When Avengers: Endgame hit theaters in 2019, it marked the culmination of a decade-long saga. The film brought every superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) together for a climactic battle that thrilled audiences worldwide.
However, it also ushered in an era of uncertainty. With the departures of Iron Man and Captain America, the MCU was left with a blank slate. What came next? A flurry of movies and series, but fans soon began to wonder: what went wrong with Marvel..
How Marvel Destroyed Itself
Marvel’s early success was built on the compelling journeys of its iconic heroes. Tony Stark’s evolution from a self-absorbed playboy to the self-sacrificing Iron Man, and Steve Rogers’ transformation into the courageous, selfless Captain America, showcased characters with depth, flaws, and meaningful arcs.
After Endgame, Marvel’s rapid production of ten movies and ten miniseries within three years led to a decline in narrative quality. While stories like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier explored interesting themes, such as Falcon’s hesitation to take up Captain America’s shield, they lacked the emotional resonance of earlier works.