The difference between Keanu Reeves’ and Zachary Levi’s films’ box office reception raised some discussion among fans. And James Gunn also seemed to join the conversation during his recent interview. The failure of Shazam 2 and Ant-Man 3 led to the question if people are getting tired of following superhero franchises. And followed by the release of Keanu Reeves’ John Wick 4, many seem convinced by the idea.
The Suicide Squad director also shared the same opinion as he sat down with Rolling Stone to talk about his last Marvel film, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
James Gunn Admits Superhero Fatigue is Real
Following the failure of Ant-Man 3 and Shazam! 2, discussions started if people are starting to get tired of superhero films and franchises. The conversation started about how studios need to put more effort into the story instead of presenting just another movie in a franchise and expecting fans to show up at theatres.
However, with John Wick 4’s grand entry at the box office, the discussion took a turn toward superhero fatigue. The conversation started over how a franchise could do better if the story is worth the audience’s time. James Gunn also agreed that fans could get tired of not just superhero movies but any franchise, if the story doesn’t make sense.
“I think there is such a thing as superhero fatigue. I think it doesn’t have anything to do with superheroes. It has to do with the kind of stories that get to be told, and if you lose your eye on the ball, which is character.”
He further mentioned popular DC and Marvel characters, saying that they may also fail to grab a massive audience if “it becomes just a bunch of nonsense onscreen.” He said if stories are not up to the mark, fans will find them boring, leading to failure of some of the most successful franchises.
Read More: James Gunn’s $275M Scooby-Doo Movie Originally Cast Jim Carrey as Shaggy, Was Rated R
James Gunn Claims Good VFX Alone Can’t Save a Film
James Gunn also mentioned that the fatigue is not only with superhero films and follows in every genre. He said that if the story is not good and interesting enough, it will end up losing its audience. The Peacemaker director also said that the VFX or special effects could also not save these types of projects.
He claimed that fans would not just want to see some action sequences where things “bash each other” without any sensible context to it. He said,
“It doesn’t have anything to do with whether they’re superhero movies or not. If you don’t have a story at the base of it, just watching things bash each other.”
Talking about the threequel to his Marvel film Guardians of the Galaxy, the director said that although it is over two hours, not a single second would be wasted. He claimed that the story gives a full arc to the major characters.
Followed by a disappointed Phase 4 and Ant-Man 3, Marvel fans have some high expectations from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. It would be Gunn’s last film in the MCU, as he will be now busy heading the new DCU to success.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will release on 5 May 2023.
Source: Rolling Stone
