Marvel’s Future Plans Revealed
In a nondescript conference room on a particularly notable floor at Marvel Studios, there’s a locked door hiding a whiteboard outlining a plan for Marvel films over the next seven years. Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige teased this during a gathering of selected journalists in the same space where he first met Doctor Strange‘s Benedict Cumberbatch and where director Chloe Zhao pitched her vision for Eternals.
Superhero Fatigue? Not According to Feige
Marvel’s recent offerings, particularly Thunderbolts and Captain America: Brave New World, have seen lower box office returns. However, Feige dismisses the notion of superhero fatigue, referencing DC Studios’ successful Superman which has performed well domestically. He even reached out to filmmaker James Gunn to express his appreciation for the film’s urgent storytelling style.
Lessons from Past Releases
Despite doubting superhero fatigue, Feige and his team have analyzed the underperformance of their films since Avengers: Endgame. Their upcoming project, Fantastic Four: First Steps, releases on July 25 and is the first Marvel title to feature the characters since Disney’s acquisition of Twentieth Century Fox. Feige is excited about this project being self-contained, allowing audiences to dive in without needing extensive prior knowledge.
Marvel’s Shift in Strategy
Feige admits that Marvel has produced too much content since Endgame, with output doubling to over 102 hours, compared to 50 hours from 2008 to 2019. This surge stems from both the company’s success and pressures from Disney amid streaming competition. To address audience concerns, Marvel is decreasing the number of releases and cutting budgets significantly.
Understanding Audience Expectations
The expansion into television has made Marvel feel like required “homework” for viewers. Feige highlights how this has particularly affected the reception of The Marvels and Thunderbolts, where audience confusion over character backgrounds led to disengagement. He emphasizes the need for clarity in conveying that these are standalone stories.
Feige’s Future at Marvel and Casting Changes
While the topic of shifts in leadership at Disney is prevalent, Feige hinted at having “about two years” left on his contract, expressing a desire to continue creating major films for broad audiences. Moreover, he addressed plans for the character Kang, indicating that changes were in the works even prior to recent controversies.
Upcoming Productions and New Directions
Feige also commented on other Marvel properties, including the anticipated Blade reboot, which is now set in modern times with Mahershala Ali still attached to the project. He acknowledged Marvel’s willingness to adapt tonal elements in its stories, providing a mix of age-appropriate content while also expanding into more adult-oriented narratives.
