular Marvel character, who will appear in the upcoming “Thunderbolts,” defended the Marvel Studios films.

Actor Sebastian Stan, who initially appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with the 2011 film “Captain America: The First Avenger,” defended Marvel against criticisms directed at their superhero films. Known for his roles in various MCU productions such as “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (2014), “Captain America: Civil War” (2016), “Black Panther” (2018), “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018), and “Avengers: Endgame” (2019), Stan acknowledged that he felt protective towards the franchise. He explained to Variety, “It’s become quite easy to criticize [Marvel films]. And that’s okay; everyone has an opinion. But they play a significant role in supporting this industry and allowing smaller movies to exist too. The MCU is like a vital artery flowing through the system of Hollywood, nourishing many aspects of filmmaking that aren’t always recognized.” Stan expressed his desire to protect the MCU because he believed the films aimed for good intentions, and making consistently excellent movies was never an easy task.

In response to a critic’s statement, it wasn’t just the actor from “Thunderbolts” who defended the studio, but also Chris Hemsworth, famously known for his role as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Hemsworth expressed that he found the criticism levied against their work excessive. In an interview with The Times of London in May 2024, he stated, “I found it harsh and bothersome, especially from those I consider heroes. It was a roll of the eyes for me when people bashed the superhero genre.” Hemsworth further added, “Those guys had their own flops too — we all do. When they discussed what was wrong with superheroes, I thought, ‘Well, tell that to the billions who enjoy them. Were they all wrong?'” Similarly, Tim Blake Nelson, another MCU actor, showed admiration for Martin Scorsese’s work but disagreed with his negative opinion towards Marvel films. In a previous statement, Nelson stated, “I have the utmost respect for Martin Scorsese, he is in a genre of his own, but I disagree when he belittles Marvel films. I stand firmly on the side that Marvel movies are indeed cinema.

It’s expected that superhero movies attract a specific fanbase, and it’s not surprising to find some people who adore them while others might dislike such films. The critiques hold more weight when they come from industry professionals with significant influence on entertainment. Stars working for Marvel Studios are justified in defending their work as they dedicate significant time, energy, and effort to each project they undertake. Differing opinions about movies like those produced by Marvel should be seen as normal since they’re subjective. It is crucial to express opinions thoughtfully to avoid causing offense to others who may not share the same viewpoint. Ultimately, what matters most is that the message is delivered respectfully. Even with widespread criticism of Marvel’s superhero films, their devoted fanbase and loyal supporters will continue watching MCU movies because they are passionate about it and no amount of criticism can sway them from their love for these productions.

Thunderbolts* will hit theaters on May 2, 2025.

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2024-09-28 19:23