Why the MCU doesn't seem as interesting as it used to be

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has undergone significant changes since its inception in 2008, and many fans feel it’s not the same as before. Several factors have contributed to this shift:

1. End of the Infinity Saga

The conclusion of the "Infinity Saga" in Avengers: Endgame (2019) marked a turning point. This saga, which spanned over a decade and 23 films, was meticulously crafted around the buildup to the final battle with Thanos. The departure of iconic characters like Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) created a void that has left fans nostalgic for the early MCU.

The Infinity Saga provided a clear narrative arc with a grand sense of purpose. Each movie contributed to the larger picture, culminating in a satisfying conclusion. Post-"Endgame," the MCU has struggled to create the same cohesion and epic scale, leaving newer phases feeling more disjointed.

2. Character Transitions and New Faces

One of the biggest changes is the introduction of new characters who are expected to carry the MCU forward. Heroes like Shang-Chi, Ms. Marvel, Kate Bishop (Hawkeye), and The Eternals are being brought in to diversify the universe, both in terms of storytelling and representation. While this is a positive step toward inclusivity, it has also led to unfamiliarity. Fans who grew attached to the original Avengers may find it difficult to connect with these newer characters.

Furthermore, legacy characters like Thor, Doctor Strange, and Spider-Man have been put in positions to lead the franchise. However, some fans feel that the development of these characters hasn’t lived up to expectations, and they struggle to fill the massive shoes left by Iron Man and Captain America.

3. Over-Reliance on Humor and Lighthearted Tone

The earlier MCU films, especially those by directors like the Russo brothers, balanced action, emotion, and humor well. However, recent entries in the MCU have been criticized for leaning too heavily into comedic elements, sometimes at the expense of serious moments. Movies like Thor: Love and Thunder and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law have been criticized for undermining their emotional depth with over-the-top humor. This tonal inconsistency has made it harder for some fans to take certain storylines seriously.

In contrast, earlier MCU films like Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Avengers: Infinity War had darker tones and higher stakes, which resonated more deeply with audiences.

4. TV Shows and Expanded Universe

With the launch of Disney+, the MCU has expanded beyond movies and entered the realm of television. Shows like WandaVision, Loki, Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Moon Knight have explored new aspects of the universe, but this expansion has introduced new challenges. The sheer volume of content makes it difficult for casual fans to keep up with the overarching narrative.

Additionally, the interconnectedness of the MCU means that skipping a show could lead to confusion when watching a movie. This blurring of lines between film and TV has diluted the cinematic experience for some fans, who feel overwhelmed by the need to consume so much content just to understand the next phase.

5. Phase 4 and Beyond: Lack of Clear Direction

Since the end of the Infinity Saga, there has been a noticeable lack of a clear, unifying threat or direction for the MCU. Phase 4 has introduced various multiverse-related concepts, but fans are still waiting for a Thanos-level antagonist that ties everything together. While Kang the Conqueror (introduced in Loki) has been teased as the next big villain, it remains to be seen whether he will capture the same sense of urgency and threat that Thanos did.

This lack of a clear endgame (pun intended) has made the current phases feel less cohesive. The movies and shows now feel more like standalone projects rather than puzzle pieces in a larger story.

6. Fan Fatigue

After more than a decade of Marvel movies, even the most dedicated fans may be experiencing superhero fatigue. The constant barrage of new releases—both movies and TV shows—has led to a saturation of the genre. When the MCU first started, each new film felt like a major event, but with so many releases now, that sense of excitement has waned for some audiences.

Conclusion

The MCU is not the same as before due to the end of the Infinity Saga, the introduction of new characters, a shift in tone, an overwhelming amount of content, and the lack of a clear direction. While the MCU is evolving and trying new things, these changes have created a divide among fans, some of whom long for the days when the original Avengers were at the forefront and the narrative was tightly woven around a single, epic storyline. Nonetheless, the MCU continues to be a dominant force in entertainment, and only time will tell how it navigates this new phase of its existence.