Podcast Summary
Disney's Refocus on Storytelling: Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox led to a refocus on storytelling in Disney's IP companies, making movies like Deadpool and the MCU more rewarding with investment in the storyline.
Disney, as an IP company, is refocusing on storytelling after a period of spectacle-driven movies. This is evident in the latest Deadpool and Wolverine film, which rewards viewers who have done their homework and pokes fun at them simultaneously. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is rebounding from perceived low points like "Secret Invasion" and "The Marvels," with Robert Downey Jr.'s return as Dr. Doom at Comic Con being a significant announcement. While the movie is enjoyable as a comedy, it's more rewarding with investment, making it a best-case scenario for Deadpool following Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox. The MCU thrives when it focuses on storytelling rather than just spectacle.
Marvel's new projects: Marvel is introducing unusual projects like President Hulk, Dark Avengers, and Fantastic Four in an alternate 1960s New York, generating excitement with the return of RDJ and Russo brothers, and signaling new creative directions with the departure of Ike Perlmutter.
Marvel Studios is making a comeback with new and unusual projects, including a President Hulk film with Harrison Ford, a Dark Avengers team, and a Fantastic Four set in an alternate 1960s New York featuring a giant Galactus. Although these projects may seem odd for Marvel, they are generating excitement, especially with the return of Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo brothers. Additionally, the departure of Ike Perlmutter, a key figure in bringing Marvel back from bankruptcy, may signal new creative directions for the MCU. Overall, Marvel's Comic-Con presentation highlighted a mix of the old and the new, with a focus on keeping the audience engaged and excited for what's to come.
Marvel power struggle: Bob Iger intervened in a power struggle between Kevin Feige and Isaac Perlmutter, giving Feige more control over Marvel Studios, allowing for the production of movies with female superheroes and potentially more creative freedom.
Kevin Feige's control over Marvel Studios significantly expanded following a power struggle with former Marvel Entertainment head, Isaac Perlmutter. Perlmutter had previously been told by Bob Iger that Disney would allow Marvel to operate autonomously, but when it was discovered that Marvel was blocking projects like Captain Marvel and Black Panther, Iger intervened and gave Feige more authority. Perlmutter, who was focused on the bottom line and merchandising, had previously resisted producing movies with female superheroes due to low toy sales. However, Feige and others argued for their inclusion in films, leading to the success of Black Panther. The power shift allowed Feige and potentially John Favreau more creative freedom in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Additionally, the discussion highlighted the intense working conditions at visual effects houses and the potential negative impact of unlimited creative demands on the industry.
VFX industry unionization: The VFX industry, particularly those working on major franchises, are using project delays as an opportunity to push for unionization and address long-standing issues.
The Visual Effects (VFX) industry, specifically the houses working on major franchises like Marvel, are currently experiencing a period of respite due to project delays. This pause is seen as an opportunity for potential unionization or joining existing collectives, aiming to improve working conditions and address long-standing issues. While there have been changes in leadership, such as Victoria Alonso's departure from Marvel, the industry as a whole requires fundamental improvements. The parallels between the current VFX industry situation and past comic book business cycles, where overproduction and subsequent cutbacks occur, are evident. Companies like Disney, which have experienced booms and busts, need to focus on storytelling and reorienting their approach to create better and more compelling content for audiences.
MCU untitled projects: MCU and Disney use untitled projects strategically to create uncertainty and excitement, starting as a financial move but becoming a tradition. Other studios struggle to counterprogram against it. A growing trend is for more comedic alternatives to balance the increasingly serious tone of Marvel movies, as seen in Deadpool 3 with Wesley Snipes as Blade.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and Disney have been using untitled projects as strategic moves to prevent competition, creating a sense of uncertainty and excitement among audiences. This tactic, which started as a financial strategy, has become a tradition that other studios struggle to counterprogram against. However, there's a growing trend for more light-hearted and comedic alternatives to counterbalance the increasingly serious tone of Marvel movies. A notable example is the appearance of Wesley Snipes as Blade in Deadpool 3, which was a delightful surprise for fans and a testament to the enduring appeal of these characters. Despite the lack of a clear plot in Deadpool, the unexpected cameos and humor make it a standout in the genre.
Deadpool's unconventional storytelling: Deadpool 3 breaks norms with self-aware humor and plot twists, introducing new characters but focusing on IP endings, and incorporating the X-Men into the MCU
"Deadpool 3" defies traditional superhero storytelling norms with its self-aware humor and unconventional plot twists. The film introduces characters like Mr. Paradox only to sideline them, and the storyline shifts from saving the X-Men to a corporate merger between Fox and Disney. The X-Men's integration into the Marvel Cinematic Universe was a pleasant surprise, making the complex franchise more accessible and less self-serious. Despite the lack of a clear plot, the movie explores the theme that even the least favorite IPs deserve a proper ending. However, the film itself seems to question this idea, as it leaves several seemingly obvious jokes unexplored. Overall, "Deadpool 3" offers a fresh take on the superhero genre with its unique blend of humor, self-awareness, and corporate satire.
Marvel's creative risks: Marvel Studios, under Kevin Feige's leadership, takes creative risks and makes bold decisions, even if it means deviating from source material or fan expectations, focusing on compelling stories and characters, and introducing new faces or passing on the mantle, while dealing with financial challenges from high-paying talent
Marvel Studios, under the leadership of Kevin Feige, has a history of taking creative risks and making bold decisions, even if it means deviating from the source material or fan expectations. This was evident in the handling of the X-Men and Wolverine in the MCU, as well as the approach to the Infinity War saga and upcoming projects like Secret Wars. The studio's focus on creating compelling stories and characters, even if it means introducing new faces or passing on the mantle, has been a consistent theme throughout Marvel's cinematic journey. Additionally, the financial success of Marvel's films, particularly those featuring established stars like Robert Downey Jr., has led to significant paydays for talent, which presents a challenge for the studio as they look to introduce new heroes and stories.
Superhero movie sustainability: High production costs, especially star salaries, may threaten the sustainability of superhero movies, but focusing on relatable characters and themes can keep audiences engaged.
The current trend of superhero movies, particularly those produced by Marvel Studios, may be unsustainable due to high production costs, especially when it comes to star salaries. The example given is Robert Downey Jr.'s performance as Iron Man, which is reportedly very costly. Another concern is the potential loss of drama and stakes in these films, as audiences have become desensitized to character deaths and resurrections. The speaker suggests that Marvel's success in educating audiences about their complex storylines could be a solution, but warns against becoming too self-referential and forgetting to engage with relatable characters and themes. Ultimately, the key is for storytellers to focus on the unique container of their stories and ensure that they remain grounded in meaningful themes and character development.
Project Focus: Focusing on one project at a time ensures better planning and execution in storytelling, as opposed to pitching multiple projects simultaneously.
When creating a narrative or a series of projects, it's important to focus on each one individually to ensure coherence and control. Comparing it to the film industry, Zack Snyder's approach of pitching multiple movies at once and expecting them to be produced in sequence isn't effective. Instead, each project should be contained and completed before moving on to the next. This approach allows for better planning and execution. Additionally, the discussion touched on the emotional impact of stories, using the example of Christianity and its belief in the afterlife. The speakers emphasized that a compelling narrative doesn't necessarily require characters to stay dead to be emotionally powerful. Overall, the key takeaway is to approach projects methodically, focusing on one at a time, to ensure the best possible outcome.