Avengers: Doomsday - Have Marvel Learned From Their Mistakes?

Overview

This episode critiques Marvel's recent teaser trailers for Avengers: Doomsday, exploring whether the studio has learned from past mistakes. It examines the return of iconic characters, the shift away from divisive storytelling, and the potential implications for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)'s future.

Notable Quotes

- Sometimes it's okay for a hero to just be a [__] hero. – On the overuse of deconstruction in modern storytelling.

- It's amazing what you can do when you give your customer what they actually want instead of force-feeding them what you think they need. – On Marvel's shift back to fan-favorite characters and traditional storytelling.

- We've done our bit for king and country. Now we need to get back to making money again. – Allegedly attributed to Kevin Feige, reflecting Marvel's pivot from activism to profitability.

🎥 Marvel's Nostalgia Play

- Marvel is heavily leaning into nostalgia for Avengers: Doomsday, bringing back beloved characters like Steve Rogers, Thor, Professor X, and Magneto.

- The teasers focus on emotional, dramatic moments rather than quippy humor or ironic deconstruction.

- The return of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers and Thor's depiction as a wise, battle-scarred father figure signal a return to more traditional hero archetypes.

🛠️ Critique of Recent MCU Trends

- The episode criticizes Marvel's reliance on cheap carbon copies of iconic characters, arguing that emotional investment doesn't transfer to new iterations.

- It highlights fan fatigue with identity politics and lectures embedded in recent MCU projects, which have alienated core audiences.

- The host suggests that Marvel's pivot back to traditional storytelling is a response to declining box office performance and fan backlash.

⚔️ The Return of Gravitas

- The teasers for Doomsday are praised for their sincerity and emotional weight, avoiding the comedic tone of recent MCU films like Thor: Love and Thunder.

- Scenes like Thor preparing for battle and Professor X and Magneto reconciling are described as heartfelt and impactful, free from undercutting humor or forced messaging.

💰 Marvel's Strategic Shift

- The episode posits that Marvel is prioritizing profitability over activism, acknowledging that their recent approach has hurt the brand.

- The pivot back to traditional male heroes and fan-favorite characters is seen as a calculated move to regain trust and rebuild their audience.

- However, the host warns that Marvel faces challenges in winning back disillusioned fans while potentially alienating the modern audience they previously courted.

🌍 The Future of the MCU

- The host speculates on the MCU's long-term viability, questioning whether fans will stick around for a potential reboot after Secret Wars.

- Marvel's ability to balance nostalgia with fresh storytelling will be critical to its survival in an increasingly competitive entertainment landscape.