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The Marvels’ Box Office Bomb: Prejudice or Genuine Critique?
December 3, 2023The Marvels, the latest instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has sparked debate not only for its plot and lead character – Captain Marvel but also for the online backlash and poor reviews it received. This article aims to explore whether the movie’s perceived failure at the box office is a result of genuine critique or if prejudice has clouded the discourse around it.
Table of Contents
The Marvels’ Unique Contribution
The Marvels introduces an all-female superhero team, featuring Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel, Teyonah Parris’ Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani’s Ms. Marvel. Despite its short runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes, the film delves into the personalities, flaws, and strengths of the main characters. Captain Marvel grapples with remorse for her past actions, Monica Rambeau’s character is further developed through her relationship with her aunt Carol (a storyline hinted at in WandaVision), and Ms Marvel is portrayed as a dynamic character living every Marvel fan’s dream of meeting their favourite superheroes.
The movie’s unique contribution to the MCU, showcasing strong female leads, aligns with a legacy of successful female-led franchises, as demonstrated by box office successes like Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Hunger Games.
Why The Marvels’ box office flopped
The Backlash Phenomenon
Months before The Marvels hit theatres, it became a lightning rod for fan discontent. Some viewers were critical of Brie Larson’s casting as Captain Marvel from the start, even before she made her first on-screen appearance. This dissatisfaction grew over time, with a faction of MCU fans determined to portray The Marvels as a drop in quality and storytelling within the franchise.
While some argue that misogyny played a role in the movie’s failure, a more plausible explanation may lie in the MCU’s struggle to maintain consistent quality since the inception of Phase 4. Fans have grown sceptical of new productions, feeling that Marvel Studios prioritizes quantity over quality. The discontentment is not solely rooted in misogyny but in a broader sense of distrust towards the franchise’s direction.
Misogyny or Storytelling Stumbles?
Brie Larson’s portrayal of Captain Marvel has been criticized since her debut in 2019, with some labelling the character a “Mary Sue.” Larson’s advocacy for diversity has also resulted in her views being misinterpreted, which has harmed both her and Captain Marvel’s reputation. However, it’s difficult to tell whether the criticism is directed at the character or the actress herself.
The film’s abysmal box office performance, earning $46.1 million in its opening weekend against a budget of nearly $275 million, raises questions. While a faction of the fan base celebrated the movie’s failure on social media, renowned writer Stephen King criticized this gloating. The root cause of The Marvels’ box office flop is not solely misogyny or Larson’s comments blown out of proportion but a reflection of the MCU’s broader challenges.
Divided Fan Base and Inconsistent Quality
The success of the MCU was built on a narrative that led to a climactic ending, as demonstrated by the Infinity Saga. The Multiverse Saga, however, introduced in Phase 4, lacked the storytelling consistency and foresight that distinguished its predecessor. Following Avengers: Endgame, subsequent movies failed to recapture the same level of excitement.
Phases 4 and 5 have seen a decline in fan enthusiasm, with inconsistent quality across Marvel Studios’ productions. The introduction of social issues and representation in the MCU has fueled debates, dividing the fan base further. Some perceive the MCU as being too “woke,” while others criticize certain fans as toxic, racist, or misogynistic.
A Call for Change
Marvel Studios faces the challenge of reviving audience interest in the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame. Inconsistent storytelling and quality have shaken the fan base’s faith. The MCU must address concerns and demonstrate that it still has the artistic ingenuity to captivate and delight viewers. In conclusion, The Marvels’ box office failure is a symptom of the MCU’s broader issues rather than a result of misogyny or Larson’s comments. Marvel Studios must acknowledge the divided fan base, reassess its storytelling approach, and strive for quality to rekindle the magic that once defined the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
