The Genesis of Cinematic Universes: Origins and Evolutions

The term cinematic universe may be relatively recent, but the concept it represents has deep roots in the history of cinema. This article delves into the genesis of cinematic universes, exploring the earliest attempts at creating interconnected storylines and characters.

The Universal Monsters: Pioneers of Shared Canon

The first cinematic universe in film history is often attributed to the Universal Monsters franchise, which began in the 1920s and 1930s. This series of films is notable for featuring iconic characters such as Dracula, Frankenstein, the Mummy, and the Wolf Man. These characters occasionally crossed over into each other’s stories, creating a shared narrative that laid the groundwork for later cinematic universes.

Other Early Attempts: A Trip to the Moon and Maciste

While the Universal Monsters franchise is credited as the first true cinematic universe, earlier attempts at creating interconnected stories can be traced back even further.

A Trip to the Moon, directed by Georges Méliès in 1902, is likely the earliest narrative film to survive. This film may not have been part of a larger universe, but it was a significant step forward in storytelling within cinema.

Cabiria, released in 1914, is another notable film featuring the recurring character Maciste. While Maciste films can be seen as a series with thematic continuity, whether they count as a cinematic universe is debatable. Most agree that unless the original studio/film makers were involved or informed, such series don’t fully meet the criteria.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe: Modernization of the Concept

The Metric Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a more modern incarnation of the cinematic universe concept. It began with the release of The Avengers in 2012, bringing together different superhero characters from various Marvel franchises. The MCU has been successful in creating a cohesive world where these characters live and interact, leading to a massive global fan base and a major shift in how films are marketed and consumed.

Debating the Definition: Multiple Interpretations

The term cinematic universe can be interpreted in various ways. It could refer to:

By Studio: Walt Disney could claim credit for cartoons based on Mickey Mouse and related characters. By Theme: all the Universal Monster movies could be considered a cinematic universe. By Sequel: films like Birth of a Nation and Intolerance might be included. By Story Setting: Disney cartoons, for instance, could be seen as part of a single universe. By Character: from the early films of Charlie Chaplin to Disney's various franchises, many characters could be included.

Given these interpretations, the concept of a cinematic universe is not only old but also highly flexible. While the Universal Monsters created the first shared narrative in mainstream film, the modern MCU has popularized the idea of a cinematic universe, inspiring countless other franchises to follow suit.

In discussing the first cinematic universe, it's important to consider both historical and modern contexts since the definition itself has evolved over time. The Universal Monsters set a precedent that was later refined and expanded by the MCU, demonstrating how the concept continues to adapt and grow within the ever-evolving landscape of cinema.

In conclusion, whether you see A Trip to the Moon, Maciste in Cabiria, or the Universal Monsters as the first cinematic universe depends on your interpretation. However, one thing is clear: the idea of a shared cinematic universe is not new, just the methods and scale have evolved significantly over the decades.