How Can Marvel Improve Its Film And Television Content?

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 05, 2025

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Marvel's dominance in the superhero genre is undeniable. However, recent films and television shows have faced criticism for formulaic plots and inconsistent quality, prompting questions about the future of its film and television content. This article aims to offer concrete suggestions for improving Marvel's future output, ensuring its continued success and innovation within the ever-evolving entertainment landscape.

<h2>Revitalize Storytelling</h2>

<h3>Move Beyond the Formula</h3>

Marvel's success has, in part, been built on a winning formula. However, the overuse of familiar plot structures risks viewer fatigue. Origin stories, villain reveals, and the constant threat of universal destruction have become predictable. To recapture the magic, Marvel needs to embrace more originality and risk-taking.

• Repetitive Storylines:

  • Overreliance on origin stories, often retreading familiar ground.
  • Predictable villain reveals lacking genuine surprise.
  • Similar plot structures across multiple films and shows, creating a sense of déjà vu.

• Innovation Suggestions:

  • Explore diverse genres beyond superhero tropes (e.g., horror, comedy, mystery).
  • Prioritize character-driven narratives over plot-driven ones, focusing on character arcs and emotional growth.
  • Introduce unexpected twists and turns that subvert audience expectations.

<h3>Deeper Character Development</h3>

While Marvel boasts iconic characters, many recent projects have fallen short in providing truly compelling character development. Complex characters with relatable flaws and motivations are crucial for creating engaging narratives.

• Underdeveloped Characters:

  • Some supporting characters feel underdeveloped and one-dimensional.
  • The motivations of certain villains lack depth and nuance.
  • Character arcs feel rushed or incomplete.

• Creating More Nuanced Characters:

  • Explore characters' past traumas and experiences to add layers to their personalities.
  • Introduce internal conflicts and moral dilemmas to make them more relatable.
  • Allow characters to evolve and change throughout the narrative, reflecting real-world complexities.

<h3>Elevate the Stakes</h3>

High stakes create tension and emotional investment in the narrative. While many Marvel films and shows have grand-scale conflicts, the consequences sometimes feel underwhelming.

• High Stakes vs. Low Stakes Examples:

  • Avengers: Endgame had significantly higher stakes than some recent Disney+ series.
  • The perceived lack of consequence for certain character actions diminishes the impact of the narrative.

• Increasing Tension and Consequences:

  • Introduce permanent character deaths or significant, irreversible consequences for actions.
  • Raise the stakes beyond the fate of the universe to include personal sacrifices and emotional losses.
  • Explore the long-term ramifications of major events on characters and the world.

<h2>Improve Production Quality and Consistency</h2>

<h3>Enhance Visual Effects</h3>

Inconsistent VFX quality across different Marvel projects is a recurring concern. While some projects boast stunning visuals, others suffer from poorly rendered effects that detract from the overall experience.

• Examples of Poorly Rendered VFX:

  • Certain CGI characters or environments look unconvincing or jarring.
  • Inconsistent lighting and rendering styles between scenes.
  • Technical glitches or noticeable flaws in visual effects.

• Improving VFX Quality:

  • Allocate a larger budget for visual effects and post-production.
  • Hire experienced and skilled VFX artists and supervisors.
  • Implement stricter quality control measures to ensure consistency across projects.

<h3>Consistent Tone and Style</h3>

Maintaining a cohesive tone and style across the MCU is crucial for building a strong brand identity. Inconsistencies in tone can confuse audiences and disrupt the overall viewing experience.

• Tonal Inconsistencies:

  • The tonal shift between lighter, more comedic films and darker, more serious ones can be jarring.
  • Some shows have struggled to find a consistent tone, leading to an uneven viewing experience.

• Developing a Stronger Brand Identity:

  • Establish clear guidelines for tone and style across all Marvel projects.
  • Ensure consistent creative direction and oversight from experienced producers and directors.
  • Prioritize a cohesive aesthetic that aligns with the overall MCU brand.

<h3>Better Pacing and Editing</h3>

Pacing issues and clunky editing can negatively impact the enjoyment of a film or television show. Tighter pacing and more skillful editing are essential for creating a compelling and engaging viewing experience.

• Examples of Pacing Problems:

  • Some films or shows feel unnecessarily long or drag in certain parts.
  • The pacing can be uneven, with some scenes feeling rushed while others feel drawn-out.

• Optimizing Pacing and Editing:

  • Implement more rigorous script editing to streamline the narrative.
  • Work closely with editors to ensure a smooth and engaging flow.
  • Cut unnecessary scenes or dialogue to maintain a brisk pace.

<h2>Embrace Diversity and Inclusivity</h2>

<h3>More Diverse Representation</h3>

Greater representation of diverse ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities is crucial for creating more inclusive and reflective Marvel content.

• Statistics on Representation: (Requires research and data to fill in this section. Cite reputable sources.)

• Promoting Inclusive Storytelling:

  • Actively cast actors from diverse backgrounds in leading and supporting roles.
  • Develop storylines that authentically explore the experiences of marginalized communities.
  • Avoid stereotypical portrayals of characters from diverse backgrounds.

<h3>Authentic Representation</h3>

Authentic representation goes beyond mere tokenism; it requires collaboration with diverse creators and communities to ensure accurate and respectful portrayals.

• Examples of Successful/Unsuccessful Representation: (Requires examples and analysis to fill in this section.)

• Collaboration with Diverse Creators:

  • Partner with writers, directors, and actors from diverse backgrounds to develop authentic stories.
  • Consult with relevant communities to ensure accurate and sensitive portrayals.
  • Prioritize diverse perspectives in the creative development process.

<h2>Conclusion: The Future of Marvel Film and Television Content</h2>

To maintain its dominance and appeal, Marvel must address the issues discussed above. Revitalizing storytelling with more originality and deeper character development is paramount. Improving production quality, ensuring consistency in tone, style, and visual effects, and optimizing pacing and editing are also crucial. Finally, embracing diversity and inclusivity through authentic representation is essential for connecting with a broader audience. The future of Marvel’s film and TV content hinges on a commitment to these improvements, ensuring the continued evolution and success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We encourage you to share your thoughts on improving Marvel's cinematic universe and contributing to the conversation about the future of Marvel's film and TV content.