Summary
When it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe,Marvel Studiospresident Kevin Feige is constantly trying to take the franchise to new heights. Each new title is a way to tackle a new genre, from horror, to a psychological thriller, and even a legal drama -Marvel Studioshas always tried to do something new with each project. Unfortunately, though, it doesn’t always work out as the studio intended.
Previously, the studio had teased thatDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnesswould be a true horror movie. It was also suggestedShe-Hulkwould be a legal comedy, having drawn inspiration from the likes ofAlly McBeal. As far as fans were concerned, though, theDoctor Strangesequel was not the horror movie that was promised. Nor wasShe-Hulkthe legal comedy that the studio suggested it would be. This has led to fans growing frustrated by Marvel Studios' genre promises, as it feels like the studio hasn’t figured out how to fulfill its own promises.
History of Marvel Studios' Failed Genre Promises
Despite having constructed a long-running, successful movie franchise with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios is still learning with over thirty films under its belt. While the studio has been criticized over the years for its films having the same look and feel, Feige has tried to change things with each new project. For instance,Captain America: The Winter Soldierwas a successful political thriller, andWandaVisionwas a refreshing new series that tackled serious subjects through different television eras. However, even with these projects having successfully captured new genres for the studios, not every project has managed to do so. In fact, despite Feige’s recent promises, most of the recent projects have felt like more of the same from Marvel Studios, rather than the exciting, refreshing new genre entries fans were promised. The biggest example is perhapsDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The movie, which was the long-awaited sequel to the firstDoctor Strangefilm, was promised as a true horror movie from the very beginning. Fans went into the movie expecting to be scared, and to be shown something different from every Marvel Cinematic Universe entry prior. As it turned out, though, the movie had elements of a horror movie and a few “horrifying” scenes, but it was more or less everything fans had come to expect from the studio.
Then cameShe-Hulk, one of Marvel Studios' most expensive shows on Disney+. The show had a stellar cast led by the always impressive Tatiana Maslany, and a head writer who had delivered one of the most iconic episodes ofRick and Morty. The series had everything working in its favor, but despite the promise of a legal comedy, the series seemed to focus on everything but the legal aspect ofShe-Hulk’s character. Now, it’s been two years since the show debuted, and it seemsunlikely the series is returning for a second season. It’s the perfect example of Marvel Studios shooting itself in the foot by making promises it can’t keep. Thankfully, the franchise is still able to learn from its mistakes, especially with its current line-up.
How Marvel Studios can Properly Tackle New Genres Going Forward
Looking at Marvel Studios' current line-up for the future, the franchise has the ability to finally make good on its previous promises.Captain America: Brave New World, a continuation ofThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier, looks like a return to the glory of theCaptain Americafranchise. WhileThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which was teased as a thriller, was a mess after having to do massive rewrites during COVID-19, the studio took its time making sure it got things right withBrave New World. Thefilm underwent reshootswith a new writer to ensure it was as strong as it could be, and fans have reacted excitedly to the footage that has been teased for the film, which looks to be drawing inspiration fromThe Winter Soldier. Then there’sThunderbolts*, the first time Marvel Studios isputting the spotlight on its villains, which could very much be something new for the studio. It seems like Marvel Studios is trying to reach outside its comfort zone, with its future films - especiallyThe Fantastic Four: First Steps- finally managing to secure their own look and feel. It’s a much-needed change for the studio, which has seen its fair share of misfires in recent years at the box office.
Feige seems keen to try and continue to push the boundaries with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Rather than being comfortable, the studio looks to befocusing on quality over quantity. More importantly, though, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is finally willing to tell stories outside the main franchise with Disney+.Agatha All Alonghas successfully nailed the Halloween, witchy feel promised by the studio, telling a new and exciting story that continues to keep fans hooked every week. If Marvel Studios learns anything about tackling new genres, it should focus onwhatAgatha All Alongdoes rightwhile looking at what is possible with its future projects. Marvel Studios also needs to make sure that if it’s going to make genre promises with projects, that it has managed to truly capture those genres.
Marvel Studios' next film,Captain America: Brave New World, is set to hit theaters on July 07, 2025.
