Why Kevin Feige Greenlit So Many Mediocre Marvel Disney+ Shows, and What It Says About the MCU's Struggles — GeekTyrant
Suddenly, Marvel was everywhere. New shows were popping up on Disney+ what felt like every other month. Some of them, like WandaVision and Loki , landed well with audiences. Others, like Secret Invasion and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law , didn't. Even solid efforts like Ms. Marvel got buried under the weight of Marvel fatigue.
So… what happened? Why did Marvel — and more specifically, Kevin Feige, sign off on so many shows that either didn't land or felt unnecessary?
According to a recent Wall Street Journal report, it all boils down to three words from Disney CEO Bob Iger: 'Expansion, expansion, expansion.'
That directive, driven by Disney's aggressive push into streaming with Disney+, became the mission statement post- Endgame .
Feige, who has been the driving force behind the MCU for more than 15 years, didn't exactly fight it. Instead, he went along with the strategy, reportedly wanting to be a 'good corporate citizen.'
But that corporate loyalty came at a cost.
The result was a sprawling content landscape that overwhelmed audiences and overcomplicated the storytelling.
Shows like Secret Invasion were critically panned. She-Hulk had its fans, but the general reaction was mixed, and many felt it was rushed or uneven.
Even when the quality was there, like with Ms. Marvel , viewership suffered. As the report notes, there was just 'too much Marvel content' by the time that series dropped, and many fans had already checked out.
This led to a bigger problem… fragmentation. Characters introduced in Disney+ shows later showed up in films like The Marvels , but most viewers hadn't seen their backstories. So now, the movies had to stop and fill in gaps, killing pacing and driving up confusion.
The Marvels flopped hard at the box office, and one big reason was that a good chunk of the audience had no idea who Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan was or why they should care.
Of course, it's easy to point to corporate mandates and say, 'That's why the quality dipped.' But there's something more going on.
The real issue might be Marvel's storytelling itself. The formula that worked so well during the Infinity Saga with its quippy dialogue, familiar structure, a mix of humor and heart has started to feel stale. Every movie and show sounds the same. Every character delivers jokes the same way. There's a sameness to the tone that's grown tiresome, regardless of how big or small the story is.
Thankfully, it seems Marvel is finally taking a step back. The studio is scaling down its release schedule. There are still a few films set for 2025, including the recently released Thunderbolts* , which, by the way, turned out great. It took some creative risks, embraced strong character work, and felt different from the typical MCU formula. That's a big part of why it worked.
If Marvel wants to win back its audience, it's not just about doing less, it's about doing better. The reset is coming. Let's hope the evolution follows.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
2 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
Am I The Sun Or Moon Disney Princess Quiz
Hot Topic Obsessed with all things Disney? Join our fan community where you'll find hot topic discussions, quizzes, movie news, and more! See our Disney Discussions
USA Today
3 hours ago
- USA Today
With newest Big Cedar Lodge piece, Johnny Morris' golf legacy adds another awe-inspiring chapter
RIDGEDALE, Mo. — Clearly, this was a moment Johnny Morris was cherishing. Flanked by his son, JP, streams of media members and local dignitaries rolled through the first hole of the new Disney-esque Cliffhangers par-3 golf course last week at Morris' Big Cedar Lodge, and he greeted each one with the wide-eyed optimism of a kindergartner who'd been told school lunches were now bottomless. The concept, as JP tells it, was all his dad's. The incredible limestone outcroppings that were revealed as crews worked on Tiger Woods' Payne's Valley project were originally envisioned as a driving range. When the course — which was Woods' first domestic public-access project — originally opened in 2020, Morris started to think even bigger. Could they put a par-3 course, which is all the rage in the golf industry these days, on the side of those ragged and stunning cliffs? And if so, what other bells and whistles could be added? Johnny Morris has used big names at other golf courses In the past, Morris has employed some of the top designers in the game — Coore and Crenshaw were behind Ozarks National, Tom Fazio designed Buffalo Ridge, and Woods collaborated with Beau Welling on Payne's Valley — but with this project, the team kept things in-house. JP, who plays more golf than his billionaire father, started to tinker with the property, cramming holes in and using creative thinking to carve spaces from areas most others would never have considered. "I give my dad all the credit," JP Morris said, "because when we started building it, he got driving around or walking around one evening at sunset and he looked at me and he's like, 'JP, this is too beautiful to have a driving range. We've got to do a par-3 course.' So we just went to work." The course will fully open to the public on July 4 (11 holes had been accessible previously) with a steep price of $200 for resort guests and $250 for the general public, but the experience is one of a kind. 'Lion's Den' is a one-of-a-kind experience The third hole at Cliffhangers, referred to as the "Lion's Den," forces players to ask questions they've never before asked. Like, do I need a little extra club when hitting through a waterfall? This 115-yard thrill ride comes complete with piped-in lion sound effects as you approach the tee box. According to those who worked on the project, a mature mountain lion was spotted several times in and around the cave during construction. But the concept was born when the team needed to squeeze a few extra holes into the cliffs. "How do we fit 18 par-3 holes on this thing?" JP Morris said. "We just kind of worked in between the limestone cliffs and some rocks. And we think we've got 18 really fun, unique golf holes for guests to come play." Morris is leading a masterclass in golf relevancy While the views are truly otherworldly, the way Morris and his team have consistently rolled out major announcements has been nothing short of a masterclass in remaining relevant in the crowded golf ecosystem. Adding Tiger's course to the mix helped raise the profile, but the previous pieces, which also include the Jack Nicklaus-designed Top of the Rock and Mountain Top short courses, have slowly built Morris' golf empire in the same manner he built his Bass Pro Shops. For those who don't know Morris' story, per the Bass Pro Shops website: Johnny Morris, founder and Lead Outfitter of Bass Pro Shops, got his start in 1972 by selling fishing tackle out of the back of his father's store. Since then, Johnny has earned a reputation as one of the most visionary and influential retailers of the last 50 years. Today he is known as a retail and travel destination pioneer. Johnny's values were strongly shaped by his parents. Both were born in 1911 to very humble beginnings in the heart of the Ozarks in Willard, Missouri. His mother Genny was one of 10 children growing up in a two-bedroom house. His father John A. Morris grew up poor and was raised primarily by his Great Aunt. A decorated World War II veteran, John A. proudly served his country and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. Afterward he returned home to Missouri and became a successful merchant in the Springfield area. Johnny's parents both loved to hunt and fish and soon shared their passions with their son. From an early age, Johnny understood how fishing and hunting fostered a special respect and appreciation for nature and wildlife. And although Morris was on the golf team in high school and still plays the game a few times each year, his passion shifted to fishing as he exited his teens. But he still understands the communal value of the sport, noting that, "to me, the bottom line is spending time in nature with your buddies, and your best buddy (pointing to JP). It's about having happy times in life, whether it's fishing or playing golf. It's about happy times." Meanwhile, JP fell for golf at a young age and the story goes that when Tiger Woods called the elder Morris for a good price on a fishing boat, he added one caveat: that he and his then-10-year-old son would deliver it. The three spent an afternoon on a Florida waterway and JP's already white-hot passion for golf got a healthy dose of diesel. "I'm a real passionate golfer," JP said during the media tour. "I'm really passionate about the outdoors in general, so hunting, fishing, and then in the summer months ... I'm on the links golfing. "So, it's been just unbelievable, getting to grow up around here on Big Cedar and getting to work with my dad on Cliffhangers. Coming here a lot in the evenings after work and driving the team nuts, moving dirt back and forth. And it's been a lot of fun in the process." Morris' impact on the Branson region is massive While each of the golf courses and facilities the resort has unveiled seems to clear a new hurdle in wow factor, what's perhaps lost is Johnny Morris' dedication to the region, one that has beautiful Ozark Mountain views, but can be challenging in terms of shutting massive tourism numbers. Nearby Branson is still a hotbed for country music fans, but it's relatively small and the region's only major airport sits on the opposite side of Springfield, nearly an hour's drive. (A small airport that previously had a handful of commercial flights sits at the end of the road that leads to Cliffhangers, but it's now only open for private jets. Discount carrier Sun Country Airlines was the last airline to offer scheduled service, but those flights were discontinued after the 2024 season.) The new mayor of nearby Springfield, with a metro population of just under a half-million residents, understands just how monumental Morris' support to the region has been. Jeff Schrag was only elected to the post in April, and is best known for founding a nearby brewery, while coming into his new role after a lifetime as a serial entrepreneur. He also has experience in public service roles, including on the Missouri State University Board of Governors, though he had not previously been in an elected office. Appropriately, Schrag came to the first tee holding a beer, shook Morris' hand, and thanked him repeatedly. "It's absolutely amazing," Schrag said. "One of our greatest assets that we have in Springfield is the abundant outdoor recreation, and literally, we have one of the greatest outdoor recreation companies in the country headquartered in our hometown. But some people are not as invested in their hometown. As corporations get bigger, they think further out, and it just stays at the heart of the Morris family, which I really, really appreciate them reinvesting and doing things locally." Morris family maintains magic touch And Morris' commitment to the region isn't just lip service. While JP is enjoying a passion project at Big Cedar, Morris' daughter Megan Stack has led the way on Ozark Mill restaurant at Finley Farms, a converted historic mill on the Finley River. The Ozark Mill, which offers hand-crafted cocktails, a pizza bar and a gift shop with local brands, opened in 2021 near the historic Riverside Bridge. "It's a gift that keeps giving," Schrag said of Morris' investments in the region. "And here's what is so interesting, as you go to some of the premium properties like Big Cedar: you meet people from all over the Midwest who have come here on a journey to see what has been built here by the Morris family. Sometimes, we take this for granted as locals. We should never take this for granted." Morris spends time in Arizona, among other places, as any billionaire would likely do, but he continues to grow the region where he was raised, lifting it up one piece at a time. And it doesn't appear the luster on his shine will fade anytime soon. Not only has Cliffhangers instantly become a media darling, but when he was walking with a local crew from the Springfield nearby newspaper, he showed off the creative first hole, which only allows a lengthy downhill putt. Morris rarely plays, but he nearly dropped the 65-yard shot, leaving it just inches from the cup. Fun, right? "We've had a lot of people come through for preview play who aren't very good at golf, but they're having a lot of fun," JP Morris said. "I've been coming down to just watch guests hooting and hollering, and high-fiving. I'm just like, 'Alright, we did it.' That's what this is all about. We're just trying to have fun."
Elle
3 hours ago
- Elle
26 Fourth of July Movies That Are Better Than Watching Fireworks
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Fireworks? Sure. A patriotic cookout? Maybe. A good movie lineup? Non-negotiable. Whether you're staying cool indoors or winding down after a day in the sun, nothing beats kicking back with a film that captures the spirit—or spectacle—of the Fourth of July. From nostalgic blockbusters to timeless dramas, these are the titles worth pressing play on during the long weekend. I mean, it's kind of all right there in the name. Watch Now on Prime Video Now that Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway hit is on Disney+, you can watch this Tony-winning musical right from home. Watch Now on Disney+ The maxi-sized Baker family (Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Hilary Duff, Tom Welling, and more) trek to Lake Winnetka to celebrate Labor Day, but watching little Mark Baker (Forrest Landis) set off an entire backpack full of fireworks and causing their boat to explode is much more entertaining than seeing it happen to your cousin. The Vietnam War tale, based on a veteran's true story, gets automatic inclusion on this list. Celebrating our country's Independence Day means remembering the dark days in our nation's history too. This 2021 film does just that—it follows abolitionist Harriet Tubman (played by Cynthia Erivo) who led hundreds of enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. It doesn't get much more American than this coming-of-age comedy with a strong dose of '60s nostalgia. Watch Now The action goes down on a Fourth of July weekend, but this horror movie might make you too afraid of sharks to ever celebrate July 4 on a beach again. This classic celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, so it might be time to brave the waters. This comedy doesn't scream Fourth of July, but the four main characters are heading to New Orleans on July 4th weekend for the Essence Festival. Independence Day films don't always have to be about outright patriotism and freedom—a nice laugh on the holiday works too. A musical classic about the man who wrote 'You're a Grand Old Flag.' Mustache-less Chris Evans. Need I say more? Watch Now Disney+ For the more eclectic celebrators, Moonrise Kingdom is the ultimate summery Wes Anderson Americana flick—and probably the only film that could actually make you actually want to go camping. Ava DuVernay directs this Civil Rights film that follows Martin Luther King Jr.'s (David Oyelowo) journey to securing voting rights for Black Americans. A biopic that truly demonstrates patriotism and freedom. Watch Now on Paramount+ This is the second Tom Cruise combat movie on this list, and it helped make 'Maverick' a part of the American pop-culture lexicon. Sure, it's another Tom Cruise film, but this one's a sequel that was 36 years in the making. With a new generation of rising stars (hi, Glen Powell), high-speed jets, and shirtless beach football, what more could you want in a summer movie? Corn on the cob and a dip in the pool for Independence day? Boring. Instead, try a summer lake-house romp that explores all of America's scariest lore in one fell swoop. Few things are more American than baseball. Feminist film A League of Their Own shows a women-led team breaking the glass ceiling in the male-dominated league. Nicolas Cage turns into a historian obsessed with finding a hidden treasure with links to his family history. His fixation leads him to steal the Declaration of Independence, where a coded message to a map lies. Will he find the treasure or is he just another victim of a good ole conspiracy theory? Watch and you'll see! The ultimate action actor, Harrison Ford, plays a former soldier turned president who must save his family and staff from terrorists after they hijack his plane. Acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg (who also helmed Jaws above) directed and produced this biopic about former president Abraham Lincoln, with Daniel Day-Lewis delivering a stunning performance in the titular role. This 2012 film has become a staple of American cinema, which makes it a perfect 4th of July film. Celebrate the Black veterans who risked their lives fighting the Confederacy in the Civil War. This film brings all the feels. Starring Denzel Washington and a 20-year-old Ryan Gosling, this sports film is based on a true story of a newly integrated high school football team and their Black coach. The performances are spectacular, but it's the soundtrack that'll give you goosebumps. This thriller follows U.S. intelligence officers and Navy SEALS on their decade-long search for Osama bin Laden. Enter: Maya, a CIA intelligence analyst who might have answers to all of their questions. The untold story of three courageous Black women who helped NASA journey to space is the perfect film to reminisce about America's history. Add the stellar performances of Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae, Hidden Figures might become one of your favorites. A love triangle and a historical drama all in one? Pop the popcorn, please. If Remember the Titans will make you tear up, then Saving Private Ryan will make you bawl. This war film follows a group of soldiers who venture behind enemy lines to rescue a lone soldier whose brothers have all been killed in combat. Watch Now on Prime Video Okay, technically it's not about the Fourth—but Eddie Murphy arriving in Queens in search of true love is a tribute to the American Dream story if we've ever seen one. Packed with iconic lines and peak '80s style, it's patriotic in its own way. Watch Now on Pluto TV Few movies capture the freedom of summer quite like this nostalgic coming-of-age classic. There's baseball, fireworks, s'mores, and just the right amount of childhood chaos. Watch Now on Hulu
