Published By: Dishya Sharma
Last Updated: November 30, 2023, 20:20 IST
Disney CEO Bob Iger attributes Marvel Studios’ insufficient oversight during COVID-era production as a potential factor behind The Marvels’ historic box office decline.
The Marvels has been playing in theaters for a few weeks, and the Marvel Studios blockbuster has been a prominent topic of discussion. Notably, the film gained attention for experiencing the most significant box office decline in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Speculation about the factors contributing to this performance, ranging from the recently concluded SAG-AFTRA actors’ strike to marketing missteps, has been widespread.
Now, Disney CEO Bob Iger has commented, suggesting a potential reason, stating that the insufficient oversight from Marvel Studios executives during the film’s production amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Marvels was shot during COVID, and there wasn’t enough supervision on set [from executives,]” Bob Iger argued during the NYT DealBook Summit 2023.
Alongside the details surrounding The Marvels’ production, Bob Iger highlighted the challenge posed by Marvel Studios’ extensive content output in recent years, acknowledging the difficulty in maintaining quality amidst a prolific release schedule. Despite the multitude of films and TV series within a two-year timeframe, Disney aims to reduce content production moving forward. Nonetheless, the current sequel, featuring its three main heroes embarking on a perilous adventure, is currently screening in theaters. This quest involves a visit to a planet where communication is solely through singing.
In The Marvels, which premiered in theaters on November 10, Brie Larson’s character, Carol Danvers, also known as Captain Marvel, successfully regains her identity from the oppressive Kree and seeks vengeance against the Supreme Intelligence. However, unforeseen repercussions force Carol to bear the weight of a universe in turmoil. As her responsibilities lead her through an abnormal wormhole connected to a Kree rebel, her powers intertwine with those of Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), a devoted Ms. Marvel enthusiast from Jersey City, and Carol’s estranged niece, now serving as a S.A.B.E.R. astronaut, Captain Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris).
This unlikely trio must join forces and learn to collaborate in order to rescue the universe, collectively known as The Marvels. The film also marks the return of franchise favorites Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Saagar Shaikh as Aamir Khan, Zenobia Shroff as Muneeba Khan, and Mohan Kapur as Yusuf Khan. Joining the cast are new members Zawe Ashton, Park Seo-Joon, and Shamier Anderson. Produced by Marvel Studios, The Marvels is directed by Nia DaCosta and features a script by DaCosta, Megan McDonnell, and Elissa Karasik. Despite potential setbacks at the box office, the franchise is poised to chart a new course, with its recovery strategy set to unfold in the coming year.