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Kevin Feige Discusses Thunderbolts Performance

Feige explains why Thunderbolts underperformed and the impacts on Marvel's future filmmaking strategy.

July 21, 2025 at 11:07 AM
blur Kevin Feige Explains Why THUNDERBOLTS* Underperformed; Addresses Marvel Studios' Quantity Over Quality Issues

Kevin Feige provides insight into the challenges facing Marvel Studios amidst changing audience expectations.

Kevin Feige Addresses Underperformance of Thunderbolts

During a roundtable discussion, Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, discussed the underwhelming box office performance of Thunderbolts. The film, despite receiving high ratings—88% from critics and 93% from audiences—managed to gross only $382 million worldwide, missing the crucial $400 million mark. Feige attributed some of this underperformance to Marvel's expanded output, particularly in streaming, leading audiences to feel overwhelmed. He noted, "It used to be fun, but now do I have to know everything about all of these?" This sentiment reflects his concerns about audience confusion with the expanding Marvel universe, especially as characters and plots require deeper knowledge of previous projects. Furthermore, Feige acknowledged a shift towards quantity over quality in Marvel's storytelling since the launch of Disney+, which has contributed to this predicament. Looking ahead, he emphasized a need to reduce budgets for upcoming films, aiming to cost a third less than recent productions. He remains committed to Marvel's vision and the continuation of big-budget filmmaking.

Key Takeaways

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Feige attributes Thunderbolts' failure to audience confusion over the expanding MCU.
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Marvel's storytelling has shifted towards quantity, risking quality in narratives.
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Reducing production budgets for future films is a part of Marvel's strategy.
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The confusion among audiences may lead to decreased interest in new releases.
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Feige remains committed to Marvel Studios despite having two years left on his contract.
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The focus may shift toward the X-Men and new narratives post-Secret Wars.

"It used to be fun, but now do I have to know everything about all of these?"

Feige notes audience confusion over the expanding MCU narratives.

"For the first time ever, quantity trumped quality."

Feige admits that the MCU has compromised storytelling for volume.

"We always had more characters than we could possibly make because we weren’t going to make a movie a month."

Feige reflects on previous production strategies and current pressures.

"Do I want to be making big movies for big audiences in 10 or 15 years from now? Yes, absolutely."

Feige expresses his commitment to filmmaking and the MCU's future.

Feige's comments highlight a significant shift in Marvel Studios' strategy that could impact the franchise long-term. The emphasis on quantity, fueled by corporate demands and streaming service expansions, risks alienating casual viewers who may feel lost in a growing continuity. As Marvel navigates this crowded landscape, the challenge will be balancing the introduction of new stories while keeping existing fans engaged. His mention of a need to reduce budgets hints at financial pressure that may lead to more streamlined storytelling. The future of the MCU relies on its ability to innovate and connect with audiences feeling disconnected from recent releases.

Highlights

  • Even great movies struggle when the audience feels overwhelmed.
  • When quantity takes precedence, the magic of storytelling is often lost.
  • Marvel must navigate this crowded landscape to keep its fans engaged.
  • The future isn't just big movies, it's about connecting with audiences.

Marvel's Strategic Challenges

The shift towards quantity over quality in Marvel's production risks alienating audiences and impacts box office performance, leading to potential backlash from investors and fans.

Marvel's future hangs in the balance as it faces the need for strategic changes in storytelling.

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