Analyzing the Decline of the Superhero Genre in Hollywood

The Superhero genre [courtesy of Hollywood] is at a point where its value seems to be waning amongst fans & audiences alike.

Even critics aren’t left out. Because the current disinterest in the genre has been dubbed, “superhero fatigue”. With many citing the voluminous amount of projects across [both] the big & small screen as the cause.

Meanwhile, a few seem to suggest the genre is slowly losing its relevance. Hence, a disbandment, be it temporary or permanently is advised.

Well, the latter seems more like wishful thinking since it is unlikely that Studios will let up on their superhero IPs. Seeing as a lot of revenue comes from the [superhero] genre alone.

But with many of the recent endeavours from the genre not fairing so well, both financially and critically (especially from genre giants, Marvel & DC). Could the former opinion be the cause?. Have audiences gotten stuffed with so much content that they’re beginning to take the genre for granted?. Should Studios in fact double back on release schedules?.

While there is a rationale behind how the quality of projects have dipped with respect to their overwhelming quantity. The quantity/volume itself appears not to be the problem, because if the quality is impeccable. Those projects could still find a way to compel audiences to engage with them.

This is the argument that Variant Comics’ Arris Quinones makes on one of their weekly podcast sessions that addresses this topic.

Also present at the podcast was Co-host, Tim Connolly — who thinks the waning reality besetting the Superhero genre is a multifaceted problem that is shared across 3 major issues, namely;

The Quality,

Reduced Theatrical Turnover &

Inflation.

This honestly makes a whole lot of sense, since a problem can always be interpreted from various perspectives and as regards the financial headway theatrical releases are expected to make. A lot of it is now tied to current socioeconomic factors.

In breaking down the multifaceted problem, the goal is to induce a clear understanding of the situation that hopefully incites answers geared towards the revival of the superhero genre.

The Quality

To begin with, the MCU that once had an almost impeccable critical streak from its Infinity Saga days began a shameful critical descent in its current Multiverse Saga.

Signifying that the gargantuan superhero franchise may be resting on its laurels [a bit too much].

Furthermore, this is now causing a decline in the attempts to mimick the MCU formula by other superhero/comic book franchises. Though while it is advisable that every franchise be distinct from their counterparts. It is also worth noting that MCU formula isn’t exactly what is hurting the franchise, but rather how such formula is currently being deployed.

For instance, the MCU is popularly known for its tonal vibrancy, with particular reference to its humourous/comedic sensibilities. A rewind to the Infinity Saga shows that the humour was hardly ever overwhelming — whether they were sarcastic, plain, naive or otherwise. And for this reason, many of them were and still remain memorable, even to the point of having relevance within the narratives they inhabited.

But flash forward to the Multiverse Saga and so far, the tonal vibrancy of the MCU could be likened to that of SNL. And unfortunately for the MCU, pertinent issues that abound are weighed down by an oversaturation of comedy/humour — that makes one question both the relevancy of the humour as well as the pertinent issue(s).

Then there’s also the issue of the bait and switch that Studios are known to pull every now and then. This even bleeds into spectacle-driven franchises as well.

This issue is particularly annoying to the franchise’s or IP’s loyal fan base. Because in doing so, Studios simply exploit the fan base’s passion in a bid to generate revenue for themselves. Which of course is cruel, and deserves no justification.

What’s worse, in most cases, such projects don’t end up good or as good as the original conceptions. While the MCU is once again notorious for this, through their lackluster adaptations of some iconic comic book characters. Throughout the podcast however, Arris Quinones cites many of the Disney+ Star Wars serialised endeavours as major culprits in this regard.

Moreover, a bad word of mouth can also create a total disinterest, especially when there are already doubts.

Inflation

Following the advent of the Covid pandemic back in 2020, it’s been (and still is) an uphill climb for economies around the world to get back on their feet. And while the rehabilitation is slowly yielding results for some sectors, quite a number are still reeling from the detrimental effects of the pandemic.

Hence, while billion dollar companies like Disney or Warner Bros. Discovery can afford to make a comeback after the pandemic. The same luxury isn’t available to privately owned businesses/movie theatre owners & the average working class citizens.

Many of which are still finding hard to cope with the inflated price tags currently attached to goods & services.

As to how this relates to the decline of the superhero genre; this issue [quite] obviously speaks directly to the financial decline of some superhero/spectacule-driven projects post-pandemic. Which is undoubtedly losing revenue/investment for the Studios responsible.

Moreover, production budgets these days must also account for pandemic protocols while on set. Further adding to the financial strain endured. All of this culminates in the average person now having pay a lot more for the movie going experience than before.

As such, many are reluctant to make such sacrifice(s) due to its unsustainability in the wake of current economic realities.

Reduced Theatrical Turnover

Back in the days, even as recent as the 2000s, movies used to spend anything from 6 months to a year in cinemas. Before one could claim them for home/remote viewing.

But since the advent of streaming, such is no longer the norm. With the theatrical turnover presently at an all time low (usually 30 – 45 days). Courtesy of the earlier global pandemic.

However, the sustainability of this trend by Studios is also illogical. Because a limited turnover period is simply a means to cause the movie ends up on their streaming platforms sooner than later. Where constant revenue will be made through regular monthly subscription fees.

Although the Studios also end up shooting themselves in the foot with this technique. Because a limited turnover period to the average person struggling to get by and still contemplating on whether or not a pricey movie experience is worth it, is more than willing to wait out the theatrical period.

This in turn, subjects those projects to becoming box office failures/bombs regardless of their quality. And since the box office earnings boasts a large majority of template used in ascertaining the profitability of theatrical releases. What was initially meant to be a two-pronged profitability strategy (theatrical and streaming revenues) ends up being a one-sided affair in favour of streaming. Which of course, is cheaper when compared to the current movie going experience.

Revenue is lost and Studios still somehow remain none the wiser. This even transcends to spectacle-driven projects which are just as pricey or even more (in some cases) than superhero/comic book projects.

Once again, the idea of the superhero genre decline being more of a multifaceted problem. Especially with regards to current realities holds a lot of credence.

Which means if Studios hope to address the situation, they’ll have to first let go of their corporate greed and then enact a multi pronged solution that favours all parties involved. This should work to restore the genre back to its glory days.