The 2010s were undeniably dominated by superhero films.
Whether it was Fox’s final attempts with the X-Men series or DC’s often difficult-to-watch efforts to establish its own cinematic universe, superheroes were firmly entrenched in the mainstream. At the forefront of this cultural movement was the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), a behemoth that redefined blockbuster cinema.
No one can deny the excitement that the MCU generated, particularly during the Infinity Saga. The anticipation for how this interconnected universe of 22 films would conclude captivated both hardcore fans and casual viewers alike.
And then it ended. The next era began with Disney Plus shows, sequels, and new ventures… but it all felt just okay.
As someone who’s been following the MCU since its inception, (I still have my Iron Man 2 collector’s cup to prove it), I’ve noticed the decline. But this isn’t a case of superhero fatigue; it’s a case of forgetting how to make good movies.
Too Connected for Comfort
The post-Endgame MCU didn’t start poorly. Wandavision, Shang-Chi, and Spider-Man: No Way Home were all solid entries. However, the cracks began to show as the MCU became increasingly reliant on audiences seeing every entry to understand what was happening.
In the early phases of the MCU, the films were connected; building up to the big bad, Thanos, and his quest for the Infinity Stones. But each franchise could be enjoyed on its own. You could watch Guardians of the Galaxy without seeing Iron Man. There were subtle hints tying the universe together, but they were never essential to understanding the story.
Now, the MCU’s reliance on interconnectedness has become a burden. To fully grasp The Marvels, you’re expected to have seen Captain Marvel, Infinity War, Endgame, Wandavision, Ms. Marvel, and Secret Invasion. That’s three shows and three films, with much of the content inaccessible without Disney Plus.
Keeping critical character development and plot points behind a paywall not only alienates fans but also hinders the ability of new viewers to jump into the universe. It makes the MCU feel less like an enjoyable universe to explore and more like a chore.
Everything Feels the Same
When you look at what DC is doing, it becomes clear that the issue isn’t superhero fatigue. DC has managed to inject freshness into the genre. Matt Reeves’ The Batman offers a dark, atmospheric take on the character, while James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker embrace a more irreverent and fun approach. DC is finally gaining traction, especially now that they’re being guided by visionary, James Gunn.
In contrast, everything coming out of Marvel feels the same, from Thor: Love and Thunder to Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania. There are bright spots, like Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3 and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, but they’re either legacy sequels or get lost in the shuffle. Others, like Moon Knight and Hawkeye, are quickly forgotten, while some, like Secret Invasion and Eternals, are just plain boring.
The MCU seems to be churning out mediocrity in a rush to build up to another big crossover event. And now, with the return of Robert Downey Jr., not as Iron Man but as Doctor Doom, it feels like the MCU is desperately clinging to its former glory. It’s a decision that reeks of desperation, of a franchise struggling to maintain its status.
What Comes Next?
Deadpool and Wolverine suggests that Marvel is aware of its shortcomings. They seem to know that things haven’t been great, and they’re as frustrated as we are. Unfortunately, this acknowledgement comes in a film that leans heavily on nostalgia rather than innovation.
The biggest issue with Marvel Studios is that they’ve forgotten what made them special. It wasn’t the cameos or the references; it was the heart and passion behind the films. The early MCU movies were made out of love for the characters and the fans, not to meet a quota.
Looking at other superhero media, it’s clear that the genre still has life. Amazon’s The Boys and Invincible offer fresh takes by presenting superheroes in a more “realistic” light. Sony’s Spider-Verse films continue to thrive by focusing on family and personal stakes within the multiverse. Even DC’s recent hits like The Batman and Blue Beetle show that superhero movies can still work.
Kevin Feige and Jon Favreau built this franchise “in a cave, with a box of scraps,” but it’s disheartening to see their vision wane. Marvel needs to realise that with a franchise as beloved as the MCU, audiences crave quality over quantity. Superhero fatigue isn’t the issue; the MCU formula is.
