The Marvel Cinematic Universe is currently going through a rough patch in terms of box office profits and fan reception. 2023 has not been the best year for the franchise as multiple shows and films drew in less than expected results. While Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 seemed to turn a profit, other projects such as Ant-Man and The Wasp Quantumania underperformed. 



Now, the latest film in the franchise The Marvels, the upcoming sequel to 2019’s Captain Marvel, is expected to also pull in lower than usual numbers. The current domestic opening for the film is predicted to be between $50 Million – $75 Million, which is significantly behind both of the previous 2023 MCU films and a far cry from Captain Marvel‘s $153.4 Million four years prior.

The appeal of the film may not be grabbing most of the casual Marvel audience as two of the film’s main characters primarily come from the Disney+ exclusive television series. Monica Rambeau aka Photon, appeared in WandaVision while Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel appeared in her own series. The context required to know these characters is locked behind a paywall that not every audience member is willing to pay.



There has also been a steep decline in the popularity of both Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel herself, and the actress who plays her, Brie Larson. Not only has the character in the comics been canceled multiple times with Marvel Comics trying to make her the female Superman. Brie Larson herself has become unpopular due to her attitude and hot takes online.

Many argue that the reason why the first film in 2019 made so much money was because fans thought it was required viewing before Avengers: Endgame when it really wasn’t. Then we can’t forget the controversy surrounding “sold out” empty theaters.

The future of Phase Five may rest in the hands of films like Deadpool 3 when it eventually releases sometime next year.

Source: Screenrant