Why Marvel Studios Must Celebrate the Magic of Previous Superhero Films

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has expanded far beyond what audiences in 2008 could have imagined when Iron Man was released. With 32 movies and 12 series under their belt, Marvel Studios has created a shared universe where multiversal variants and space operas are now the norm. As we enter Phase 5, it's crucial for audiences to have prior knowledge of the MCU lore in order to fully understand the plot of any new release. It's easy to forget just how young this franchise actually is. While Iron Man kickstarted the Marvel juggernaut, the true beginnings of the MCU as we know it today didn't solidify until a few years later.

The early 2010s marked Marvel's venture into expanded universe storytelling. Characters who were once minor and only appeared in Iron Man and Iron Man 2 started making appearances in Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger, leading up to the epic culmination in 2012's The Avengers. This solidified the MCU as the standout cinematic franchise of its generation. Phase 1 of the MCU had its own challenges, but in a time where recent films have raised the stakes to the point where it feels like a slight breeze could destroy infinite universes, revisiting a period when Marvel movies prioritized character-driven storytelling over flashy superhero antics feels like a breath of fresh air.

Older Superhero movies had to tell strong standalone stories

Iron Man captivates audiences with its character-driven narrative. Unlike other superhero films, it doesn't solely focus on a protagonist obtaining superpowers and saving the world. Instead, it delves into the journey of Tony Stark, an exceptionally skilled and affluent weapons manufacturer, who undergoes a profound change in perspective after witnessing the devastating impact of war on innocent lives. Motivated by his newfound understanding, Stark embarks on a path of self-improvement, utilizing his abilities and resources to make a positive difference in the world.

What sets Iron Man apart is its authenticity. The film's primary objective is not to establish a connected universe of superhero media, but rather to create a compelling standalone story that resonates with viewers. While it exists within the larger framework of established franchises, including the MCU, Iron Man stands out as one of the finest examples because it remains true to the core elements of a successful superhero narrative.

Heroes had more emotional stakes to ground them

Sam Raimi's 2004 Spider-Man sequel is widely regarded as one of the greatest superhero movies ever made. Its story resonates with audiences on multiple levels, capturing the struggles of Tobey McGuire's Peter Parker as a financially struggling college student and his heroic feats as Spider-Man, including stopping a runaway subway car. Raimi skillfully portrays the dualities of a grounded superhero tale, using Peter's personal journey as an obstacle to highlight the challenges he faces. At its core, Spider-Man 2 explores themes of sincerity and acceptance, as Peter grapples with balancing his personal life and his commitment to fighting crime. His deliberate isolation, driven by a desire to protect his loved ones after the events of the first movie, creates palpable dramatic tension from the very beginning.

The first movie poses the question "Who is Peter Parker?", but the second movie doesn't provide a definitive answer. Peter still struggles to fully understand himself, and much of his actions are driven by guilt over the harm his loved ones have suffered due to their association with him. While these motivations may suggest a somber superhero narrative, Sam Raimi expertly infuses the film with heart, lightness, and fun, ensuring a balance between deeply human and emotional themes and visually captivating moments.

Losses are just as important as wins

The distinguishing factor of Avengers: Infinity War from its predecessors was the significant loss suffered by the heroes. Although a majority of this loss is eventually recovered in Avengers: Endgame, the team still grapples with the repercussions of their actions in retrieving the half of the world's population that was lost due to the snap. The deaths of beloved characters, who have been followed by audiences for a decade, during their pursuit of ultimate victory continue to have a lasting impact on subsequent projects within the MCU.

Nevertheless, the formula for a successful superhero blockbuster that allows its protagonist to experience defeat can be found in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight. Widely regarded as the greatest superhero film in the history of the genre, The Dark Knight established a benchmark that has yet to be surpassed. With its Oscar-winning performances, tension rooted in real-world consequences, and an unexpected ending, it's no surprise that The Dark Knight solidified its position as the quintessential example of what a superhero movie could truly achieve.

The ending of The Dark Knight defied expectations and left a lasting impact on viewers. Despite Batman technically saving the day, he is not hailed as a hero. Instead, he takes the blame for Two-Face's crimes in order to preserve Harvey Dent as a symbol of hope for Gotham. In a selfless act, Batman willingly becomes a scapegoat for the city he swore to protect, understanding that it was necessary for Gotham's well-being. This decision to prioritize the greater good over his own reputation showcases the power of following a simple motivation and allowing the consequences to unfold realistically, resulting in a remarkable conclusion.