Marvel, riding high on the success of Iron Man in 2009, led us through an exhilarating journey with the Avengers saga, reaching its pinnacle with Avengers: Endgame in 2019. Yet, as the dust settled, the fervor dwindled. But fear not, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) still thrives, though it has taken a different route.
The MCU’s Multiverse Approach is not Working
The multiverse, a promising concept, hasn’t met the expectations set by Marvel. Despite brief glimpses in Loki, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the overarching focus has been lacking. The after-credits scenes teased potential storylines, yet the multiverse hasn’t been as central as devoted fans might believe.
Marvel’s strength lies in character-driven narratives. Fans eagerly anticipate the arrival of Daredevil and Deadpool, embracing smaller-budget, street-level projects over grandiose Avengers-style installments. Loki and WandaVision triumphed by prioritizing character depth, setting a precedent for the MCU’s future endeavors.
The Benefits of a Street-level Conflict
Netflix’s Marvel shows, particularly Daredevil, offered a fresh perspective by delving into the gritty, corrupt side of the MCU. Departing from world-altering threats, these series showcased the human side of Marvel. While darker in tone, they reflected a world where heroes navigate through moral ambiguities, a departure from the pristine superhero archetype.
Lower-budget movies/shows
Budget constraints need not limit creativity. A smaller budget allows filmmakers to focus on narrative essence rather than extravagant CGI. The success of Deadpool, with a notably lower budget, demonstrates the potential for smaller-scale, impactful storytelling. Marvel’s expansive budgets could find more significant returns by embracing practical effects and thoughtful storytelling, akin to the Defenders series.
More personal stories
A smaller budget facilitates a more intimate storytelling approach. Marvel’s recent films lack the emotional connection found in character-centric narratives. Drawing inspiration from Logan, Marvel can create stories that resonate on a personal level, fostering a deeper connection between audiences and characters.
Changing up the stale Marvel formula
While the established Marvel formula served well for 21 movies, it’s time for a change. Street-level characters offer a refreshing departure from the familiar superhero narrative. The anticipation surrounding Daredevil and The Defenders showcased the appetite for diversity within the MCU. Introducing an occasional R-rated Marvel film, with Disney’s blessing, could inject much-needed innovation into the formula, reinvigorating audience interest.
In conclusion, Marvel stands at a crossroads, seeking to redefine its narrative approach. By embracing character-focused, street-level storytelling and deviating from the multiverse fixation, Marvel can pave the way for a new era of cinematic brilliance.
