The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been a cultural phenomenon since its inception in 2008 with the release of “Iron Man.” The interconnected universe of superheroes has captivated audiences worldwide and has become the highest-grossing film franchise in history. However, in recent years, the MCU fan base has been shrinking, and poor management by Disney may be to blame.
One factor that has led to the decline in the MCU fan base is the over-saturation of the franchise. In recent years, Disney has released multiple MCU films annually, leaving little time for audiences to anticipate and get excited about upcoming releases. Such issues have led to fatigue among fans, who have grown tired of the same formulaic films and predictable storylines.
Another area of cinematic decay is the departure of crucial actors and characters from the franchise. For example, with the end of the Infinity Saga, several beloved characters such as Iron Man and Captain America have been written out of the series. Such departures leave fans feeling disheartened and unsure about the future of the MCU.
Furthermore, mechanisms outside of producer and director control, like the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupted the release schedule of several MCU projects, leading to delays and uncertainty among fans and resulting in a lack of momentum for the franchise, with many fans losing interest in the upcoming releases.
Poor management by Disney has also directly played a role in the decline of MCU fans. After the firing of James Gunn from “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” for controversial tweets, a backlash rippled among fans; some argued that Gunn was being unfairly punished. This decision also resulted in delays in the film’s production, further disappointing fans. In addition, projects driven by “wokeness” seeking to cast the widest audience net possible have also harmed the company’s reputation.
Disney’s decision to release “Black Widow” simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ also caused controversy, with many fans feeling that the company prioritizes profit over the theatrical experience. This move may have also contributed to the underwhelming box office performance of the film.
But there is hope on the horizon; Nintendo’s new Super Mario Bros has soared to heights similar to Marvel’s early theatrical success. As of today, it has grossed over $900 million globally and is well on its way to grossing $1 billion. In addition, Mario Bros is technically the most successful animated movie release of all time, even beating out Disney’s Frozen II. With well established video game characters like Donkey Kong, Mario and Bowser nostalgia has proven to be a powerful driver among fans.
It’s undeniable, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has experienced a decline in its fan base in recent years, with poor management by Disney being a significant contributing factor. Over-saturation, character departures, the COVID-19 pandemic, and controversial decisions have all played a role in the decline of the MCU. It remains to be seen if Disney can turn things around and reignite the excitement and passion of the MCU fan base with competition from companies like Nintendo, creating a vice in the market.