Highlights

The Marvels had a disappointing domestic opening weekend, sparking discussions about the future of the MCU, but many still have faith in the franchise’s health. Iman Vellani, who plays Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel, believes that periods of stagnation are normal in a long-running franchise like the MCU, urging fans to be patient and let Marvel Studios navigate through rough waters. Despite recent setbacks, Marvel Studios has a deep wealth of source material and is likely to maintain its momentum with upcoming projects like Deadpool 3 and Captain America: Brave New World, as well as the return of classic Marvel heroes like the Fantastic Four.

Iman Vellani offered her thoughts on The Marvels‘ box office performance. She stars in The Marvels as the MCU’s first Muslim superhero Kamala Khan, a.k.a. Ms. Marvel.

Last week, The Marvels set a new low for the MCU with a measly domestic opening weekend of $47 million. The result spurred discussion over the franchise’s current health and its future. Despite recent box office shortcomings from Captain Marvel 2 and Antman and the Wasp: Quantumania, many believe the MCU will remain a healthy franchise, especially with reliable projects like Deadpool 3 and Captain America: Brave New World on the horizon.

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Vellani proved herself to be one of those stalwart supporters. In an interview with The Globe and Mail, Vellani shared her opinion on the current chaos surrounding the MCU and its future. She explained that periods of stagnation are inevitable for a franchise as extensive and long-running as the MCU. The Marvels star urged fans to remain patient and to allow Marvel Studios to navigate itself out of rough waters.

People are discussing the inner workings of a company that makes superhero films more [serious] than political issues, and it’s really not that deep. If this one thing has been done the same way since 2008′s Iron Man, of course there’s going to be a plateau before progress is made to keep up with all the things. People just need to chill and give them some time, let them cook, keep the fandom positive. I feel like I’m being force fed doom postings left, right and centre.

Vellani’s optimism is a welcome break from the negative news cycle that currently shrouds the MCU. While many touted that the end of days was approaching for the franchise, others defended the MCU from rabid online hate, including author Stephen King. Vellani is also co-writing her comic book, Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant #1, which is confirmed to bring Vellani’s Khan character into contact with the X-Men, possibly a sign of things to come for Khan’s place on the big screen.

With classic Marvel heroes such as the Fantastic Four (and rumors of the X-Men) soon returning to theaters, Marvel Studios appears to be utilizing its deep wealth of source material to maintain its momentum following the record-breaking Avengers films. A hunger for comic book-themed superhero movies is likely not disappearing anytime soon. Marvel Studios needs to figure out how to pull its masses of fans back into the theaters, something it’s proven it can do before.

Other current Marvel Studios productions, likeLoki season 2, have been well received on Disney Plus among fans and critics alike. However,Loki season 2’s viewership numbers failed to overtake season 1’s ratings, indicating that fan fatigue is likely playing a significant role in the recent downturn despite high-quality output from the franchise. With only one Marvel Studios movie releasing in 2024, the studio will hopefully benefit from a temporary reduction of its movie theater presence before ramping up again in 2025 with its phase 6 of movies.

The Marvels is now playing in theaters.

The Marvels

Carol Danvers teams up with Monica Rambeau and Kamala Khan in The Marvels. As the three heroes find their powers entangled, they must work together to stop Dar-Benn from enacting her evil plan. 

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Source: The Globe and Mail

 The Marvels star expressed her opinion on the climate surrounding the MCU following Captain Marvel 2’s rough opening weekend at the box office.  Read More  

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