Why Marvel Needs To Elevate Its Storytelling: A Fan's Perspective

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

4.5

Share

The Decline of Character Development in the MCU

The foundation of any compelling narrative rests on its characters. Unfortunately, recent MCU entries have showcased a worrying trend: flat and underdeveloped characters. This starkly contrasts with the earlier successes of the MCU, where characters like Tony Stark and Captain America were meticulously crafted, possessing complex motivations, believable flaws, and compelling character arcs.

H3: Flat and Underdeveloped Characters:

• Examples: Many would argue that several characters in recent phases lacked depth. For example, some criticized the portrayal of certain heroes in Thor: Love and Thunder, arguing their motivations felt underdeveloped and their actions lacked consistent internal logic. Similarly, certain supporting characters in various Disney+ series felt more like plot devices than fully realized individuals with compelling emotional depth. This contrasts sharply with the nuanced portrayal of characters like Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) in earlier films.
• Keyword Integration: The lack of believable characters with substantial emotional depth is a significant concern. To create complex characters, writers need to delve deeper into their backstories, motivations, and internal conflicts. A truly compelling character arc involves growth, change, and believable consequences.

H3: Repetitive Character Tropes:

The MCU has fallen into the trap of relying on repetitive character tropes and predictable storylines. This lack of originality hinders the storytelling, making the narratives feel generic and uninspired.

• Examples: The frequent use of the "chosen one" archetype, the perpetually brooding anti-hero, and the overly simplistic villain narratives have become predictable and tiresome. These clichés hinder the development of unique characters and fresh perspectives. The MCU needs to break free from these formulaic patterns to produce truly original storylines.
• Keyword Integration: To avoid clichés, Marvel needs to embrace unique characters with fresh perspectives. This means taking risks, exploring unconventional storylines, and avoiding predictable character arcs. The future of the MCU depends on its ability to cultivate original storytelling.

Over-Reliance on Fan Service and Nostalgia

While fan service can be a powerful tool, overusing it can significantly detract from narrative integrity. The MCU, in its recent phases, has occasionally prioritized cameos and callbacks over coherent storytelling.

H3: Sacrificing Narrative Integrity for Fan Service:

• Examples: Certain cameos and callbacks in recent films felt forced and served only to elicit cheers from the audience rather than contributing meaningfully to the plot. This "fan service overload" can disrupt the narrative flow and diminish the overall quality of the storytelling. The balance between fan service and compelling plot needs to be re-evaluated.
• Keyword Integration: Maintaining narrative coherence is crucial. While acknowledging the fans' expectations is essential, it shouldn't come at the expense of a well-developed plot. A compelling plot is the backbone of a successful narrative.

H3: Neglecting New Character Introductions:

The focus on established characters often overshadows the potential of new ones. This neglect hinders the expansion of the MCU and limits its long-term potential.

• Examples: Several promising new characters introduced in recent projects have received limited screen time or underdeveloped character arcs, preventing them from making a lasting impact. Investing in creating new compelling characters is essential for the health of the franchise. The MCU needs to nurture fresh faces to ensure its continued success.
• Keyword Integration: Expanding the MCU requires introducing new characters that are well-developed and engaging. Character introductions should be planned carefully to ensure they add depth and richness to the narrative.

The Need for Higher Stakes and Emotional Resonance

The MCU's recent projects have sometimes lacked significant consequences for characters and their actions, diminishing the emotional impact of their stories.

H3: Predictable Plots and Lack of Consequences:

• Examples: The relatively low stakes in some recent films and shows lead to a sense of detachment. Characters face challenges, but the consequences often feel minimal, leading to predictable plots and a lack of emotional weight.
• Keyword Integration: Higher stakes and believable stakes are needed to amplify the emotional impact of the stories. The narrative should deliver consequences that resonate with the audience.

H3: Improving Emotional Depth and Connection:

Building genuine emotional connections between characters and the audience is paramount. The MCU has demonstrated this capacity in the past, but this level of emotional storytelling needs to be consistent.

• Examples: The emotional depth achieved in films like Black Panther and Avengers: Endgame showcases the MCU's potential for crafting emotionally resonant narratives. Learning from these successes and applying those narrative techniques consistently would vastly improve audience connection.
• Keyword Integration: Emotional storytelling, driven by strong character relationships, is crucial for creating impactful narratives. Emotional depth connects audiences to characters and their journey.

Elevating Marvel's Storytelling for a Brighter Future

In conclusion, Marvel needs to prioritize quality storytelling over quantity and fan service. The decline in character development, the over-reliance on fan service, and the need for higher stakes and emotional resonance are critical areas requiring immediate attention. To improve, Marvel should invest in more complex characters, original storylines, and emotionally resonant narratives.

Call to Action: Fans can contribute by actively supporting projects that prioritize strong narratives through positive reviews, social media engagement, and petitions advocating for improved storytelling in future MCU installments. Let's collectively encourage Marvel Studios to focus on elevating its storytelling, ensuring the MCU remains a vibrant and engaging cinematic universe for years to come. The future of Marvel rests on its ability to reclaim its storytelling prowess and deliver the exceptional narratives its fans deserve. Let’s work together to elevate Marvel's storytelling.