by James Blake
While superhero films are becoming less successful at the box office, here is an analysis of the possible causes of the decline of this iconic genre of the 2000s, which follows the same trajectory as the late Western.
Today, more than ever, it is worth questioning what is often referred to by a ready-made expression: “superhero fatigue.” This term, which, as we saw, flourished in the early 2010s (even before the release of the first Avengers), was then used by detractors of the genre to express their deep fatigue with it.
Why Was the Decline of Superhero Movies Expected?
Entertainment trends have always been cyclical, with genres rising in popularity and eventually giving way to new forms of excitement. Just as land-based casinos once dominated the gaming industry before evolving into innovative online casino platforms such as Lukki Casino, the superhero genre, which reigned supreme for over two decades, is now facing its own moment of reckoning. Understanding this shift requires a closer look at the factors contributing to the decline of this iconic cinematic era.
The History of Superhero Films
In the 25 years of superhero cinema (starting with Blade in 1998), approximately 78 DC and Marvel superhero films have been released in movie theatres, an average of three per year, and we are not even talking about the boom of comic book-adapted series.
In 2023, the superhero genre experienced several setbacks: if Guardians of the Galaxy 3 achieved a result almost equivalent to its previous opus at the box office, then Shazam 2, Blue Beetle, Flash and Ant-Man 3 turned out to be complete failures.
The History of Superhero Movies Can Also Be Divided Into Several Stages:
- The Golden Age: Before The Avengers (2012)
Is this the first achievement in terms of special effects? Fans are finally seeing their characters on screen in a (relatively) respectful way.
Obviously, not everything is good (Catwoman, Blade 3, or even two Fantastic Four), but the public is already following them with enthusiasm.
This is the period when the public discovered a new story, and the heroes settled scores with the villains, even if they came from other planets!
- After the Avengers: The Quality is Falling, But There Are Saviors! (2013 – 2019)
The onset of fatigue came in the mid-2010s. It should be remembered that by the time Iron Man 2 was released, it had been ten years since superhero films returned to power along with Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man and X trilogies.
Series are starting to multiply on television, and soon they are being backed up by streaming platforms that want their share of the pie. Marvel and DC are having a great day: this genre is everywhere and with it the audience.
The Face of These Films
There are three providential people in the superhero genre: first, James Gunn, who gives oxygen to the audience in his Guardians of the Galaxy, during the period when films begin to slip (Avengers 2, Ant-Man, Thor 2), but especially the Russo brothers. By signing a contract with Captain America: The Winter Soldier, they became star Marvel directors and audience favourites in Avengers 3 and Avengers 4, which achieved significant success. The Black Panther also caused a general fascination with the hero T’Challa, who immediately became a cult.
At the same time, for DC, the failure of the release of Justice League is a disaster from which the cinematic universe of the brand will never recover, despite huge box office successes such as Aquaman or Wonder Woman.
Reboot in Small Steps
The grown-up public, as a rule, avoids films that no longer have the requirements and the wonders that were ten years ago.
For his part, James Gunn, who has become the big boss of DC on the screens, is preparing to release 5 new films and 5 DC series, starting the universe from scratch. A bold attempt in the current conditions to reduce the box office of this category of feature films.
What Awaits Such Films Next
The time of innocence and discovery has passed, and the superhero genre may be entering its “prestigious” phase. As film production becomes more expensive and Marvel has returned to the slow pace of releasing two films a year that it had in the early days, perhaps the time of excellence has become a time of scarcity.
The genre is already starting to rely on nostalgia, trying to kindle a flame. We are already recalling the glories of the past years through the concept of the multiverse: Patrick Stewart returns to play Professor Sartana, who was supposed to promote the applications.
Zack Snyder advocates saving the genre from fatigue by opting for a reboot every ten years. Jame Gunn argues that superhero fatigue is definitely present in the Inside of You podcast, he also adds that now is the time for stories based on the reality of the characters and their emotions.
Conclusion
The superhero genre must deconstruct itself and conduct self-analysis if it does not want to die. Otherwise, it risks, in a more or less long-term perspective, entering the last phase of the last years of Western films, which we know all too well.
