Superhero Movies: Just the Beginning of an Eternal Genre
Superhero Movies: Just the Beginning of an Eternal Genre
Do we agree that superhero movies will disappear? Not by a long shot, particularly not with the MCU heading into Phase 4 with a total of 12 movies and TV series lined up. But while this genre may not fade away, the cinematic universe concept, as successful as it has been, is likely to see its time come to an end in the next few years.
The Current Landscape
Superhero films have proven their staying power through the pandemic, with 2020 alone seeing four theatrical releases including Bloodshot, Birds of Prey, The New Mutants, and Wonder Woman 1984. Streaming services also added four more to their lineups in 2020: The Old Guard, Project Power, Secret Society of Second-Born Royals, and We Can Be Heroes.
In 2021, we've already witnessed 2 superhero films in theaters (Black Widow and The Suicide Squad) and 3 through streaming (Zack Snyder's Justice League, Flora Ulisses, and Thunder Force). Ten more titles are set to hit theaters this year, including Shang-Chi The Legend of the 10 Rings, Samaritan, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Eternals, and Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Auteur Perspective
While some may question the future of superhero movies, renowned director Marty Scorsese's perspective is clear. He doesn't see superhero films as disappearing, but rather, as one of the best mediums to tell a classic 'hero’s journey' story in an entertaining way. Superhero films have proven their popularity since the first live-action superhero film, Superman in 1978, and have consistently topped the box office ever since.
Key Highlights of the Genre's Resilience
The MCU alone has 12 movies and 12 TV series slated for Phase 4, and the acquisition of Fox means both the Fantastic Four and X-Men will be part of the roster. However, while superhero movies as a genre are here to stay, the cinematic universe concept may not be.
The success of the MCU, despite the challenges it faces, is unsurpassable. However, with the Endgame serving as the clear pinnacle of the MCU, subsequent films are likely to see diminishing returns due to several reasons:
Narrative Bloat: Explaining why heroes don't just call their 8000 friends to help in post-Endgame films. Impossible Expectations: Following the biggest film of all time. Loss of Popular Characters: Significant characters leaving the franchise, with no one dressing up as Dr. Strange for Halloween.The MCU is set to rumble on for a few more years, potentially another phase or two, until the Avengers feel like a 1980s band touring in 2010 with no original lineup. At that point, the MCU will likely enter a state of 'hiatus,' confined to its own narrative universe, allowing Marvel to recast popular characters for stand-alone outings.
Whether superhero movies will see modifications in their storytelling approach or new formats emerge, the core appeal of heroes fighting for justice and adventure is deeply ingrained in popular culture. So, while the cinematic universe may fade, the allure of superheroes will continue to captivate audiences around the world.
-
The Strategic Sustenance of Horror: Why Pennywise and It Don’t Just Kill Right Away
The Strategic Sustenance of Horror: Why Pennywise and IT Don’t Just Kill Right A
-
India and Pakistan: Strategies for Reducing Tensions and Coexistence
Introduction The long-standing tensions between India and Pakistan have been a s