Spielberg SHOCKS Fans With Superhero Pick!

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Without a doubt, Steven Spielberg is set to be remembered as one (if not the) most remarkable director of all time. From the heartwarming tale of E.T., the Alien Friend to the intense drama of Saving Private Ryan and many more, Spielberg has churned out masterpiece after masterpiece across diverse genres, captivating both young and mature audiences alike. His exceptional body of work gives him considerable sway in Hollywood, and he hasn’t hesitated to share his thoughts on superhero films, significantly shaping the landscape of franchise filmmaking in recent years.

In 2015, Spielberg foresaw: “We witnessed the demise of the Western, and at some point, the superhero movie may follow suit. However, this doesn’t mean there won’t be future resurrections for these genres.” To an extent, Spielberg was on point as superhero movies are no longer the box-office powerhouses they once were, particularly for Marvel Studios. Yet, despite his observation, he remains a supporter of certain superhero films, even one under the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) that left a lasting impression on him.

Steven Spielberg’s Favorite Superhero Films Aren’t a Huge Surprise

Highest Rated MCU Films on
#5: Spider-Man: No Way Home – 93%
#4: Thor: Ragnarök – 93%
#3: Iron Man – 94%
#2: Avengers: Endgame – 94%
#1: Black Panther – 96%

As a gaming enthusiast diving deep into the realm of movies, especially those of the superhero genre, I’ve seen a whirlwind of diverse flicks that have set the bar high for what’s to come. Unfortunately, some entries, like ‘Madame Web’, have tarnished the genre somewhat. Back in 2016, at the Cannes Film Festival, none other than Steven Spielberg shared his list of superhero films he truly enjoyed.

According to Steven Spielberg, he admires Richard Donner’s Superman, Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, and the first Iron Man. However, among all superhero movies, it was Guardians of the Galaxy that left the deepest impression on him. As the movie concluded, he walked away feeling like he had witnessed a cinematic innovation, without any sense of pretension or apprehension about being too lighthearted when needed.

The references to Superman, Batman, and Iron Man are expected given their popularity, but Guardians of the Galaxy stands out as the unexpected choice among them. This film, directed by James Gunn, was one of Marvel Studios’ riskiest ventures and presented a significantly different take on the comic book genre compared to anything that came before it. Indeed, it can be considered a pioneer in the same category as the superhero movies mentioned by Spielberg.

Guardians of the Galaxy Was a Trailblazing Triumph for Superhero Films

  • Guardians of the Galaxy was the first MCU film to mostly take place in space.
  • The first film’s success not only led to one of the genre’s best trilogies, but it also impacted the future of DC.

The initial “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie, while not among the top five highest-rated films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe according to Rotten Tomatoes, has had an indisputable effect on both the franchise and the superhero genre as a whole. Steven Spielberg’s approval serves to underscore this influence. When Marvel Studios decided to introduce “Guardians of the Galaxy,” they were venturing into less prominent comic book territories for the first time. The idea of a talking raccoon and tree might have seemed far-fetched, but Marvel Studios, in collaboration with Gunn, managed not only to captivate audiences but also to gross approximately $800 million at the box office.

Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios president, shared his thoughts about the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. He noted that while there have been numerous trilogies before, this one stands out as something distinct due to its space-focused narrative. Unlike other Marvel movies featuring characters like Iron Man and Captain America, Guardians was not a precursor to another hero’s journey but rather an endeavor to create a grand space film. According to Feige, it is James Gunn’s exceptional writing and directing of all three films that makes this trilogy special and unique within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Originally perceived as a risky move for Marvel Studios, the film “Guardians of the Galaxy” has morphed into one of their most triumphant productions. Its eccentric humor, genuine emotion, and iconic soundtrack rejuvenated the superhero genre. Later on, the influence of “Guardians of the Galaxy” on the superhero genre expanded even more significantly, as James Gunn, its co-creator, now guides DC Studios and their future endeavors. To this day, “Guardians of the Galaxy” stands out among comic book movies for boldly pushing the genre in innovative and thrilling directions, and its lasting impact can still be felt across Marvel, DC, and other franchises.

Steven Spielberg Nearly Directed a DC Film

  • Spielberg’s attempted comic book film wouldn’t have likely featured the signature superhero elements, but it would’ve still fallen under the DC banner.
  • Longtime Spielberg collaborator David Koepp was on board to pen the screenplay.
  • Before DC acquired Quality Comics, Blackhawk originated in 1941’s Military Comics #1, created by Chuck Cuidera, Bob Powell, and Will Eisner.

Steven Spielberg boasts an exceptional variety in his filmmaking portfolio, having successfully explored numerous genre types. Yet, the superhero genre remains conspicuously absent from his oeuvre, leaving fans questioning if this will ever materialize. In 2018, he came closest to directing a comic book adaptation when it was revealed he was working on developing a project.

The characteristics of Blackhawk would have made it a suitable fit for Spielberg’s previous movies due to the comic series’ focus on a group of pilots during World War II. In fact, Spielberg had plans to produce a Blackhawk film in the ’80s, and when Warner Bros announced the project in 2018, it seemed like a dream come true. However, the venture eventually dissolved. Lately, DC has been trying to launch a Sgt. Rock movie, but the production has been delayed. Given that Spielberg is an admirer of the current head of DC Studios’ work, it may be worth reconsidering the idea of adapting Blackhawk for the silver screen.

The superhero genre has significantly evolved since the first Superman film, with visionary directors like Christopher Nolan, James Mangold, and Gunn taking over to create groundbreaking movies. While Steven Spielberg doesn’t have a superhero movie on his resume and probably won’t, the success of Guardians of the Galaxy paved the way for Marvel Studios to explore lesser-known characters from comic books and reach new heights in popularity.

Recently, the most groundbreaking comic book-inspired projects have been unfolding on television screens with series like “The Penguin”, “WandaVision”, “Watchmen”, and others that present a wide range of narratives. On the other hand, more elaborate superhero films such as “Eternals” have not met the expectations set by “Guardians of the Galaxy”. Despite Steven Spielberg’s lack of experience in directing a superhero film, his discerning eye suggests he knows what it takes to create a remarkable and impactful one. The upcoming movie that could join their ranks will likely revolutionize the genre in an unexpected manner, which is why these films are considered among the best.

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2025-05-06 00:15