The Marvels A Deeper Look: Marvel Studios faced a dismal day with the lackluster opening of “The Marvels,” pulling in a mere $47 million at the U.S. box office, marking the lowest debut for any Marvel movie. Even globally, the film struggled, grossing only $63 million internationally, resulting in a weak $110 million worldwide total. This disappointing performance is in stark contrast to earlier 2023 releases, like “Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania,” which, despite being deemed a disappointment, still managed a more respectable $106 million in its domestic opening.
The critical reception of “The Marvels” fared slightly better with a 63% score on Rotten Tomatoes, although it stands as the third-lowest score for a Marvel film. This underwhelming opening adds to Marvel’s recent woes, including the scrapping of “Daredevil: Born Again” and a comprehensive Variety cover story highlighting Marvel’s struggles in 2023. The negative narrative culminated in poor box office numbers for “The Marvels,” exacerbating the challenges faced by the studio.
The film’s hurdles were multifaceted, with an ongoing actors’ strike hindering promotional efforts, leading to a last-minute push that proved ineffective. Additionally, the overarching negative perception of Marvel, fueled by underperforming projects like “Quantumania” and the critically panned “Secret Invasion,” contributed to a lack of enthusiasm for “The Marvels.”
Director Nia DaCosta, a black woman, helmed the film, starring three women, yet it failed to resonate amid a broader decline in interest in superhero films. The rise of online negativity, particularly from factions opposing the film, further impacted its reception.
In the larger context, Marvel’s 2023 has been marked by challenges, with Disney+ diluting the brand and a growing sense of superhero fatigue. Even Iger acknowledged this dilution, and as audiences become more discerning post-pandemic, the Marvel logo alone may not suffice. “The Marvels,” as the 33rd film in the franchise, possibly reflects a fatigue with familiar narratives.
The film’s disappointing performance underscores the need for perfection in today’s movie landscape, where a decent film may no longer cut it. This setback at the end of 2023 positions Marvel as a target for scrutiny, with 2024 offering minimal releases, potentially signaling a much-needed break for the studio. The “Marvel Wobble” has taken a toll, and some argue that the mighty MCU has stumbled for the first time in its illustrious history.
Also read: Nia DaCosta Marvel Move: A Closer Look at The Marvels Director’s Decision
Our Reader’s Queries
Is Adam Warlock more powerful than Captain Marvel?
With proper training and refinement of his skills, Adam has the potential to defeat even Captain Marvel. The biggest challenge he may face is overcoming her energy-absorption powers. However, as he gains more control over his immense abilities, he could emerge victorious against the most powerful cosmic Avenger.
What is the Marvels based on?
The Marvels takes cues from different Marvel comic plots, but doesn’t stick to a specific Captain Marvel storyline. The dynamic relationship between Carol Danvers and Kamala Khan, as seen in Marvel Team-Up (2019) #4-6, will be further developed in The Marvels.