New Report Explains Why The MCU Has Been Mostly Bad Since ‘Endgame’

Forbes - May 4th, 2025
Open on Forbes

Marvel's latest film, 'Thunderbolts,' is receiving high praise, achieving some of the best critic and audience scores for the studio in recent years. This marks a notable success in the post-Endgame era, characterized by a string of less successful projects. The film's success is attributed to Kevin Feige's renewed focus on quality, as he seeks to correct the course of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) after acknowledging lapses in Phases 4 and 5. 'Thunderbolts' is highlighted as a prime example of this new direction, although Marvel still faces challenges with upcoming projects like 'Fantastic Four' and 'Avengers: Doomsday.'

The story also delves into Feige's strategic shift, including his initial reluctance to create Disney Plus shows and the ongoing challenges with their quality and reception. As Marvel plans to integrate the X-Men into its storyline, Feige's vision includes making fewer but higher-quality productions. This strategy is crucial as Marvel navigates a period of uncertainty, with the pressure on future projects to perform well. Meanwhile, fans await how the integration of FOX-era X-Men characters into the MCU will unfold, particularly with the potential inclusion of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine. Overall, the aim is to refocus Marvel's efforts for sustained success.

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RATING

5.0
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and engaging overview of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's current state and future direction under Kevin Feige. It effectively highlights strategic shifts and upcoming projects that are of public interest, particularly to fans and industry observers. However, the piece is hindered by a lack of balance and source quality, with many claims relying on speculative assertions or unnamed sources. The transparency of the article is also limited, as it does not adequately disclose the basis for its claims or address potential conflicts of interest. While the article is readable and clear, its impact and controversy are constrained by the absence of diverse perspectives and critical analysis. Overall, the article serves as an informative but somewhat speculative look at Marvel's evolving strategy.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The article presents several claims regarding the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and its future direction under Kevin Feige. Some claims, such as Feige's awareness of quality issues and his restructuring efforts, are supported by external sources like WSJ reports. However, other claims, such as the success of 'Thunderbolts' and Feige's initial resistance to Disney+ shows, lack verifiable evidence or third-party confirmation. The article's reliance on unnamed sources and speculative assertions about future projects like the X-Men integration and recasting plans also undermines its factual precision.

5
Balance

The article primarily focuses on Marvel's internal challenges and Kevin Feige's role, offering a predominantly insider perspective. It lacks a broader range of viewpoints, such as those from critics, audiences, or other industry experts, which could provide a more balanced understanding of the MCU's current state. Additionally, the piece tends to favor Feige's narrative of quality improvement without critically examining past failures or offering alternative explanations for the MCU's struggles.

7
Clarity

The article is generally well-written, with a clear structure and logical flow. It effectively communicates the main points about the MCU's direction and Kevin Feige's involvement. However, some sections could benefit from more precise language, particularly when discussing speculative aspects or unverified claims. The tone is neutral, but the narrative occasionally leans towards promotional language when discussing Marvel's potential successes.

4
Source quality

The article cites a Wall Street Journal report as a primary source, which is a credible and authoritative outlet. However, much of the content relies on unspecified sources or the author's interpretations, reducing the reliability of the information. The lack of direct quotes or detailed attributions from key stakeholders within Marvel further diminishes the article's credibility and authority.

3
Transparency

The article does not sufficiently disclose the basis for many of its claims, particularly those regarding Feige's strategic decisions and the performance of upcoming projects. There is a lack of transparency about the methodology or sources used to obtain the information, leaving readers without a clear understanding of how conclusions were reached. Additionally, the author's potential conflicts of interest, such as promoting their own work, are not adequately addressed.

Sources

  1. https://gamerant.com/mutant-saga-kevin-feige-plan-x-men/
  2. https://screenrant.com/mcu-kevin-feige-x-men-future-marvel-studios/
  3. https://thedirect.com/article/kevin-feige-marvel-movies-shows-problem
  4. https://bleedingcool.com/movies/kevin-feige-the-marvel-release-schedule-will-slow-down-after-2025/
  5. https://hypebeast.com/2024/11/kevin-feige-marvel-cinematic-universe-release-strategy-shows-movies-after-2025-news