Sam Adams, culture writer at Slate, discusses the declining popularity of superhero movies after the worst opening weekend for The Marvels. They explore Marvel fatigue, controversies, and the impact of Disney Plus series on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They touch on upcoming projects and challenges faced by Marvel Studios, as well as the influence of Marvel movies on the film industry.
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Quick takeaways
Superhero fatigue and saturation in the film industry may have contributed to the underperformance of 'The Marvels'.
Marvel's dominance in the film industry has led to a homogenization of the landscape, overshadowing unique and diverse storytelling.
The disappointing performance of 'The Marvels' may prompt studios to prioritize standalone stories and reassess their investment in expansive cinematic universes.
Deep dives
MCU's Worst Opening Weekend
The latest Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie, 'The Marvels,' had the worst opening weekend in MCU history, signaling potential trouble for Marvel's dominance in the industry. Despite the star power and charisma of the cast, including Brie Larson returning as Captain Marvel, the movie underperformed at the box office, falling short of initial predictions. Various factors contributed to the disappointing results, such as a month-long SAG Actra protest that limited promotion and the rescheduling of the movie for additional reshoots and recuts. The decline in performance raises questions about whether Marvel's reign over the film industry is waning.
Marvel Fatigue and Superhero Saturation
The lackluster reception of 'The Marvels' adds to the growing sentiment of superhero fatigue and saturation in the film industry. This year alone, other superhero movies, both from Marvel and DC Comics, have also struggled to reach the level of success expected from previous franchises. The overwhelming number of superhero movies and TV shows, along with the need to keep up with the intricate storylines and interconnected universe, may have contributed to a sense of audience fatigue and diminishing inspiration. While not indicative of a complete rejection of superhero movies, the underwhelming performance of 'The Marvels' and other superhero films highlights a potential need for a fresh approach and offering audiences standalone stories without extensive ties and dependencies on past or future installments.
Impact on Film Landscape and Careers
The Marvel Cinematic Universe's dominance has had a significant impact on the film industry landscape as a whole. Marvel's success determines which films get attention, promotional space, and theater screenings, often overshadowing independent and mid-budget films. This has led to a homogenization of the film landscape with fewer opportunities for unique and diverse storytelling outside of established IP. Additionally, while appearing in a Marvel movie can elevate an actor's career and provide financial security, it may limit their ability to pursue other creative projects or be recognized for non-superhero roles. Some actors and directors are starting to push back against the notion that starring in a superhero film guarantees creative freedom and career longevity.
Future Outlook and Potential Changes
The underwhelming performance of 'The Marvels' and other recent superhero films may prompt studios to reconsider their investment in expansive cinematic universes. While unlikely to abandon established IP entirely, studios may shift their focus to different types of intellectual property or prioritize the development of standalone stories that don't require extensive prior knowledge. The decline in audience interest, especially among younger demographics, suggests a need for a more balanced and less overwhelming superhero film landscape. However, the impact and influence of the MCU on the film industry as a whole will likely continue, demanding a careful balance between superhero blockbusters and original storytelling.
The Potential Return of Originality
The disappointing performance of 'The Marvels' and the fatigue felt towards superhero movies may create more opportunities for original storytelling in the industry. As studios reassess their investment and pivot away from interconnected cinematic universes, there may be renewed focus on unique and standalone projects that appeal to a wider range of audiences. While the dominance of established IP will persist, the demand for fresh and original narratives could lead to a renewed appreciation for diverse genres and storytelling approaches beyond the superhero genre.
After years of superhero films dominating the box office, The Marvels just had the worst opening weekend the Marvel Cinematic Universe has ever seen. Sam Adams, culture writer and senior editor at Slate, joins us to talk about why audiences might finally be sick of superhero movies and what that could mean for the film industry as a whole.
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