Summary
Multiple MCU series have had weak endings due to the studio's fast expansion and the need for flexibility in future plans for characters.
The conclusion of WandaVision, although successful, was marred by unresolved plot elements and a hurried ending, underscoring the persisting problems with how MCU shows conclude. Marvel Studios is currently making efforts to enhance the caliber of its television productions, such as bringing in showrunners, indicating a commitment to delivering better endings for future MCU series.
The head writer of WandaVision sheds light on the reason behind the unsatisfactory endings of multiple Marvel Cinematic Universe series. The Infinity Saga, spanning Phases 1-3, consisted solely of movies and marked Marvel Studios' most successful era. The introduction of new formats such as series, animation, and Special Presentations on Disney+ brought excitement but also led to the division among fans, particularly in Phase 4, which became the most controversial period in the franchise's history.
Numerous MCU TV shows have faced various challenges, including pacing, visual effects, storytelling, and more. Consequently, Marvel Studios is now adopting a new approach to its Disney+ content, slowing down production to ensure the delivery of high-quality projects that meet or exceed audience expectations. One of the primary issues with the MCU series is their failure to conclude effectively, often feeling rushed or leaving loose ends. A Marvel writer's recent comment explains why the endings of these series have been inconsistent so far.
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WandaVision Writer's MCU Show Statement Suggests Why It Has So Many Weak Endings
According to WandaVision head writer Jac Schaeffer, the book "The Reign of Marvel Studios" sheds light on the reasons behind the lackluster endings of multiple MCU series. Schaeffer discusses the series finale of WandaVision, which left some fans disappointed with the resolutions of Evan Peters' character and White Vision. She explains that Marvel Studios typically has an ongoing question throughout the finale, with the climax of a Marvel movie being revised and refined until the very end.
Schaeffer explains how the rapid expansion of the MCU negatively affected shows. According to the head writer of WandaVision, Kevin Feige, the president of Marvel Studios, had to intervene on set to resolve creative disagreements. This led to the shows being stronger in the beginning but weaker towards the end. Writers were constrained in their efforts to create a satisfying conclusion because they had to leave room for adjustments, considering the studio's potential changes in future character plans. This explains the issue with endings in MCU shows.
Why WandaVision's Success Makes MCU's Show Ending Issue More Complicated
WandaVision marked the debut of Marvel Studios' first series, setting a formidable benchmark for its successors. Although the final episode of WandaVision faced several recurring criticisms regarding the endings of MCU shows, it managed to conclude on a positive note despite its flaws. Perhaps unintentionally, Marvel may have overlooked the aspects that didn't work and failed to prevent their repetition in future series. However, with the recent initiative to hire showrunners and implement significant changes to its TV output, Marvel is poised to enhance the quality of endings in its MCU TV shows for the future.