From Big Screen to Streaming: Unleashing the Power of the MCU Disney Plus Shows
Unleashing the Marvel Cinematic Universe on Disney Plus: A game-changing move or a missed opportunity? Delve into the pros and cons of transforming beloved characters into TV shows instead of blockbuster movies Are Loki and WandaVision the only ones who truly shine on the small screen?
Highlights
Many of the Marvel Cinematic Universe series felt unnecessary and could have been condensed into movies, resulting in a lot of additional content that wasn't necessary.
Introducing new characters through standalone films would have been a more effective method, enabling fans to become acquainted with them without an overwhelming sensation.
Out of all the MCU TV shows, only Loki and WandaVision managed to captivate audiences universally, thanks to their distinct storytelling and captivating enigmas that ignited curiosity and had significant consequences for the future of the MCU.
Given the vast amount of content within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it made sense to create a few television shows. After more than a decade of successful movies, incorporating certain characters, side stories, and unconventional characters into shows was a logical step. This approach provided an opportunity to offer fans unique stories that might not make it to the big screen, while also exploring different storytelling formats.
However, many of the highly anticipated MCU series suffer from a sense of redundancy, to the extent that they could have been simply made into movies. Although the mediums of television and film offer distinct storytelling possibilities, the shows often resemble the movies, with an abundance of additional content that adds little to the narrative.
The Disney Plus Marvel Series Were Too Bloated
Marvel's series often receive criticism for being excessively long and inflated. The excessive length is evident in almost every series, leading to complaints about aimlessness, dull scenes, and episodes that drag on unnecessarily. While these series do have some redeeming qualities, they could have been condensed into a film, resulting in a more favorable reception.
When reflecting on series like The Falcon And The Winter Soldier, Moon Knight, and even Hawkeye, many MCU fans struggle to remember the specific details of each episode. There was an overwhelming amount of content and excessive focus on character development that, ironically, made it harder for fans to connect with the characters. For instance, The Falcon And The Winter Soldier, with only six episodes, may not appear lengthy, but each episode's runtime of forty to fifty minutes accumulates to over four hours in total when watching the entire series.
Movies For New Characters Would Have Fared Better
Despite MCU fans' satisfaction with more screen time for Falcon (now Captain America, the latest superhero adept at non-stop action) and Bucky, this series stretches two hours longer than the average MCU film. As a result, there is ample empty space to fill. While MCU fans are accustomed to adrenaline-fueled excitement, a TV series that takes its time can sometimes overwhelm viewers with unnecessary details introduced solely to meet the mandated runtime of six episodes.
Introducing the new characters in the MCU TV series has its merits, but it can't be denied that not giving them their own dedicated movies was a missed opportunity. MCU fans have become accustomed to getting to know characters through clever cameos in other films before their standalone adventures. By introducing them in their own movies, fans would have had the chance to become familiar with characters like Kate Bishop, Kamala Khan, Marc Spector, and more without feeling like they were being forced upon them.
Even the mere thought of Hawkeye brings excitement to many MCU fans, especially when envisioning a Christmas-themed storyline. A dedicated Christmas movie centered around introducing Kate Bishop could have provided a delightful cinematic experience, focusing on a tight and concise plot without any unnecessary additions. Consider how the MCU introduced Peter Parker: instead of a lengthy four-hour exposition, he was first introduced in Captain America: Civil War, with only a brief appearance on the screen. This approach left fans eagerly anticipating his eventual solo adventure.
Only Loki And WandaVision Work For TV
Among the various MCU television shows, only two have truly resonated with audiences: Loki and WandaVision. These two series stand apart because they dared to take established characters and present them in fresh and innovative ways, all the while leaving viewers with tantalizing mysteries to ponder after each episode. Moreover, both shows have had significant implications for the future of the MCU, which are readily apparent, but also left plenty of room for speculation and exploration. However, other MCU series attempting a similar approach have yielded mixed results according to critical reception.
Both series diverged from the common tropes of the MCU and strived to establish themselves as different from the well-known characters. WandaVision successfully executed its bizarre sitcom/mystery concept, thanks to its well-planned and self-contained storyline. On the other hand, despite dealing with more intricate lore, Loki managed to maintain a tight narrative structure, revealing crucial information at precisely the right moments.
A significant factor contributing to the success of these series is the extensive MCU background of the main characters, Loki and Wanda. While the introduction of important side characters, such as He Who Remains, played a role, their development was skillfully limited to ensure the progression of the plot. In both series, there is no wasted time or unnecessary scenes. The focus remains on unraveling mysteries and unveiling new revelations at every turn.
