Throughout the history of film, different genres have dominated the big screen. In the 60s, for example, the spaghetti western was at the top of the world, and every movie-goer was familiar with the nameless cowboy, rolling into town, and facing down a slew of bad guys. In the 80s, the action movie took over. Stars like Schwarzenegger, Stallone, and Willis were made during this decade.
In the late 2000s, however, Marvel Studios made some pretty big changes to the world of cinema. The first Iron Man film was a controversial affair. People doubted Robert Downey Jr.’s ability to step into the red-and-golden suit. They doubted that something like Iron Man could ever even be filmed. However, in 2008, all fears were assuaged, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe officially began.
An Incredible Influence
The influence of the Marvel Cinematic Universe cannot be understated. Not only did it elevate some of the least-known, niche heroes into the mainstream, but it also opened the doors for comic book adaptations in general. Since the success of the MCU, we’ve seen a plethora of companies throw their hat in, trying to recapture the magic of “Infinity Saga.”
It isn’t just films that have been influenced by the Marvel Cinematic Universe either. We’ve seen a growing interest in superhero-based television shows. Amazon’s The Boys is a prime example. It is one of the most beloved television shows of the modern era, but would it have been possible without the success of the first phase of Marvel films?
Even the online world has been affected by the superhero virus. Niche hobbies like online gambling show a clear influence, specifically in the slots sector. Superhero-themed slot games are becoming a lot more widely available. In tandem with certain bonuses, some of which you can get without making a deposit at all, these slots have become a huge hit. But again, it is difficult to say that they’d be as popular without the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s influence.
The First Stage
Because of their massive influence and cultural impact, it is hard to ignore these films. Love them, hate them, or feel neutral towards them, the fact is that everyone has seen at least one. While their popularity may be waning, there is no denying how influential they’ve been in the past three decades. For that reason, it is important that we take a look at how we got to where we are.
Of course, it all started with the first phase of the MCU, which many have come to lovingly call “Avengers Assemble.” The first phase of the marvel films introduces us to each individual member of the Avengers team, and culminates in the 2012 The Avengers film, which sees the group team up against an otherworldly threat. We get to see Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and The Hulk face off against an alien menace, brought upon by Loki.
At the end of the first Avengers film, we are also introduced to Thanos, who will serve as an overarching villain for the first stage. In phase two, the superheroes are developed, further, and we are introduced to the concept of the Infinity Stones. This kicks off the “Infinity Saga.” Phase II starts with the third installment in the Iron Man series, and culminates in the release of Ant-Man in 2015.
Finally, in Phase 3, we are introduced to Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, and the Black Panther. All of these figures play a key role in the battle against Thanos, who finally faces off against the heroes in Infinity War. After Thanos defeats the main cast, they come back to save the day in the next installment, titled Avengers: Endgame. This caps off the “Infinity Saga,” and sadly, a lot of the interest that people had in the franchise.
The Next Stage
For many, Endgame tied a neat bow around the story of the characters that they’ve enjoyed for years. Captain America got his happy ending, Iron Man got his heroic sacrifice, and the Hulk finally found peace. The people who grew up following these heroes simply lost interest in the Marvel universe, which means that Phase 4 already was facing an uphill battle.
Unfortunately, their first couple of projects did not manage to excite a lot of people. WandaVision was an experimental, surrealist show, which did resonate with many. However, Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki, and Black Widow were simply not all that intriguing. In 2021, the MCU released The Eternals, which to date was the biggest letdown in the franchise.
The Spider-Man film was the only one of the Phase 4 movies that truly got the audience excited for the future of the character. However, there is still not any news regarding a future Spider-Man film, or the character’s re-introduction to the story. Fortunately for both Marvel Studious and the fans, it seems that Phase 5 is reigniting the passion in the franchise.
The conclusion to the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy was James Gunn’s final project for Marvel, before he moved to DC. The film neatly wrapped up all of the characters’ stories, and finally introduced the iconic uniforms that the comic book Guardians wear on their adventures. Just recently, Deadpool & Wolverine saw Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman return to the role of Deadpool and Wolverine. The film set a streaming milestone.
The Future of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe
It seems that Marvel Studious are trying to recapture the magic of the first phases with the introduction of new characters, who are taking up the mantles of the ones we know and love. In the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World, Falcon will be slipping into the red, white, and blue uniform, and facing off against a rogue military unit of the US government.
The Thunderbolts are re-introducing Bucky Barnes in a leadership role, as he leads a group of former villains on a quest to save the world. Clearly inspired by The Suicide Squad film, The Thunderbolts looks to be a fun romp. In 2025, the MCU will finally be introducing the Fantastic Four, Marvel’s first family, and their first super hero team to the live action world. So, the future of the MCU, at least for now, seems to be a bright one.