Key Takeaways:
– Chris Claremont, the comic book writer, predicted the decline of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) a decade ago.
– Recent post-“Avengers: Endgame” movies in MCU have been receiving mediocre fan receptions and less box office revenue.
– Claremont targeted MCU’s overreliance on popular characters and ‘hot’ actors to assure box office performances.
– “The Marvels,” the latest MCU film, had disappointing box office earnings of $206M versus $270M budget.
– Claremont critiques recent movies like “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” and “Eternals” for their storytelling.
A Decade of MCU Successes and Recent Decline
Superhero films have experienced exceptional success in the last decade, with Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) rising as a giant in the genre. The beloved franchise, featuring noteworthy characters like Iron Man and Captain America, reached billion-dollar triumphs. However, since the release of “Avengers: Endgame” in 2019, subsequent MCU films encountered difficulties in matching previous successes. Their unimpressive run at the box office combined with less than stellar fan appraisal is concerning, bearing in mind the once flourishing franchise.
Claremont’s Predictions Ring True
In 2008, Marvel Studios introduced MCU with the groundbreaking film, “Iron Man.” Thanks to Robert Downey Jr.’s captivating performance, the movie snowballed success for the brand. However, comic book writer Chris Claremont questioned the Hollywood trend of overemphasizing superhero movies a mere two years later. The acclaimed X-Men writer shared his assessment of the studios focusing more on job sustenance than innovation.
Claremont disclosed that executives prioritize well-known comic book characters and popular actors to mitigate the risk of box-office failures. He put forward his belief that studios readily place blame on audience preferences should a film falter, maintaining their “plausible denial ability.” Claremont’s perspective is pertinent in the light of current MCU trends.
The Decline of Blockbuster Marvels
The MCU has experienced significant fluctuations with their recent films. Despite introducing fresh casts and plots, these attempts haven’t garnered the magnitude of commercial or critical success akin to previous movies. After spending a hefty $270 million on the production of “The Marvels,” the film’s box office revenue could only manage a disheartening $206 million.
Critical Look at the Post-Endgame Storylines
Claremont wasn’t shy to voice his criticisms during a panel discussion at C2E2. He lamented the films after “Endgame,” particularly expressing dissatisfaction towards “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” Claremont criticized the film for relying heavily on the Doctor Strange to save the world scenario. He expressed his frustration, claiming that the MCU needed to introduce fresh narrative elements and not just rest on the laurels of established characters.
Claremont’s disappointment didn’t stop there as he shared his critique of the 2021 film “Eternals.” He emphasized his desire to love the franchise content, hinting at his disapproval of the current MCU arena. Interestingly, he commended the Disney+ production of “Mrs. Marvel,” albeit expressing surprise about the introduction of the main character as the MCU’s first mutant.
Today, viewers may stream “The Marvels” and “Eternals” on Disney+. As Marvel aims to recapture its former glory, one can’t help but see how accurate Claremont’s insights were about the potential pitfalls of an overly formulaic and risk-averse direction for the MCU.
