Directed by Nia DaCosta, “The Marvels” featured a dynamic female-led cast including Brie Larson as Carol Danvers, Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan. Despite the star power and a robust budget reported at $374 million by Forbes, the film’s earnings were underwhelming, with a worldwide box office total of just $206 million. This figure, although respectable in a vacuum, falls significantly short when set against the film’s colossal budget and the MCU’s usual financial performance.
The movie’s failure has sparked intense debate among fans and critics alike. Some attribute the poor reception to inadequate marketing and negative pre-release buzz, while others suggest a backlash against the all-female lead cast, or general superhero fatigue, as contributing factors to the underperformance.
Uncertainty Among the Stars
In the wake of the film’s flop, the future of its characters within the MCU remains uncertain. Teyonah Parris, during an appearance on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” expressed her own doubts about returning to the MCU. “I have no clue. I’m sorry. I don’t know,” Parris responded to a fan’s inquiry about her future in the franchise. Her role as Monica Rambeau, however, did tease potential future narratives, ending the film by discovering herself in a new universe where her mother is alive and the X-Men exist.
Brie Larson’s Cryptic Comments
Amidst the speculation, Brie Larson has offered cryptic hints about her future as Carol Danvers. In an interview with The Playlist’s Bingeworthy podcast, Larson expressed affection for her time working with Parris and Vellani and teased undisclosed knowledge about her character’s future. “I just loved being with those ladies so much… And you know, as for the future, there’s things that I know, but I can’t tell you,” she stated.
Despite the negative backlash, Larson continues to advance her career, recently announcing her upcoming role in Daniel Fish’s production of “Elektra” on London’s West End. Her ongoing involvement in high-profile projects suggests a resilience that might hint at her return to the MCU, possibly leading the Avengers as initially planned in Phases 4, 5, and 6.
What’s Next for “The Marvels”?
As the MCU continues to evolve, the future of “The Marvels” remains a subject of intrigue and speculation. While the box office numbers were disappointing, the creative potential for these characters persists, particularly with the integration of the X-Men into the MCU, a move that could reinvigorate interest in Monica Rambeau and potentially Carol Danvers.
Fans and industry watchers will be keenly observing how Marvel Studios navigates these choppy waters, hoping for a revival in fortunes not just for “The Marvels” but for its stars, who have become beloved figures in the superhero genre. As the MCU looks to rebound from this setback with its next slate of films and shows, the resilience of its characters and creators will be crucial.