Is Marvel Listening? A Look At Needed Improvements In Film And Television

Chloe Fitzgerald

4 min read

Post on May 05, 2025

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Re-evaluating the Saturation of Content

The sheer volume of content released has led to concerns regarding Marvel content overload and MCU fatigue. The relentless pace of production has, arguably, prioritized quantity over quality, impacting the overall viewer experience.

The Problem of Quantity over Quality:

• Rushed storylines: Many recent projects feel rushed, sacrificing character development and plot coherence for the sake of meeting release deadlines.
• Underdeveloped characters: Supporting characters are often introduced and then discarded without proper exploration of their potential. This leads to a sense of wasted opportunities and a lack of emotional investment from the audience.
• Repetitive plot structures: The reliance on familiar tropes and structures makes many projects predictable and unoriginal, leading to a sense of déjà vu for long-time fans.

The Need for Strategic Planning and Pauses:

A more strategic approach to content creation is vital for improving Marvel. This includes:

• Longer development times: Allowing more time for scriptwriting, pre-production, and post-production would allow for more polished and refined storytelling.
• Fewer simultaneous projects: Focusing on fewer projects at a time would allow creative teams to dedicate more attention and resources to each individual project, improving overall quality.
• More focused narratives: Instead of sprawling multi-project sagas, focusing on self-contained stories with clear beginnings, middles, and ends could improve narrative cohesion and audience satisfaction. Strategic planning of the MCU's release schedule is key to achieving this.

Character Development and Story Arcs

A recurring criticism of recent Marvel productions revolves around underdeveloped characters and repetitive character tropes. Improving Marvel in this area is essential.

Underdeveloped Supporting Characters:

• Many supporting characters lack sufficient screen time to develop compelling backstories or motivations.
• Promising characters are sometimes introduced only to be unceremoniously killed off or sidelined, leaving audiences frustrated.
• The focus often remains overwhelmingly on the main characters, leaving supporting characters feeling one-dimensional and forgettable.

Repetitive Character Tropes:

• The MCU frequently employs familiar character archetypes, leading to a lack of originality and predictability in character motivations and actions.
• Many characters lack unique personality traits or distinguishing features, blending into a sea of similar personalities.
• A greater emphasis on character diversity – not only in terms of race and gender, but also personality and background – could significantly enrich future projects.

Innovation and Risk-Taking

The recent trend towards formulaic storytelling has hindered the MCU's potential for creative exploration. Improving Marvel requires embracing innovation and risk-taking.

The Formulaic Nature of Recent Projects:

• Predictable plot points and safe storytelling choices have made recent projects feel derivative and uninspired.
• The lack of originality in character development and plot structures has led to a decline in creative storytelling within the MCU.
• A willingness to deviate from established formulas and explore new creative directions is crucial for revitalizing the franchise.

Embracing Diverse Storytelling Styles:

• Incorporating elements of horror, comedy, or other genres into future MCU projects could expand the franchise's appeal and offer a welcome change of pace.
• Exploring different narrative structures, such as non-linear storytelling or anthology formats, could offer a more engaging and unpredictable viewing experience.
• Experimenting with different cinematic styles and visual techniques could add a layer of visual innovation that many recent projects have lacked. This experimental approach is vital for the future of Marvel.

Conclusion:

The issues discussed above highlight the urgent need for significant Marvel improvements in its film and television output. The oversaturation of content, underdeveloped characters, and reliance on formulaic storytelling have negatively impacted the quality and consistency of the MCU. The future of Marvel depends on addressing these concerns and prioritizing quality over quantity. Marvel needs improvement through a commitment to creative innovation, thoughtful character development, and strategic planning. Only by embracing these changes can Marvel regain its former glory and recapture the magic that captivated audiences worldwide.