Marvel Studios Needs To Stop Making Genre Promises It Can’t Keep

by

Marvel Studios Needs To Stop Making Genre Promises It Can't Keep

Key Takeaways

  • Marvel Studios has struggled to fulfill genre promises for projects like Doctor Strange and She-Hulk.
  • Feige is focusing on quality over quantity and is looking to tell stories outside the main franchise.
  • The future lineup, with projects like Captain America: Brave New World, shows promise in delivering on genre promises.

As a lifelong Marvel enthusiast who has witnessed the rise and evolution of this cinematic universe, I must say that I have been both thrilled and frustrated by Marvel Studios’ attempts to explore new genres. While they’ve managed to deliver some truly exceptional films like Captain America: The Winter Soldier and WandaVision, there have been missteps along the way, particularly with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and She-Hulk.

Regarding the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, consistently aims to elevate the franchise by introducing fresh perspectives in every production. Each film serves as an opportunity to explore diverse genres such as horror, psychological thrillers, and legal dramas. Marvel Studios strives to innovate with each project; however, not all endeavors always meet their intended mark.

Initially, the studio hinted that “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” would indeed be a genuine horror flick. Similarly, “She-Hulk” was expected to be a laugh-out-loud legal comedy, reminiscent of “Ally McBeal”. However, fans found that the “Doctor Strange” sequel didn’t live up to its horror movie billing. Likewise, “She-Hulk” failed to deliver on its promised comedic legal drama. This inconsistency has left fans feeling disgruntled as they question Marvel Studios’ ability to stick to their genre commitments, as it appears the studio is struggling to meet its own expectations.

History of Marvel Studios’ Failed Genre Promises

Marvel Studios Needs To Stop Making Genre Promises It Can't Keep

Although Marvel Studios has built a prosperous film franchise with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, spanning over thirty films, they continue to evolve their approach. Critics have suggested repetition in the studio’s films, but Feige has strived to introduce variations in each new production. For example, “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” offered a gripping political thriller experience, while “WandaVision” delved into serious themes through various television eras. However, not all projects have successfully ventured into uncharted territories for the studio. In fact, while Feige has pledged innovation in recent releases, many have instead felt like more of the familiar Marvel Studios formula, rather than the exciting genre departures fans anticipated. A notable instance might be “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” which was marketed as a genuine horror movie since its inception. Viewers entered the film anticipating a frightening experience distinct from previous entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, it ultimately offered elements of horror and some unsettling scenes, but largely remained consistent with what fans have come to expect from the studio.

Subsequently, She-Hulk made her entrance, one of Marvel Studio’s costliest shows on Disney+. Starring the consistently excellent Tatiana Maslany and boasting a head writer renowned for crafting an iconic episode of Rick and Morty, the series appeared destined for success. However, despite the anticipation of a legal comedy, the show seemed to veer away from She-Hulk’s legal side, leaving many viewers disappointed. Now, two years have passed since its debut, and it appears unlikely that the series will return for a second season. This serves as an unfortunate example of Marvel Studios overpromising and underdelivering. Fortunately, the franchise has shown signs of learning from its errors, particularly with its current roster of projects.

How Marvel Studios can Properly Tackle New Genres Going Forward

Examining Marvel Studios’ upcoming movie slate, it appears they are poised to deliver on past pledges. The upcoming Captain America: Brave New World, a sequel to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, seems to be a revival of the greatness found in the original Captain America series. Although The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, initially marketed as a thriller, faced significant rewrites due to COVID-19, Marvel Studios has taken extra care to get it right with Brave New World. This film underwent reshoots with a new writer to ensure its strength, and fans have shown great enthusiasm for the sneak peeks of the movie, which seems to draw from The Winter Soldier. Additionally, Thunderbolts*, Marvel Studios’ first venture focusing on villains, could be a fresh endeavor for the studio. It seems Marvel Studios is branching out, with their future films, particularly The Fantastic Four: First Steps, finally establishing their unique identity. This shift is long overdue for the studio, which has had its share of box office misfires in recent times.

It appears Kevin Feige is eager to innovate and further explore the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Instead of settling for what’s familiar, the studio seems to prioritize quality over volume. What’s particularly noteworthy, though, is that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is now ready to delve into stories beyond the main series with Disney+. The show Agatha All Along , for instance, has effectively delivered on its Halloween, witch-themed premise, captivating viewers week after week with an intriguing narrative. If Marvel Studios takes anything away from venturing into new genres, it should focus on emulating what Agatha All Along does well and consider the potential of future projects. It’s crucial for Marvel Studios to ensure that if they promise a certain genre with their projects, they truly deliver on that genre promise.

The upcoming Marvel Studios movie titled “Captain America: Brave New World” is scheduled for release in theaters on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025.

Read More

2024-10-16 01:04