The Infinity Saga of the MCU reached its culmination in Avengers: Endgame, as the heroic Avengers faced off against the formidable Titan, Thanos, in an epic battle to acquire the coveted Infinity Stones. They triumphed and succeeded in resurrecting those who were lost during The Blip, a tragic event that occurred five years earlier. However, this was not the end of their story.
Following the events of Endgame, the MCU heroes mourned their losses and continued on their respective paths. Thor, having undergone a physical transformation, joined forces with the Guardians of the Galaxy to explore the vastness of the universe and discover his purpose. Spider-Man sought help from Doctor Strange in manipulating reality's fragments. Each of the returning heroes embarked on their own thrilling adventures. Yet, the question remains: who will eventually step up to fulfill their roles?
The MCU has faced difficulties in progressing beyond the characters from the Infinity Saga. Excluding the Disney+ shows, there have been 8 sequel films featuring characters from the Infinity Saga, in contrast to only 2 films that introduced new heroes. Given Marvel's extensive roster of superheroes, it seems fitting to embrace some fresh faces moving forward.
Marvel Should Have Retired All Its Former Heroes
Following the events of Endgame, a number of heroes from the Infinity Saga have continued their journeys through their own films or TV series. These include Thor, Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Black Panther, Loki, Wanda Romanoff/Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye, The Falcon, and the Winter Soldier. It's important to note that Black Widow has received a prequel film. Additionally, the cinematic universe has introduced new characters such as Shang-Chi, She-Hulk, Moonknight, Ms. Marvel, and the Eternals.
There is a substantial disparity between the number of returning heroes and the number of new introductions. This imbalance may lead to fan boredom as they witness the same character embarking on yet another adventure, gradually diminishing the excitement they once felt for these well-established figures.
One notable disparity between comics and films lies in the ability of comics to showcase numerous adventures for a single hero through various storylines and differing versions of the character. In contrast, films adhere to a fixed story arc, often resulting in predictable or repetitive plots. Additionally, the culmination of Endgame provides a compelling rationale to retire the Avengers, as both leaders are absent and the universe's most formidable threat has been vanquished.
However, there are exceptions and beloved heroes that countless fans rejoice in their continuous presence, among them being the Guardians of the Galaxy, Doctor Strange, and Spider-Man. Spider-Man, in particular, is deemed exempt from retirement due to several compelling reasons: his youthfulness still holds much potential, his apprenticeship under Iron Man ensures the continuation of Tony Stark's legacy, and fans eagerly await the return of the iconic "friendly neighborhood Spider-Man," given his significant involvement with the Avengers. It is also worth noting that both Doctor Strange and Spider-Man have only graced the franchise with a single film thus far.
Trying to Bridge the Gap Has Been Clunky
Spider-Man: Far From Home effectively bridged the gap between the pre- and post-Endgame era in the MCU. While still a part of Phase 3, it marked the first movie to unfold after the events of Endgame. The film adeptly portrays the challenges faced by both Peter Parker and the world as they grapple with the return of their loved ones, five years after The Blip. However, the subsequent progression became somewhat clumsy.
New Heroes Need The Spotlight
The Infinity Saga was remarkable because each movie not only stood independently but also contributed to a cohesive universe. In the first three Phases, each individual story had its own purpose and hinted at what lay ahead. However, the current films seem to serve as mere setups for the next installments. Consequently, fans are unable to form deep connections with the characters, unlike the original Avengers. Rather than immersing themselves in the lives and narratives of potential new Avengers, fans spend most of the movie speculating about the identity of the next Thanos.
One approach to improve the content is to shift the focus towards the latest heroes and their individual roles in the next Avengers gathering. Dedicated fans who have followed the Infinity Saga since its inception have developed strong emotional connections with these characters. While these fans still hold these characters dear, the MCU can reignite their interest by fostering a fresh bond with new heroes. However, achieving this becomes challenging as the older characters consistently dominate the spotlight.
Most of the recent films featuring older Avengers have been light-hearted and have had little impact on the overall storyline. In a comic book franchise like this, it is important to balance individual character development with the larger narrative that unites all the heroes in their fight against a common enemy.
By shifting the focus to newer heroes, such as Shang-Chi and the Eternals, fans can rekindle the excitement and attachment they had for the original Avengers. This will help them connect more easily with these new heroes and eagerly anticipate their future storylines. Will fans have the opportunity to witness another epic event like Avengers: Endgame, where their favorite heroes unite to save the universe? It may be too early to say for certain, but if Marvel handles it well, they can recreate that same feeling of awe and excitement.