Nebula Guardians of the Galaxy

Karen Gillan Defends Marvel Movies After Martin Scorsese Bashes Them

Last week, legendary director Martin Scorsese drew ire from numerous quarters for his dismissive comments about the quality of Marvel movies, describing the MCU films as "not cinema" and more akin to "theme parks." Several filmmakers and actors who've worked for the studio have since responded to his statement to defend the franchise and the latest is Avengers: Endgame star Karen Gillan.

Last week, legendary director Martin Scorsese drew ire from numerous quarters for his dismissive comments about the quality of Marvel movies, describing the MCU films as “not cinema” and more akin to “theme parks.” Several filmmakers and actors who’ve worked for the studio have since responded to his statement to defend the franchise and the latest is Avengers: Endgame star Karen Gillan.

Recommended Videos

The Hollywood Reporter caught up with the Scottish actress, who’s played Nebula since 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy in the MCU, at the 10th anniversary Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic Los Angeles. And for Gillan, whether Marvel films count as cinema or not is a cut-and-dry issue.

 “I would absolutely say that Marvel movies are cinema. Cinema is story-telling with visuals.”

The star went on to specifically talk about the Guardians films, written and directed by James Gunn, describing how much “heart and soul” Gunn puts into his movies.

“There’s so much heart and soul, and it’s James’ soul in there. He injects so much of his own personality, his sense of humor … that’s a very big representation of who he is as a person and therefore it’s very cinematic. He’s an artist.”

It’s interesting that Gunn’s Guardians franchise has become one of the main examples that folks are using to prove Scorsese’s views incorrect. Avengers director Joss Whedon also singled out how his fellow Marvel filmmaker pours “his guts” into the GotG pics while Gunn himself has also responded to Marty’s comments directly. Stressing that he’s a huge fan of Scorsese’s, Gunn admitted that he’s a little hurt that his and other director’s efforts have been dismissed like that.

Tell us, though, what do you think of Martin Scorsese’s comments about Marvel movies? Do they have any merit? As always, let us know down below.


We Got This Covered is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article Is ‘Deadpool 3’ in the MCU?
Deadpool 2
Read Article Who is ‘X-Men ’97’s big bad? Theo James’ secret Marvel role, explained
X-Men 97/Theo James attends the UK Series Global Premiere of new Netflix series "The Gentlemen" at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on March 05, 2024 in London, England.
Read Article How can I get the new Deadpool and Wolverine Funko Pops?
Screengrab of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in the upcoming 'Deadpool & Wolverine' movie.
Read Article How many episodes of ‘X-Men ’97’ will there be?
wolverine morph x-men '97
Read Article What is the ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ runtime?
Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds in the Void in Deadpool & Wolverine
Related Content
Read Article Is ‘Deadpool 3’ in the MCU?
Deadpool 2
Read Article Who is ‘X-Men ’97’s big bad? Theo James’ secret Marvel role, explained
X-Men 97/Theo James attends the UK Series Global Premiere of new Netflix series "The Gentlemen" at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on March 05, 2024 in London, England.
Read Article How can I get the new Deadpool and Wolverine Funko Pops?
Screengrab of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in the upcoming 'Deadpool & Wolverine' movie.
Read Article How many episodes of ‘X-Men ’97’ will there be?
wolverine morph x-men '97
Read Article What is the ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ runtime?
Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds in the Void in Deadpool & Wolverine
Author
Christian Bone
Christian Bone is a Staff Writer/Editor at We Got This Covered and has been cluttering up the internet with his thoughts on movies and TV for over a decade, ever since graduating with a Creative Writing degree from the University of Winchester. As Marvel Beat Leader, he can usually be found writing about the MCU and yet, if you asked him, he'd probably say his favorite superhero film is 'The Incredibles.'