The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been a massive success, but it seems that not everyone is completely satisfied with its current state. Marc Guggenheim, the co-creator of the CW Arrowverse, recently shared his opinions on how to fix the MCU, and his advice carries some weight given his success in building and concluding a superhero universe.
Guggenheim’s main critique of the MCU is its overwhelming amount of content. He believes there is just too much to keep up with, even for die-hard Marvel fans like himself. He compared the situation to a tree that needs pruning, suggesting that the MCU could benefit from trimming down its content to deliver a more focused and cohesive experience.
Having played a significant role in creating the Arrowverse, which included multiple successful DC superhero shows like “Arrow,” “The Flash,” and “Legends of Tomorrow,” Guggenheim knows a thing or two about managing a shared universe. The Arrowverse showcased how a television universe can create a coherent narrative, rivaling the MCU’s impact in some instances.
However, Guggenheim also recognizes the need for occasional reboots in superhero universes. He likens the universes to ships with barnacles attached to their hulls, which slow down their progress. Crisis events, like the famous “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” proved that continuity can be refreshed and reshaped, allowing for a new creative direction. Guggenheim himself adapted the “Crisis” storyline in the Arrowverse, streamlining the TV universe while maintaining the importance of each DC story.
Considering the longevity of superhero stories, Guggenheim argues that reboots are inevitable for maintaining narrative vitality. Both DC and Marvel have undergone reboots in their print universes over the years to keep their stories fresh. Marvel’s “Ultimate” universe and DC’s various “Crisis” events are examples of how comic book publishers have embraced this strategy.
Looking ahead, Guggenheim speculates that Marvel may be building towards a “reset” with Phase 4, drawing parallels to Jonathan Hickman’s “Secret Wars,” which served as a significant reset for the Marvel Universe in the comics.
While the MCU has achieved incredible success, superhero fatigue is a real concern. With a busy slate of upcoming films and series, there is a risk of oversaturation. Guggenheim’s suggestion to prune the content and consider a reboot could be seen as a way to reinvigorate the franchise and keep it fresh for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
In the end, the success of the MCU lies in the hands of its mastermind, Kevin Feige. Whether he takes Guggenheim’s advice or charts a different course, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see where the Marvel Cinematic Universe sails next. As Marvel continues to navigate the cinematic waters, the question remains: will it find a way to course-correct and remain a dominant force in the entertainment industry, or will it need to undergo a significant transformation to stay afloat in the ever-changing landscape of superhero storytelling? Only time will tell.
