Lesson 1: The Importance of Quality CGI
The special effects of some blockbusters today look worse than they did 10 years ago. Superhero movies heavily rely on special effects to sell the powers and unique worlds they depict. However, rushed digital effects in movies like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and The Flash have left audiences unimpressed. Both Marvel and DC need to prioritize SFX quality control to win back audience favor.
MODOK in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
The declining quality of CGI in superhero movies is a critical factor contributing to audience dissatisfaction with recent releases. The MCU and DCEU must invest in improving the visual effects of their films to meet the increasing expectations of modern audiences.
A wide shot of Ant-Man descending into the Quantum Drive in And-Man and the Wasp Quantumania
Twitter article posted by Zachary Levi
Lesson 2: Addressing Superhero Fatigue
The constant influx of superhero media has led to a fatigue among audiences. The oversaturation of the superhero genre has diminished the novelty once associated with superhero films. Marvel and DC have recognized this trend, as evidenced by their limited 2024 release schedules, indicating a shift towards quality over quantity.
10-DCEU-Movie-Rules-The-DCU-Needs-To-Break-
The exhaustion stemming from an overabundance of superhero content has prompted both franchises to reevaluate their release strategies and prioritize audience engagement over saturation.
Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange watching an incursion in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Lesson 3: Navigating Multiverse Stories
Multiverse narratives in superhero movies have yielded mixed results. While successful examples like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse have captivated audiences, others such as The Flash have struggled to resonate. Marvel and DC must exercise caution when exploring the multiverse subgenre to avoid diluting its appeal.
Multiverse orbs float around in The Flash
The utilization of multiverse storytelling presents both opportunities and challenges for Marvel and DC. Balancing the exploration of parallel universes with coherent storytelling is crucial to sustaining audience interest in the long term.
Barry Allen puts a baby in a microwave in The Flash
