Game-Changing Shake-Up: How Marvel Could Amp Up Their Success

Highlights

While Kevin Feige's contribution has played a crucial role in the triumph of the MCU, a distinctive absence of excitement can be observed in recent Marvel movies, signifying the necessity for a shift in the background operations.

Feige's dedication to the source material and his vision for a unified cinematic universe led to the success of the first three phases of the MCU. However, the current phase lacks the same spark and cohesiveness. Perhaps it is time for Feige to pass the baton to a new leader who can bring fresh ideas and introduce new characters and storylines while staying true to the source material. Embracing change is crucial for ongoing success.

Marvel launched the MCU in 2008 with Iron Man and has since produced 32 films and numerous TV shows. Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, has been instrumental in guiding the shared universe to its current success, despite not having access to the company's most beloved characters.

Feige recently expressed that the potential of the MCU is far from being fully realized, offering fans plenty to anticipate. With the introduction of Kang the Conqueror and the upcoming Secret Wars and Kang Dynasty movies, MCU enthusiasts have reasons to be thrilled. However, there seems to be a lack of enthusiasm among many online, likely due to the lukewarm reception of recent Marvel titles like Thor: Love and Thunder. Is it time for a change in leadership behind the scenes?

Kevin Feige was Key to Marvel's Success

Undeniably, Kevin Feige's contribution to the success of the MCU cannot be overstated. He single-handedly molded the MCU into the vast shared cinematic universe it is today. Few individuals possess Feige's extensive knowledge of Marvel characters, making him an indispensable figure in every MCU film. While directors, writers, and actors receive the majority of recognition and praise for their work on individual movies, it was Feige who steered the development of each film. From casting to scriptwriting to post-production, his influence ensured a cohesive narrative unfolded across multiple films.

Feige had a clear objective from the beginning: to create a universe where all movies existed within the same world and each told its own unique story while building towards something greater. This vision proved overwhelmingly successful during the first three phases of the MCU. Phase one, spearheaded by Iron Man, focused on assembling the Avengers. A single end credit scene set the stage and sparked excitement among fans worldwide. The conclusion of Joss Whedon's The Avengers introduced a new narrative to eagerly anticipate: the quest for Thanos and the powerful Infinity Stones.

Feige's passion for the source material and his cinematic universe vision propelled the first three phases of the MCU to become smash hits. However, as Marvel enters its fifth phase, the same level of energy seems to be missing. Both the fans and Feige himself appear less enthused. Each new property feels disconnected, lacking the cohesive throughline that made the MCU so great. While critics may attribute this to superhero fatigue, it is not the complete explanation. The MCU no longer possesses the same spark, even in its mid-credit and end-credit scenes, which lack intrigue. The most thrilling post-Endgame end-credit scenes came from Shang Chi and Ant-Man: Quantumania.

This is not to imply that every Marvel project must serve as a setup for the next movie, as that would be unfair to directors and writers who have a specific story to tell. Some of the most memorable post-credit scenes were the ones directly tied to the movie they accompanied, like those in Thor: Love and Thunder, notably the one featuring Brett Goldstein from Ted Lasso.

It Might be Time for Kevin Feige to Step Down

Feige should take responsibility for both the praise and the stagnation of the MCU. Phase four lacked the coherence that fans expect from Marvel projects, despite telling solid stories and introducing new characters. Cohesion is crucial for the success of the MCU.

Despite being a standalone project exploring different themes within the horror genre, Werewolf by Night was positively received by critics and fans. WandaVision and Falcon and the Winter Soldier tackled important topics such as grief, overcoming it, racism, redemption, nationalism, and legacies. While standalone projects have their merit, the MCU needs some connective tissue between them. Marvel could consider shifting its focus away from solely superhero stories and delve into deeper themes like those explored in the aforementioned shows. With mutants joining the MCU, it would be a missed opportunity not to address civil rights and bigotry.

Recent reports indicate that Avengers: Secret Wars could serve as a soft reboot for the MCU, potentially leading to the recasting and reintroduction of Iron Man and Captain America. This follows a similar pattern seen in the comics, which the MCU should avoid. Instead of relying on the same familiar characters, it would be beneficial for the MCU to progress by allowing Anthony Mackie to continue portraying Captain America and giving prominence to Riri Williams or Rhodey as the new Iron Man. Feige should consider letting the cinematic universe move on from the original characters, as it is possible that he may have exhausted his creative contributions as the driving force behind the franchise.

A New Leader May Have Better Instincts

Despite the immense popularity of Steve Rogers and Tony Stark, it is possible for a new architect to adapt the source material of the MCU to introduce fresh characters. With a fresh perspective and innovative ideas, a new leader can offer fans something exciting to anticipate. While there will always be conservative fans who prefer the characters and stories to remain unchanged, the MCU's sustained success requires embracing change. The question remains, who is capable of steering the MCU towards a productive future?

Victoria Alonso would have been a strong contender before her departure from Disney. She played a crucial role in the development of every Marvel movie and closely collaborated with Feige. Considering her absence, it might be worth considering transferring someone from the comic book division to the cinematic side. This position requires someone with extensive knowledge of Marvel's history, capable of identifying and preventing mistakes, as well as effectively planning ahead to maintain organization and cohesion. The Russo brothers could be potential candidates, although this would prevent them from directing other exceptional films. Notwithstanding Feige's popularity, the MCU would benefit from a more visionary leader.