A Marvel Exec Acknowledges One Of The ‘Valid Criticisms’ Of The Multiverse (And I Appreciate The Take)

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe is always growing with new movies and shows on Disney+. While fans have enjoyed years of interconnected films, the period following the conclusion of Phase Three with Avengers: Endgame has had its ups and downs. Recently, Marvel executives admitted that some of the criticism aimed at the universe is legitimate, and they’re taking those concerns to heart.

Even though Marvel has several exciting movies planned, recent releases haven’t all been hits. The film The Marvels, for example, didn’t perform well in theaters. Brad Winderbaum, a top executive at Marvel, recently discussed some of the challenges with the current storyline, known as the Multiverse Saga, in an interview with CBR.

A common critique of stories involving multiple universes is that they can lower the tension because consequences don’t feel as significant. However, projects like Marvel Zombies demonstrate how these stories can actually increase the stakes. Being in a separate universe allows for genuine, permanent consequences – characters can truly die without needing to be resurrected or things neatly reset. It gives creators the freedom to take risks and tell darker, more impactful stories.

It actually makes a lot of sense. With the idea of a multiverse, almost anything can happen. And because of alternate versions of characters, the danger in Marvel movies and shows doesn’t feel as serious anymore. It’s like anyone can come back to life – for example, Robert Downey Jr. is reportedly returning as Doctor Doom in the next Avengers films.

The absence of real danger could be a key reason why some Marvel movies haven’t performed well in theaters. While Deadpool & Wolverine was a huge success, other films like Thunderbolts and The Fantastic Four: First Steps didn’t achieve the same results.

Disney+ offers a streaming library that includes all Marvel Cinematic Universe content. You can start a subscription for as low as $11.99 per month with ads. For an ad-free experience, it’s $18.99 monthly, or you can save 16% by paying $189.99 for a full year. See the deal here.

During the same interview, Bryan Andrews, the director of Marvel Zombies, shared what makes the animated series different from other recent Marvel projects. He explained that the show felt more impactful because characters genuinely faced real danger and anyone could die at any time.

One of the most exciting things is that the audience has no idea what to expect – anything could happen. People are coming in fresh, completely surprised by what we have in store. Honestly, I think that element of genuine unpredictability has been missing lately. With most big franchise movies, you know the heroes will probably survive. Filmmakers try to create tension, and they do a good job, but ultimately, you feel pretty safe. This is different. There are no guarantees for anyone, and that makes for a truly unique and thrilling experience.

He does have a point. When people watch Marvel movies, they generally assume the main heroes will survive. Whether it’s Captain America battling Red Hulk in Brave New World or the Fantastic Four facing Galactus in First Steps, it’s difficult to truly believe the heroes are at risk of dying.

The Avengers films often establish their own unique logic, which could make the dangers in upcoming events like Doomsday and Secret Wars feel more impactful. The Russo brothers weren’t afraid to kill off major characters in their previous movies – beyond the temporary disappearance of half of all life, we saw Loki, Heimdall, Gamora, Black Widow, and Iron Man permanently die. Because of this, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more heartbreaking character deaths in future Marvel Cinematic Universe projects.

You can now watch Marvel Zombies on Disney+. And Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 18th of next year, as part of the 2026 film lineup. It remains to be seen if this new movie will be as successful as Infinity War and Endgame.

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2025-11-28 00:39