Traditionally speaking, one of the core tenets that differentiates Marvel and DC is tone. It’s one that has divided the comic book titans for generations, and continues to do so as each company bolsters its presence in the film industry. But, according to Kevin Feige, Marvelites needn’t worry about an abrupt shift in tone within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, who addressed the future of the studio’s slate through a Reddit Q&A.
Despite the fact that the MCU is slowly bubbling toward a cataclysmic event in the form of Avengers: Infinity War, Feige assured fans that all of Marvel’s cinematic products will retain their swashbuckling sense of adventure and humor, and that there will be no “dark turns” that upend the comedic sensibilities infused in the studio’s films thus far.
Put together by one Reddit moderator, here’s Feige’s opinion on the general tone of Marvel films and how the heroes will inevitably come out on top despite what the marketing campaign would have you believe.
“There is no dark turn in the MCU. He says every year fans come up to him and ask him if this movie is when the MCU goes “dark” or takes a “dark” turn. He said while the trailers may seem ominous or have a sense of impending doom, the movies do not have that feel, and will not. He said he “Hoped people would catch on by now” – there will be no giant dark turns in the MCU where it then continues to head in that direction. The humor is in the DNA of the movies, there are no plans to change that.”
Perhaps the most notable offender of this strategy is Avengers: Age of Ultron, given the way in which Joss Whedon’s sequel was portrayed prior to release. Granted, this isn’t to say that Marvel should buck tradition and market every release as a cheerful, risk-free adventure, and it’s more than likely that incorporating a foreboding sense of dread in trailers tests well with audiences. A fine balance is required, then, and it’ll be fascinating to see how Marvel approaches Captain America: Civil War and Infinity War when the time comes.
