Key Takeaways:
– Marvel Studios is seemingly reticent about “The Marvels” and “Ant-Man 3” sequels following poor box office performances.
– The Marvels, starring Brie Larson, only made $199 million globally, against a production budget of $274.8 million.
– Ant-Man 3, though starting strong with a $46 million domestic debut, also fizzled out at the box office.
– Disney CEO Robert Iger has admitted to the company’s overreliance on sequels.
Marvel Studios is reportedly reconsidering the future of “Captain Marvel” and “Ant-Man” sequels due to dismal box-office receipts. The Marvels, the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster “Captain Marvel,” only grossed $199 million worldwide. This amount was significantly lower than its production budget of $274.8 million, leading to the studio contemplating a halt on future films in the series.
Marvel Box Office Woes and Fan Backlash
The fan backlash against “The Marvels” contributed significantly to its lackluster performance. The Brie Larson-led film was supposed to be a symbol of female empowerment but ended up attracting criticism from both critics and MCU fans worldwide. This crisis led the film to become one of the biggest flops in the franchise to date.
“The Marvels” wasn’t the only MCU film that fared poorly at the box office. “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” the third installment in the “Ant-Man” series, underperformed despite a strong domestic debut worth $46 million. The film eventually culminated its worldwide theatrical run at a disappointing $473 million, a figure considered inferior for a franchise of this stature.
Disney’s Overreliance on Sequels: A Stumbling Block?
Disney CEO Robert Iger credited “The Marvels'” lackluster performance to less supervision on set during the pandemic. At the same time, he questioned the company’s strategy of banking excessively on sequels.
On the other hand, Brie Larson was tight-lipped about her future with the “Captain Marvel” series when asked during the SAG Awards, which leaves fans in suspense about the future of their beloved heroine.
Marvel Studios’ Future Direction
The relatively poor performance of these films has led Marvel Studios to reassess its approach to films that are not guaranteed hits. Industry insider Daniel Richtman has reported that Marvel Studios appears less enthusiastic about movies like “Captain Marvel 3” or “Ant-Man 4.”
Marvel Studios seems to redirect its focus towards more promising ventures. In 2024, “Deadpool 3” is expected to be a major hit. Also in the pipeline are “The Fantastic Four” and “Captain America: New World Order,” which are anticipated to restore the studio’s box office dominance.
Despite the box office underperformance of these films, fans can stream “The Marvels” and “Captain Marvel” on Disney+. However, whether we’ll get to see another sequel for these underachieving franchises remains an open question.
In summary, the MCU’s future seems uncertain for “The Marvels” and “Ant-Man.” While these films undoubtedly have a dedicated fan base, whether that can translate into box office success is a question the studio seems to be pondering. With no definitive answers, one thing is for sure – we’re all keenly watching Marvel’s next move.
