Marvel Studios, once superheroic, is now merely mortal.
For 15 years, Marvel delivered hit movie after hit movie — 32 in total, with “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” being the most recent blockbuster, collecting $846 million in May. Even its lesser blockbusters were still considered to be blockbusters, despite some wobbles here and there.
However, “The Marvels,” a sequel that cost roughly $300 million to make and market, arrived to only $47 million in ticket sales in the United States and Canada over the weekend, making it the lowest ever for a Marvel release.
“The Marvels,” about a trio of superheroines, took in an additional $63.3 million overseas. The film stars Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, and Iman Vellani, with Ms. Parris and Vellani reprising characters they originated on Disney+ series. “The Marvels” was directed by Nia DaCosta, the first Black woman to oversee a Marvel film.
Tony Chambers, Disney’s executive vice president of theatrical distribution, acknowledged that the results were “disappointing” given Marvel’s “unparalleled batting average.”
To a degree, “The Marvels” was hurt by the actors’ strike, which prevented Ms. Larson and her co-stars from participating in promotional events. Superhero fatigue also probably played a role.
“You’ve Seen This Movie 32 Times Before,” read the headline for The New York Times review of “The Marvels.”
The biggest reason Marvel Studios fell to earth over the weekend probably involves its corporate owner, Disney, which has pushed Marvel to drastically increase its output in recent years, resulting in a rat’s nest of storylines that even some ardent fans, not to mention casual ones, had a hard time following.
