“Deadpool” Creator Calls for Feige’s Exit as “Captain America 4” Bombs
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is facing a harsh reality: audiences are becoming increasingly discerning. “Captain America: Brave New World” suffered a massive 68% drop in its second weekend at the box office, prompting “Deadpool” creator Rob Liefeld to call for Kevin Feige’s removal as president of Marvel Studios.
Liefeld’s Discontent:
Liefeld has been vocal about his issues with Marvel and Feige, citing a perceived lack of respect and a recent snub from Disney where he and his family were not invited to the “Deadpool & Wolverine” afterparty. This latest box office disappointment has fueled his frustration, leading him to declare Feige “spent” and call for his departure.
“Brave New World” Struggles:
Despite a decent opening weekend, “Captain America: Brave New World” faced a steep decline in its second week, joining the ranks of recent Marvel flops like “The Marvels” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.” Negative reviews and poor word-of-mouth have contributed to the film’s underperformance, raising concerns about the future of the MCU.
The “New Normal” for Marvel?
Industry analyst Paul Dergarabedian suggests that these significant box office drops may be the “new normal” for Marvel movies. While the films still hold appeal, the diminished enthusiasm from audiences is undeniable.
Exceptions to the Rule:
It’s worth noting that not all recent Marvel releases have suffered this fate. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” and “Deadpool & Wolverine” both enjoyed strong box office runs with significantly smaller second-weekend drops. This suggests that quality and audience reception still play a crucial role in a film’s success.
The Future of the MCU:
The underwhelming performance of “Captain America: Brave New World” raises questions about the future direction of the MCU. Can Feige and Marvel Studios regain their footing and recapture the magic that once captivated audiences worldwide? Or is this a sign of superhero fatigue and a need for a major creative shakeup? Only time will tell.