11 Things Marvel To Do To Fix The MCU In Phase 6

In the words of Wade Wilson/Deadpool (played by Ryan Reynolds) in “Deadpool and Wolverine,” we could say that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is experiencing a bit of a slump at the moment. Despite some fantastic titles like “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” and “Werewolf by Night” proving that there are still plenty of exciting moments to come in the 2020s, Phases Four and Five have unfortunately seen a surprising number of disappointments.

Among titles such as “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” “Secret Invasion,” and “Captain America: Brave New World,” many viewers and critics have found them to be some of the least successful Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) productions yet. Contrastingly, shows like “Thor: Love and Thunder” and “The Marvels” received more divided feedback than even the most criticized MCU films from the 2010s. As Phase Six of the MCU begins with “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” it’s now crucial for this franchise to undergo some essential reassessment.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is facing several persistent issues at present, however, here are eleven potential solutions that could steer the MCU towards success in Phase Six and beyond. Some of these remedies target the key challenges of Phases Four and Five, while others aim to rectify problems that have affected the brand for quite some time, even before Deadpool’s proclamation. The current dip in the MCU’s popularity is a stark contrast to the “Avengers: Endgame” era when the saga ruled pop culture, but implementing these 11 recommendations could help the franchise regain its creative momentum.

No more multiverses

The films “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and both “Spider-Verse” movies have already showcased the concept of the multiverse so exceptionally on screen that it seems unnecessary for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to continue exploring this idea in phases four and five. Even without these films, the MCU’s handling of the multiverse would still seem lackluster compared to their innovative approach. Instead of utilizing this concept to create captivating standalone stories or striking visuals, the MCU often uses its multiverse more as a means to include cameos from earlier superhero movies made before 2008.

This method has sparked numerous memorable crowd-pleasing scenes in films such as “Deadpool and Wolverine,” yet momentarily satisfying audiences has also, in a way, restricted the potential for delving into unexplored dimensions of reality. To date, the MCU’s multiverse has primarily brought back familiar characters instead of introducing intriguing new ideas. With the exception of films like “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” the multiverse during Phases Four and Five has distanced the MCU from relatable human emotions.

In “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and “Deadpool and Wolverine”, the characters seemed to be overwhelmed by the complexities of multiversal threats and journeys, which made their human qualities almost disappear. The intricate multiverse aspects in these films gave them a feeling of being weightless or ungrounded. In fact, Deadpool in “Deadpool and Wolverine” even made fun of the multiverse and announced it was done with it, which suggests a satirical critique of the concept. This hints that for Phase Six, Marvel Cinematic Universe might want to consider moving away from this theme.

Have new superheroes headline movies again

Following the release of “Eternals” in 2021, Marvel Studios embarked on a continuous run of sequels on the big screen. The subsequent nine MCU films (covering Phases Four and Five) were all sequels, such as the fourth installments of “Thor” and “Captain America”. Contrastingly, ten years ago, Marvel Studios only released one sequel and one original film per year, like in 2016 with “Captain America: Civil War” and “Doctor Strange”. However, the commitment to introducing new characters on the big screen seems to have diminished over the last two phases.

This summer’s upcoming films, “Thunderbolts*” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”, are centered around characters who have already been featured (or their versions) in previous Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) productions. It seems unlikely that a more contemporary film like “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” would be approved for Phase Five, given this pattern. This focus on sequels to prolong the storylines of individual sagas such as “Thor” and “Captain America” may contribute to the MCU feeling overwhelming or inaccessible to some viewers.

Moving forward with Phases Six and beyond, it would be advantageous for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to introduce live-action films centered around superheroes that have yet to grace the screen. Characters like Doreen Green/Squirrel Girl or Nighthawk, who were previously considered for a movie in 2009 and 2019 respectively, could be perfect choices. Introducing solo movies featuring Captain Britain, Nova, or Dazzler might help rejuvenate the MCU’s appetite for taking creative risks.

Not all MCU movies have to be massive in scale

Marvel Studios had a knack for seamlessly alternating between big-budget movies and smaller, more personal ones. For instance, after the grand “Avengers: Age of Ultron” in 2015, they released the family-oriented comedy “Ant-Man” just two months later. The same pattern was seen in Summer 2017, with the cosmic adventure “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” and the high school comedy “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” Essentially, they would switch between large-scale MCU films and more intimate productions.

During Phases Four and Five, almost every film aimed to be as expansive as possible. “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” was a particularly extreme case of this trend. The humorous, smaller-scale aspects that were delightful in the initial “Ant-Man” films were largely abandoned for grandiose sci-fi spectacle. Similarly, “Thor: Love and Thunder” and “The Marvels” seemed to be overly focused on vast cosmic journeys.

In Phase Six, it’s not necessary for every movie to be a grand spectacle. It could be beneficial to have movies like “Avengers: Doomsday” alongside more moderately budgeted productions that delve deeper into the Marvel universe. Even after “Endgame,” not all Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) releases need to break the bank with $300 million+ production costs to capture audience interest. Take, for instance, some of the most cherished scenes in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” which focused on character interactions such as Gwen Stacy and her father. By not making everything on a scale similar to “The Avengers,” Phase Six could set off on the right foot.

Make the films less weighty in tone

It might seem odd to criticize the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for being too serious during Phases Four and Five, considering that recent releases like “Thor: Love and Thunder” and “Deadpool and Wolverine” have been filled with comedy. However, a surprising trend has emerged in more recent MCU films, leaning heavily towards somber storytelling instead of the usual humor we’ve come to expect.

It’s reasonable for a movie like “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” to tackle heavy real-world issues given its context. However, the tone of “Quantumania” seemed gloomy and overloaded with explanations. Similarly, “Captain America: Brave New World” in 2025 appeared to be a somber, uneventful production that lacked the usual excitement. Even “The Marvels,” known for its lightheartedness, contained unexpectedly serious plot points such as Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel destroying a sun.

For Phase Six, it would be beneficial to introduce a more playful and upbeat tone, but not to the extent that every major character adopts Ryan Reynolds’ style of dialogue. Embracing the lively, optimistic environments reminiscent of Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” trilogy or the early Christopher Reeve “Superman” films could bring a fresh perspective to this series. The gloomy and serious tone displayed in many Phase Five productions like “Quantumania” and “Secret Invasion” has shown that a darker color palette doesn’t inherently add depth to a story. If the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to focus on heavier stories, it might as well revisit the fun spirit of 2012’s “The Avengers.

Shoot MCU movies like movies again

Oppenheimer marked a significant increase in public curiosity towards 70mm projection. People were willing to journey across state borders just to witness the rare cinemas screening the movie in 70mm IMAX. This awakened the general public to appreciate the traditional projection techniques that could enhance the movie experience beyond what one could achieve at home. Following this, advertisements for “Napoleon” highlighted its 70mm screenings, while there’s a lot of hype surrounding “Sinners” due to its 70mm IMAX showings.

In the world of cinema, films shot traditionally on film are highly valued, making it challenging for the digitally-shot productions of Phase Four and Five in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). From “Captain America: The First Avenger” onwards, most MCU movies have been captured using digital cameras. Yet, in today’s blockbuster market, this method can make films like “Quantumania” appear less impressive compared to movies shot on 35mm or 70mm film, which offer a richer texture. Even TV shows from Phases Four and Five filmed with the same digital cameras haven’t helped matters. The lack of visual differentiation between MCU movies and shows only strengthens the belief that spectacles like “The Marvels” and “Captain America: Brave New World” might not be as compelling when viewed on the largest screens available.

In order to stay true to Marvel’s roots and stand out amidst modern blockbusters like “Oppenheimer,” it might be beneficial for Marvel Studios to film their upcoming Phase Six projects using the cinematography techniques reminiscent of the first four MCU movies. This could create a unique viewing experience that sets these films apart from streaming content on Disney+, appealing more to cinema-goers.

Be careful with your credit sequences

It has become a common joke that Phases Four and Five overused credit scenes with no real payoff. In the first three phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, these scenes were usually followed up on relatively quickly, often within a year after their initial debut. For example, the mid-credit scene for “Doctor Strange” hinted at the upcoming release of “Thor: Ragnarok,” which was scheduled to come out just 364 days after “Doctor Strange.

Instead, Phases Four and Five showcased credit scenes on movies such as “Eternals,” “Thor: Love and Thunder,” and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” (and others) that hinted at sequels and continuations which hadn’t yet been approved. Conversely, the mid-credit sequence in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” foreshadowing “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” didn’t come to fruition due to the studio’s decision not to proceed with actor Jonathan Majors as Kang.

Marvel Studios doesn’t have the ability to foresee every world event, but they must ensure that the credit scenes in Phase Six provide hints about upcoming projects that are not too far off. During the Infinity Saga, the credit sequences foreshadowed separate journeys that would eventually lead to a bigger storyline involving the Infinity Stones. The hints for Phases Four and Five pointed towards various future stories featuring characters like Starfox (Harry Styles), Clea (Charlize Theron), Hercules (Brett Goldstein), and others. However, this lacked cohesion, making it difficult for audiences to follow all the different storylines. For Phase Six, Marvel Studios needs to simplify one of its signature aspects and return to a more straightforward approach.

Don’t be afraid to let new filmmakers leave their mark

Some standout Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films, such as “Black Panther” and the “Guardians of the Galaxy” series, are clearly the vision of their respective directors. Director Destin Daniel Cretton brought unique flair to “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” notably in the way action sequences were shot. Unfortunately, many Phase Four and Five MCU productions tend to feel somewhat similar.

Film directors such as Shawn Levy, Julius Onah, and Peyton Reed were so dedicated to replicating the style of past live-action Marvel adaptations that their unique directorial voices didn’t shine through in their work. It seemed as though any director could have made these films. In contrast, “The Marvels” director Nia DaCosta has openly expressed feeling creatively restrained while working on that project.

After the conclusion of “Avengers: Endgame,” the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has moved away from featuring obscure superheroes with unique voices, but it’s now time for a new era. The MCU may not become an auteur paradise, but it’s crucial to provide opportunities for upcoming MCU directors to make their mark. Look for young filmmakers who have distinct ideas about specific characters and let them create movies that stand out. By allowing Phase Six films to be shaped by individual artistic visions, we could bring back the charm that made the early MCU movies special. This approach might also enable some Phase Six titles to reach the artistic level of “Guardians” and “Black Panther.

The MCU should rely less on the past

Doomsday” is set to bring back more mutants from the 2000s.

Previously, the Marvel Cinematic Universe served as a refreshing alternative to creative limitations in movies from Fox and Sony featuring Marvel characters. However, it appears that the studio is excessively focusing on generating large audience reactions by bringing back characters like Blade (Wesley Snipes) and Elektra (Jennifer Garner). This excessive focus on past glories has become a significant issue for the MCU during Phases Four and Five.

As we move into Phase Six, it’s high time for us gamers, or rather, Marvel fans, to let go of the past and embrace new adventures. Frankly speaking, there aren’t many more live-action Marvel films featuring characters we know from the past, like Jared Leto’s Morbius, unless the MCU decides to lean heavily on those.

But here’s the real deal: keeping the MCU fixated on yesterday’s superheroes might not make it appealing to our younger counterparts, who crave fresh, exciting stories and characters. The MCU shouldn’t only cater to nostalgia for older viewers; instead, it should craft compelling tales that resonate with everyone, young and old alike.

“Spider-Man: No Way Home” was an incredible ride, but Phase Six can’t keep chasing after the same kind of nostalgic success. It’s time to create a new era for Marvel, one filled with unforgettable heroes and adventures waiting to be discovered.

Make sure your movies work as standalone entries

In the movie “Captain America: Brave New World,” one element that stood out to many viewers was the heavy use of references from the 2008 film “The Incredible Hulk.” For instance, the main antagonist, Samuel Sterns/The Leader, portrayed by Tim Blake Nelson, was a nod to a potential sequel tease from “The Incredible Hulk.” Additionally, the complex relationship between President Ross and his daughter, as well as his connections with Sterns, were more understandable if one had recently watched “The Incredible Hulk” prior.

13 years ago, newcomers to the MCU could easily follow along with “The Avengers” without needing extensive knowledge from the late 2000s Marvel films or Disney+ series. In contrast, today’s MCU requires a deep familiarity with these sources to fully grasp movies like “Multiverse of Madness” and “The Marvels.

In Phase Six, it’s crucial we tackle this matter urgently. Fans who appreciated movies such as “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “WandaVision,” and “Black Panther” didn’t cherish them for their complex backstories. Instead, they found enjoyment in the unique aspects that made those titles distinct. Unfortunately, these qualities seemed to be lacking in more recent Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) productions like “Secret Invasion” and “Brave New World,” which appeared overly focused on referencing past properties rather than maintaining clarity and ease of understanding for new viewers. For Phase Six MCU projects, we should prioritize coherence and accessibility to avoid producing more confusing flops like “Brave New World.

Return to hiring legendary supporting actors

Initially in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, movies such as “Iron Man” and “Captain America: The First Avenger” followed the trend set by Marlon Brando’s appearance in “Superman,” featuring renowned actors who were not typically associated with superhero films. This led to Robert Redford portraying Alexander Pierce, a character reminiscent of his political thriller roles, in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” Similarly, Michael Douglas took on the role of mentor for the title character in “Ant-Man.” During Phase Three, actors like Cate Blanchett, Forest Whitaker, and Annette Bening (among others) appeared in several films, adding an air of prestige to them.

In Phases Four and Five, the tradition of casting big-name actors like Bill Murray (in “Quantumania”) and Russell Crowe (“Thor: Love and Thunder”) who were past their peak box office success in films such as “Ghostbusters” and “Gladiator,” respectively, significantly replaced the practice. These veterans were joined by older Marvel superheroes for cameos, but this shift has diminished some of the MCU’s former prestige.

It’s time for Phase Six to welcome back such talented performers and develop intriguing, captivating characters that renowned actors like Blanchett and Redford (and others) can excel in. Their performances in their superhero movie ventures were genuinely impressive, and Phase Six could gain equally impressive results by tapping into the charm of classic Hollywood stardom.

Smaller budgets could inspire superb creativity

In the early days of Marvel Studios, strict executives such as former chairman Ike Perlmutter enforced tight spending and avoided excessive costs, which is why the initial MCU films, including “Iron Man,” were produced at a minimum of $140 million. Although budgets gradually increased for Phase Three productions, they have become alarmingly high for projects in Phases Four and Five, with most MCU movies from the 2020s having budgets of $200 million or more. Notably, “Thor: Love and Thunder” had a production cost of $250 million or more.

In more contemporary Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) releases, films such as “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and “The Marvels” have astoundingly high production costs – a mind-boggling $327 million for the former and over $300 million for the latter. This is quite remarkable when compared to the budget of other 2020s blockbusters like “Oppenheimer,” which was produced at just $100 million.

Despite ideal conditions, films like “Quantumania” and “The Marvels” would have struggled to turn a profit given their high production costs. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) may find it challenging to continue producing movies with such substantial budgets. To ensure future success, Marvel productions might benefit from adopting more modest budgets, similar to the initial “Iron Man,” within the range of $80-110 million. This would alleviate the box office pressure and reduce financial risk, potentially leading to more opportunities for innovative storytelling and creative freedom. After all, it’s far less likely to revolutionize the genre when working on a film as expensive as “Thor: Love and Thunder.

2025-05-04 23:39