In their book MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios, authors Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzalez, and Gavin Edwards provide a detailed and well-researched account of the history and management of Marvel Studios. While the authors clearly admire Marvel Studios and its achievements, they do not shy away from discussing the challenges and shortcomings the studio has faced.
Published in October 2023, MCU dedicates a significant portion of its pages to the origins of movie storytelling with Marvel Comics characters, the formation of Marvel Studios, and the development of Phases One and Two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The authors also delve into the interpersonal conflicts, corporate politics, and the pressure faced by executives and contributors within the studio.
The book touches on the transition period when Kevin Feige stopped reporting to Ike Perlmutter, which the authors consider a significant event in the studio’s history. However, the majority of the book focuses on the years following this transition, providing previously unreported details on recent projects and their consequences.
For fans who may not be familiar with the backstory of Marvel Studios and the franchise, MCU offers an entertaining and informative narrative history. It also provides interesting points of comparison and contrast with the management of the Star Wars franchise by Lucasfilm. The book explores similarities such as conflicts between executives and the importance of merchandise, while also highlighting differences in storytelling approaches.
MCU emphasizes that Marvel Studios, like Lucasfilm, faced challenges and made improvisations in its early years. However, it emphasizes that Marvel Studios had a more cohesive and planned approach to storytelling, especially from Phase Two onwards. The book also discusses how the Sequel Trilogy of Star Wars suffered from a lack of clear vision and a decision to end the Skywalker Saga.
In contrast, Marvel Studios’ success is attributed to Kevin Feige’s deep understanding of Marvel lore and his commitment to maintaining the interconnectedness of the comic books in the movies. The book also mentions the missed opportunities of Lucasfilm in incorporating lessons from the Expanded Universe into the cinematic side of the Star Wars franchise.
Overall, MCU provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking analysis of the history and challenges faced by Marvel Studios, offering insights and comparisons for fans and industry observers.
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