Filmmakers Joe and Anthony Russo, known for their contributions to Marvel’s blockbuster hits like “Captain America: Civil War” and “Avengers: Endgame,” do not attribute Marvel’s recent struggles to superhero fatigue. Despite the underperformance of “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and “The Marvels” in 2023, the Russo brothers believe that the challenges faced by Marvel are a result of the evolving media consumption landscape. According to them, this issue extends beyond Marvel and affects the entire Hollywood industry, rather than being exclusive to the studio.
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“I believe that the current state of affairs is reflected in this situation. These times are challenging and intriguing,” expressed Joe Russo. “We are in a phase of transition where people are unsure of how they will respond to stories in the future, or what type of stories they will prefer.”
“There is a significant divide among generations when it comes to consuming media,” he explained. “There is a generation that is accustomed to appointment viewing and going to a theater on a specific date to watch something, but that generation is getting older. On the other hand, the newer generation wants immediate access and wants to consume content quickly, moving on to the next thing while multitasking. It’s a very different era compared to what it used to be. Marvel and everyone else is going through this transition. I believe this is the main factor at play here.”
Joe Russo observed that the current generation of moviegoers primarily communicates through memes and headlines, often without reading beyond two sentences. This trend is reflected in the preference for content that is concise, often limited to 100 characters or less, or in the form of short 10-second videos on social media platforms that can be swiped through quickly.
“I believe that the traditional two-hour format for movies, with its established structure, has been around for over a century now. However, everything evolves and transitions with time,” he stated. “There seems to be a new wave of change happening, where filmmakers are striving to find innovative ways to tell their own stories that resonate with the next generation, who have their own unique collective attention span.”
According to Anthony Russo, superhero fatigue is not specific to superheroes themselves, but rather a general sense of fatigue.
“The fatigue surrounding superheroes has been a long-standing concern,” Anthony explained. “It’s a complaint that has been around since our early days in the superhero genre. However, it’s important to remember that this is not a new phenomenon. Similar complaints were made about westerns, yet they endured for decades, constantly evolving and reaching new heights.”
Ray Chan, the highly talented art director for movies such as ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’, sadly passed away at the age of 56.
As the comic book movie world continues to grapple with concerns about superhero fatigue, headlines were made when “The Batman” villain Paul Dano expressed his view to The Independent that maybe it’s actually a positive thing.
“It’s a fascinating time where everyone has to pause and ask, ‘What’s next?’ Hopefully, this will lead to someone injecting fresh energy into the realm of comic book movies or give rise to a different genre altogether,” remarked Dano. “I’m certain that there will still be some exceptional films on the horizon, but I believe it’s a much-needed moment of transition.”
Joseph Quinn, the actor set to play Johnny Storm/Human Torch in the highly anticipated film “The Fantastic Four,” recently shared in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that he isn’t overly worried about superhero fatigue as he prepares to make his own superhero debut.
“I believe that when it comes to the Fantastic Four story, it’s crucial for us to get it right,” Quinn expressed his thoughts on concerns about superhero fatigue. “There are unique aspects to this film that set it apart from other Marvel films, which is what drew me in. And of course, having Matt Shakman as the director, who I think is brilliant, and an incredible cast, adds to the excitement. I’ve had the chance to read the script, and I must say, it’s absolutely brilliant. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity.”
To read Anthony and Joe Russo’s complete thoughts on superhero fatigue, visit the GamesRadar+ website.
‘Fantastic Four’ actor Joseph Quinn is not concerned about superhero fatigue despite the recent box office disappointments from Marvel. In fact, he is determined to ensure that the upcoming ‘Fantastic Four’ film is a success. Quinn shared his thoughts, saying, “We want to get this right.”
Quinn’s statement reflects his confidence in the potential of the ‘Fantastic Four’ project. Despite the challenges faced by recent superhero films, he remains optimistic about the future of the genre. His focus is on delivering a compelling and well-executed film that resonates with audiences.
Rather than dwelling on the past, Quinn and the rest of the ‘Fantastic Four’ team are committed to creating a fresh and exciting take on the beloved superhero franchise. They understand the importance of staying true to the source material while offering something new and innovative.
Quinn acknowledges the pressure that comes with taking on such an iconic role but is determined to rise to the challenge. He recognizes that the success of the ‘Fantastic Four’ film will depend on various factors, including the storytelling, character development, and audience reception. The goal is to create a film that both honors the legacy of the franchise and captivates a new generation of fans.
In an industry saturated with superhero films, the ‘Fantastic Four’ team is aware of the need to stand out. They are committed to delivering a unique and compelling cinematic experience that sets them apart from other superhero adventures. Quinn’s enthusiasm and dedication to the project are evident, reflecting his desire to exceed expectations and leave a lasting impact on audiences.
As the ‘Fantastic Four’ film continues to develop, Quinn’s positive outlook serves as a reassuring reminder that the superhero genre still has the potential to captivate and excite audiences. With his commitment to getting it right, Quinn is ready to bring the Fantastic Four back to the big screen in a way that reinvigorates the franchise and reignites the passion of fans.
