hater of theMarvel Cinematic Universeoften reduce it to a populist franchise with too many character , which means they give out to apprize the expertness of the franchise ’s long - term storytelling . The MCU has been in output since 2008 , making it one of the longest - running franchises of all metre . Throughout the years , it has successfully emulated the DNA of the comics that inspire it — building out characters and solidifying itself through attached storylines For these reasons and more , it ’s accumulate its fair share of fans and hater .

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is n’t the first extended universe — famed predecessors admit the Universal Classic Monsters franchise and , of course , Star Wars . Still , the MCU ’s legacy feel like an unmatched phenomenon . take the fact that Marvel Studios went with a left - field choice as its unfastener — Tony Stark ’s Iron Man — audiences and critics were n’t sure if this potential franchise had staying index . But , with the simple act of adding a post - credits scene that teased the Avengers , Marvel Studios initiated a massive storytelling journeying .

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Iron Man looking inside Sokovia in Avengers Age of Ultron

Regardless of what MCU haters may think , there ’s more to the franchise ’s popularity than just being an industry - impregnate trend . After all , no post - MCU expanded universe — like the DC Extended Universe or the shortly - hold out Dark Universe — has copy this level of success , despite their serious attempts . Many people chalk up the MCU ’s authorization to Kevin Feige ’s influence . While he certainly plays a big office as the Marvel Studios president and basal producer of the photographic film , other give factors to what the MCU has achieved are its collaborative advance , the “ Phases ” structure to storytelling , and the means characters are developed . It is the combining of these one by one complex components that makes the MCU as a whole one of the most substantial achievements in modernistic cinema .

It ’s obviously impossible to ignorethe leadership of Kevin Feige . But , it ’s more than just his remarkable vision for a history that ’s produce the universe ’s success . It ’s the fact that he encourages coaction with the filmmakers . While some haters call it formulaic , the MCU ’s sandbox coming offers basic parameters , within which directors and writers have a lot of room to bring . This permit case-by-case movies to have a personality that still bear the universe ’s overall tonicity and account .   A perfect example is how Taika Waititi   revitalized theThorfilms by infusing his signature humor into them . This makes the MCU markedly different from theStar Warsuniverse , where filmmakers are give all devoid reign , and the DCEU , wherethe DC Films and Warner Bros. studioshave very hard-and-fast mandate for what the movie should do — both approaches that have finish up being to those universe of discourse ’ hurt in some way .

The MCU ’s storytelling strength also number from the fact that major characters and news report arcs are separated into Phases . presently in Phase 4 , the MCU pass its first three form creating the Infinity Saga . Phase 1 introduce the nucleus Avengers ; Phase 2 usher in the Guardians of the Galaxy , Scarlet Witch , Vision , and Ant - Man ; and Phase 3 brought in Dr. Strange , Spider - Man , Black Panther , and Captain Marvel as it inched toward the showdown with the Mad Titan , Thanos . MCU critic might see this as too busy , but what allows this body structure to shape is the fact that most characters have been manage by a individual person or team . Iron Man is Jon Favreau ’s creation , James Gunn manages the Guardians , Jon Watts is in charge of Spider - Man , and the Russo brothers , Christopher Markus , and Stephen McFeely hold the reins forCaptain America 2and3 , as well asAvengers : Infinity WarandAvengers : Endgame . This supports firm character development , so once the stories start crossing over , there ’s no time wasted trying to establish who ’s who . audience know who they ’re getting , which set aside the chronicle and interpersonal relationships to shine once it all comes together .

Tom Holland’s Spider-Man upset and determined in No Way Home

For 14 years , theMarvel Cinematic Universehas been make something truly noteworthy . On top of its boxful office billions , star - studded cast , and well - established properties , the MCU truly stand out because of its ability to tell a story . While there ’s no mode to create more than 20 films without any plot holes — likethe puzzling timeline retcon ofSpider - Man : Homecoming — Marvel Studios still stand far above the contest . At this point , MCU hater are willfully ignoring the truth : this universe is a masterclass in storytelling .

Next : The MCU ’s Epic 2032 Plan Is n’t As Big As Kevin Feige ’s Tease Suggests

Spider-Man in the MCU and Jean Grey in Marvel Comics

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