Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige made important statements about the company’s future and the recent shakeups it has experienced. Meeting with a select group of journalists at Marvel’s Los Angeles headquarters, Feige addressed a wide range of topics, from the seven-year film plan being developed behind closed doors to the reasons for failed projects and Marvel’s new strategy.
Kevin Feige Discusses the Kang Crisis, New Films, and the Studio
Marvel has been facing a difficult period recently, with films like Thunderbolts* and Captain America: Brave New World underperforming at the box office. While Feige disagrees with the notion of superhero fatigue, he acknowledged that the studio’s post-Endgame expansion has had some negative consequences.
From 2008 to 2019, Marvel produced approximately 50 hours of content, but after Endgame, this number increased to 127 hours in just six years. Feige described this as “a lot,” and stated that one of the biggest challenges is the rapid increase in content.
The studio, which is producing in line with Disney’s streaming-focused strategy, is now moving forward with fewer films and series. Feige stated that some years may see only one film or series released. Production budgets are also being reduced, with the cost of new projects reduced by a third compared to productions in 2022 and 2023.
Fantastic Four: First Steps, developed in line with the new vision, marks the first time Marvel has directly addressed these characters. After three films previously produced by Twentieth Century Fox, these characters are now under the Marvel Studios umbrella.
The film is notable for its structure that requires no prior knowledge from the audience. Feige stated that they wanted to create a “homework-free” experience for this film. The story takes place in a standalone world with a 1960s aesthetic, separate from the Marvel Universe. This choice was made to avoid having to explain to audiences why characters like Thanos don’t intervene in global events.
Besides the abundance of content, Marvel has also experienced staff shakeups. Following the conviction of Jonathan Majors, who played Kang, the character was moved away from the role. However, Feige stated that this shift began before Majors’s timeframe.
It was concluded that Kang was not as influential a character as Thanos in long-term plans. Feige explained that the focus was shifted to Doctor Doom at this point, and that discussions with Robert Downey Jr. had taken place on this matter even before the release of Ant-Man 3.
Clarity has also been provided regarding the Blade film. The film, which had previously been developed in four different versions, is now moving forward with a modern-day script. Mahershala Ali continues to star. Feige also stated that a specific timeline has been agreed upon with Ryan Coogler for Black Panther 3.
It has also been confirmed that characters with darker themes, such as the Punisher and Daredevil, will return. With productions like the Deadpool & Wolverine film and the new Daredevil series, Marvel continues to produce content aimed at adults.
Jon Bernthal’s Punisher is returning for a special project on Disney+ with a TV-MA rating. However, Feige confirmed that the character will feature a different tone in the Spider-Man film.
There has been no development on Marvel’s side regarding a live-action version of Miles Morales. Feige stated that Sony holds the rights to the character, and that Sony is not permitted to work on the project until the animated series is completed.
The studio’s production approach remains unchanged. Feige stated that projects always begin with a script, but he is never fully satisfied with it. He explained that creative contributions, which Marvel calls “plus-ing,” continue during and after production.
Avengers: Doomsday, currently in production, continues this approach. Stephen McFeely is writing the script, but Loki creator Michael Waldron is also contributing to the project.
