What Would It Take for MCU to Lose an MCU Fan?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has captivated audiences worldwide, but what steps could Disney take to turn a devotee into a dissatisfied fan? A series of recent events, including the Sony deal over Spider-Man, have sparked concerns among MCU enthusiasts. Here, we explore key factors that could send an MCU fan down the path to disliking the franchise.

The Sony Deal Over Spider-Man: A Source of Discord

The crux of the current issue is the Sony deal regarding Spider-Man. With Disney seeking greater profits from MCU films featuring Spider-Man and Sony rejecting the proposal, the future of the character's solo movie series is under scrutiny. Marvel has stated that despite the division, they will still produce MCU films with characters like the Fantastic Four and X-Men. Yet, the prospect of Sony controlling Spider-Man's solo films might be detrimental to the overall storyline's continuity.

Spidey's latest solo film, Spider-Man: Far From Home, ended on a memorable note with Peter Parker's secret identity revealed to the world. This development presents intriguing possibilities for future movies, but two potential scenarios emerge: Spider-Man dying offscreen or retiring without completing his character arc. Both outcomes would necessitate drastic changes and could erode an MCU fan's enthusiasm.

The Risk of Failing to Build up to Ultimate Events

A key aspect of the MCU's success lies in its ability to build up to pivotal events like Infinity War and Endgame. Future films should continue this upward trajectory, introducing new characters and plot developments that enhance the overall narrative. Otherwise, fans might lose interest and question the franchise's continued existence. It's crucial for MCU films to maintain a sense of forward momentum and purpose, ensuring that each installment feels interconnected and part of a grander storyline.

The practice of adding post-credits scenes should serve a purpose rather than feel like pointless gags. These scenes should provide hints and teasers to intrigue viewers and build anticipation for the next installment. If post-credits scenes become a mere afterthought, they risk diminishing the impact of the film and eroding fan engagement.

The Peril of Rehashing the Same Saga

Many fans of other franchises, such as Star Wars, have criticized the sequel trilogy for feeling like a soft reboot of the original trilogy. Similar concerns exist for the MCU: if future films simply aim to rehash the Infinity Saga, specifically Thanos and his plot, the franchise could become predictable and lose its appeal. Audiences appreciate freshness and innovation, and the MCU needs a new villain with unique motivations to keep the storyline engaging.

In addition, excessive time travel and revisiting past events could dilute the impact of the current and new characters. To keep the overall narrative fresh, doctors and draws on the classic storylines, allowing new and current characters to take center stage and create unique, compelling stories.

By addressing these concerns, Disney has the opportunity to maintain the enthusiasm and loyalty of MCU fans. The future of the franchise relies on maintaining a balance between hitting all the right notes and keeping the audience engaged with fresh and exciting developments.