(Image credit: Marvel Studios / Disney)
Disney CEO Bob Iger has acknowledged that Marvel previously lost focus by producing too much content, highlighting Thunderbolts as the ‘first and best example’ of the studio’s commitment to fewer, high-quality films. Marvel Studios is now refocusing its efforts on movies, moving away from the abundance of streaming series.
During a conference call with Wall Street analysts, as reported by Deadline, Iger expressed that Disney’s decision to fill its streaming platform with more content was somewhat misguided. He reiterated his earlier remarks on the studio’s drive to launch numerous Marvel and Star Wars series following the debut of the Disney Plus platform.
Iger stated, “In our zeal to flood our streaming platform with more content, we turned to all of our creative engines, including Marvel, and had them produce a lot more. We’ve learned that quantity does not necessarily equate to quality. We’ve all admitted to ourselves that we lost a little focus by making too much. By consolidating a bit and having Marvel focus more on their films, we believe it will result in better quality. I think the first and best example of that is Thunderbolts.”
Thunderbolts, humorously retitled New Avengers due to its plot twist, has garnered positive reviews from critics and fans alike. Iger sees this film as indicative of the new direction Marvel Studios is taking. Both Thunderbolts and the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps, set for release in July, are praised for their storytelling and production quality, encouraging fans who may have grown weary to return to theaters. Iger mentioned that the upcoming slate of Marvel films is “the best I have seen” since 2019’s blockbuster Avengers: Endgame, which concluded the MCU’s first saga.
You can find our review of Thunderbolts, AKA New Avengers, currently in theaters concluding Marvel Phase 5. Phase 6 will commence with The Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25. For further information, explore our guide to upcoming Marvel movies slated for 2025 and beyond.