Ever since Avengers: Endgame (2019), the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has struggled to replicate its past success. While the MCU continues to expand with new heroes, multiversal conflicts, and streaming series, fans and critics alike have noticed a decline in box office returns and audience enthusiasm. So, what made Avengers: Endgame such a historic achievement, and why do newer Marvel movies seem to fall short? Let’s break it down.
Endgame Delivered the Ultimate Payoff to a Decade of Storytelling
One of the biggest strengths of Avengers: Endgame was how it rewarded loyal fans who had followed the MCU for over ten years. Unlike standalone superhero films, Endgame wasn’t just another sequel—it was the culmination of 21 interconnected movies.
Marvel masterfully wove together years of character arcs, conflicts, and relationships to create an emotionally satisfying conclusion. Tony Stark’s self-sacrifice, Steve Rogers’ retirement, and the team’s final battle against Thanos felt earned rather than forced. The weight of these moments stemmed from years of careful character development, something many recent MCU films lack.
The Spectacle and Emotion Were Perfectly Balanced
Superhero films often struggle to find the right mix of action and character-driven storytelling. Endgame managed to deliver jaw-dropping spectacle while keeping the emotional stakes front and center.
The final battle scene, where nearly every Marvel hero assembled to face Thanos, was a cinematic event unlike anything seen before. Yet, despite the sheer scale of the action, the film still gave personal moments room to breathe. Tony Stark’s final words—“I am Iron Man”—weren’t just a badass quip; they were the ultimate culmination of his journey from selfish billionaire to selfless savior.
It Gave Closure While Teasing a New Era
Endgame managed to wrap up major character arcs while also leaving doors open for the future. The passing of the shield from Steve Rogers to Sam Wilson and Thor joining the Guardians of the Galaxy hinted at exciting new directions. However, Marvel did this subtly, without immediately overshadowing the film’s emotional farewell to its original heroes.
In contrast, newer MCU films often feel like setups for future projects rather than self-contained stories. Instead of focusing on meaningful conclusions, they introduce endless post-credit scenes and multiversal teases that can feel exhausting rather than exciting.
Why New MCU Movies Are Struggling
The Multiverse Saga Lacks a Clear Direction
Following Endgame, Marvel launched the Multiverse Saga, but unlike the Infinity Saga, this new phase has struggled to establish a central, compelling storyline. While Kang the Conqueror was introduced as the next big villain, his presence so far has been scattered and inconsistent compared to Thanos’ gradual buildup.
Many recent movies (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) rely heavily on multiverse mechanics, making the stakes feel less personal. When multiple versions of characters exist across different timelines, deaths and consequences start to lose their impact.
Too Many New Characters, Too Quickly
Another issue plaguing the MCU post-Endgame is the rapid introduction of new characters without giving audiences time to connect with them. In earlier phases, Marvel carefully built its universe by introducing one hero at a time—Iron Man, Thor, Captain America—allowing each character to grow before forming the Avengers.
Now, new heroes like Shang-Chi, Eternals, and America Chavez are being introduced at a breakneck pace, often in projects that also focus on pre-existing characters. This overload makes it difficult for audiences to form strong attachments, leading to weaker emotional investment.
Inconsistent Tone and Quality
Marvel movies were once known for their consistent balance of humor, action, and heart. However, recent films have struggled to maintain this balance. Thor: Love and Thunder was criticized for leaning too heavily into comedy at the expense of emotional depth. On the other hand, Eternals attempted a more serious, dramatic tone but lacked the pacing and excitement that fans expect from the MCU.
This inconsistency makes it harder for audiences to anticipate what they’ll get from a new Marvel release. Without a clear identity, the MCU risks losing the cohesive tone that made earlier phases so appealing.
Can the MCU Recover?
Despite its recent struggles, the MCU still has the potential to regain its former glory. With upcoming projects like Avengers: Secret Wars, and Fantastic Four, Marvel has opportunities to bring back fan excitement. However, it needs to refocus on storytelling fundamentals:
- Stronger character development – Fans need time to connect with new heroes before being thrown into another crossover.
- Clearer stakes – The multiverse concept, while exciting, needs grounded emotional stakes to avoid feeling like a gimmick.
- A defined overarching narrative – Marvel needs to establish a strong, central storyline leading up to the next Avengers films, similar to how it slowly built up to Infinity War and Endgame.
Conclusion
Avengers: Endgame was more than just a superhero movie; it was a cultural event that set the bar incredibly high for future MCU films. Its success came from careful planning, emotional storytelling, and a well-earned payoff. While the post-Endgame MCU has struggled to find its footing, there’s still hope for the franchise to course-correct. With the right focus, Marvel can once again capture the magic that made the Infinity Saga an unforgettable cinematic experience.
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