The MCU to Slow Down its Content Output: Is it a Blessing in Disguise?

Summary

• The Marvel Cinematic Universe has reportedly decided to slow down its content output due to various reasons.
• The MCU has been going through a bad phase, with a string of flops and harsh criticisms such as poor storytelling and underdeveloped CGI.

• Slowing down the content output could help resolve these issues. Marvel Studios is set to prioritize quality over quantity.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is heading towards slowing down its content output, and for good reason. The MCU’s slowdown strategy should be a positive endeavor, but it could harm the franchise in the long run.

In one of Disney’s recent earnings meetings, CEO Bob Iger announced the plan for reduced output at Marvel Studios, reports The Wrap. The studio has produced a lot of content in Phases 4 and 5, especially since Marvel content became available exclusively on Disney+.

However, the studio has decided to slow down its output for a number of reasons. In fact, they have unintentionally already slowed down their current output.  

Several upcoming projects, such as Thunderbolts and Captain America: Brave New World, have already been delayed considerably due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. As of now, only one MCU movie is set to release in 2024. Based on Iger’s recent plan of action, the output of MCU shows that it will also slow down.

Last year, the MCU had to cut down on its content output due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. However, Marvel Studios probably had the slowdown already in mind as their upcoming slate looked too cluttered.

The studio has released an average of three films in theaters since the beginning of Phase 4 and an average of three to four shows on Disney+ annually as well. It was getting difficult for viewers to keep up with the shows and films. Moreover, the studio also significantly compromised with the quality. Many shows seemed like fillers at best.

Fans have constantly criticized the MCU’s poor storytelling and underdeveloped CGI. As such, Phases 4 and 5 have been the least popular in the franchise’s history.

Marvel Studios did have standout releases, such as Guardians of the Galaxy 3 and Loki, but the majority of the releases have been underwhelming. At this point, slowing down the content output could be beneficial.

The studio should focus more on quality and less on quantity. Moreover, giving more time will help resolve issues with the script and poor CGI work. Each MCU movie requires more production time before its final release.

Marvel Studios has also been going through a tough time at the box office. Their recent projects have performed average at the box office, while some have tanked heavily. The MCU had some of its biggest flops in 2023, such as The Marvels and Secret Invasion.

The public perception of the MCU has changed, and the viewership ratings and box office performances speak for themselves. In order to win back the audience’s trust and love, they need to develop better content.

However, there is a downside to slowing down the MCU’s content output. A casual fan will not wait for the MCU to resolve its internal issues. It won’t be easy to keep casual viewers invested in the franchise if it goes out of sight for a long time. After the short break, the MCU must count on diehard fans to revive itself.

About Marvel Cinematic Universe

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is an American media franchise and shared universe centered on a series of superhero films and TV series, independently produced by Marvel Studios and based on characters that appear in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

The franchise includes comic books, short films, television series, and digital series. The shared universe, much like the original Marvel Universe in comic books, was established by crossing over common plot elements, settings, cast, and characters.