One of the most popular, and what I claim as the best, franchises to exist is the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or what most people know as the MCU.
Initially starting in 2008, and still going today, fans have been obsessed with this franchise for years. Movie after movie, you can expect the theatres to be filled to the brim, leaving the audience in awe and enticed for whatever comes next.
However, as the years have passed, this feeling has not been as prominent. More recently, fans have been catching themselves feeling disappointed in the work ethic and overall storylines of the latest movies.
After the two cinematic masterpieces, “Infinity War” and “Endgame,” the MCU has not been on its game lately. After these movies were released, Marvel started producing multiple TV series. Some will claim that these series were done very well, like “WandaVision,” “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” or “Loki.” Which, I too, strongly agree with, but I will save those tangents for another time.
On the other hand, some fans strongly disagree with this opinion. They look at series such as, “She-Hulk,” and “Ms. Marvel,” and can only find disgust and contempt within them. Which in some partiality, I can agree with this as well.
In this era of the MCU, with the production of the string of TV series, things start to get a little cloudy. Fans have products they absolutely love as well as loathe, which, unfortunately, has caused a division within the fandom.
It is really saddening to realize that some fans do not know whether or not they want to keep partaking in watching these films, especially since Marvel was once able to cling to the hearts of others so strongly. With the creation of deep and intentional plots, many people have developed emotional attachments to certain characters and narratives.
So to see these same people lose their love for something they have loved for so long and have been so deeply connected to, is heartbreaking.
Speaking for myself, I would say that I was a late fan of the game. While most people are O.G.’s and have been watching the franchise since the first Iron Man, I did not really get involved until around the third Spider-Man, which is about 13 years apart. Though it seems I might not have much say, I promise I have watched in depth every single Marvel movie since I fell in love with these superhero films.
In addition to falling in love with these films, I also experienced the same heartbreak from them. Undergoing a sense of disappointment, I must admit, to know that Marvel might not make it back to their peak.
Beforehand, I would have told you that this division between fans is certain–that there was a clear line between those who refuse to look back at Marvel and those who still cling onto hope that the MCU they once loved will come back. And in all honesty, I do think that this hope has finally returned.
During this year, on Valentine’s Day, “Captain America: Brave New World” was released. When first promoted, both fans and critics were skeptical about how the movie would turn out. Though “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” which is the set up for the movie, was a success to some, it still gave Marvel plenty of room for error.
When first promoted, many expected the worst of the worst. Which is reasonable; considering how well the original Captain America movies went, it only makes sense. Nonetheless, fans were quickly misled and had an initial enjoyment towards the movie.
It was known that it would never be as good as the originals but fans had set the bar so low that “Captain America: Brave New World” easily met their expectations.
With such great reviews constantly swarming the feed of this movie, it seems that Marvel may finally be getting back on track again. The audiences have finally entered the theatres with the thrills and excitement they once had, and you can see the love of Marvel slowly returning to the viewers.
Furthermore, this has really been shown through the excitement that people are throwing around with Marvel’s latest announcement of releasing a Spider-Man 4. It is suggested to be released in July of 2026, but fans can only hope that it is released now.
With all the good news from “Captain America: Brave New World,” fans seemed to have peaked in hope and are happily relying on the newest Spider-Man to give them the same satisfying feeling.
I am also thrilled to see both “Captain America: Brave New World” and the new Spider-Man. After experiencing many repeated let-downs from the MCU, my heart is only filled with pure excitement to see what is in store for me.
In all honesty, if these movies continue on the track they are on, I see a strong successful future for Marvel, with new generations to come enjoying every aspect.