Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige Says “Even After 32 Movies, It Feels Like We’ve Barely Scratched The Surface”

October 16 marks The Walt Disney Co.’s 100th anniversary, and Variety caught up with the man who has been at the forefront of the Mouse House’s most profitable acquisition since the very beginning, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is inarguably the most successful film (and now TV) franchise in history, and after fifteen years, 31 movies, 25 TV shows and nearly $30 billion in revenue, Feige sounds as enthusiastic about bringing Marvel Comics heroes and villains to the screen as ever.

“I feel so lucky that I get to do this job,” Feige tells the trade. “Every costume fitting, when we see the actors transform for the first time, there’s always this moment of awe. It’s so incredible to take these characters and bring them to life on the screen.”

Feige went on to speak about being in the theatre for public screenings of Marvel films, specifically mentioning being present for the crowd reactions to Avengers: Endgame.

“We’ve had a tradition at Marvel Studios that started with the very first ‘Iron Man.’ For every new release, the cast, producers, director, and I will drop in on an opening night showing and watch the movie with the fans. Feeling the excitement in the theater, hearing cheers or gasps from the audience, is always a reminder of what these movies and characters mean to fans. Being there on opening night of Avengers: Endgame, hearing the crowds, is something I’ll never forget. Also, the feedback we received after Black Panther came out. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would have the kind of impact it did.”

Though the MCU is still very lucrative, the movies are not taking in as much at the box office as they used to, and many fans would be of the opinion that there has also been a noticeable dip in quality over the years.

Even if this was something Feige was ever to address or acknowledge, he clearly feels there’s plenty of life in the MCU yet.

“The great thing about Marvel truly is how many wonderful, interesting characters we have in the comics — they’ve been at it for 85 years. Even after 32 movies, it feels like we’ve barely scratched the surface.”

Next for the MCU on the big screen is the Nia DaCosta-helmed Captain Marvel sequel, The Marvels, which is set for release on November 10. Long-range box office forecasts point to a disappointing domestic opening weekend (more here).