As a queer person who came out later in life and found solace in the present through my writing and queer social groups, I find it disheartening to see the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) taking a step back into the past with their upcoming Avengers movies. Five years ago, the MCU promised a new era of representation and exciting new characters for a new generation of moviegoers. But now, with Robert Downey Jr.’s return as Doctor Doom and the Russo Brothers’ involvement in the next two Avengers films, it feels like we’re stuck in a time loop.
Back in July 2006, I was part of a humble gathering at San Diego International Comic-Con. Marvel Studios made some significant announcements that day – Thor, Captain America, and Nick Fury were set to star in their own movies. The teams behind Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, and Ant-Man (Rest in Peace, Edgar Wright on Ant-Man) were present, sharing glimpses of films that hadn’t even begun production yet. I couldn’t believe it; Robert Downey Jr. wouldn’t become Tony Stark/Iron Man for another two months! Despite the early stages, it was a pivotal moment, showcasing Marvel Studios’ commitment to the long game. Kevin Feige dropped a hint about an Avengers movie in the future, and the room came alive with anticipation. It certainly wasn’t the last time Marvel Studios ignited such deep excitement within us geeks.
Over the past few years, Marvel Studios has made a significant mark at this annual event. They consistently bring A-list stars and major announcements for the Marvel Cinematic Universe to Hall H, delighting fans with their spectacular presentations. With their impressive showmanship, Kevin Feige and his team have created some truly unforgettable moments at Comic-Con. Do you recall when Tom Hiddleston’s Loki made an appearance in character at Hall H in 2013? Or how about the first time the main cast of “The Avengers” graced the stage during Comic-Con in 2010? And who could forget Comic-Con 2019, where Feige and his team unveiled numerous Phase Four movies and TV shows, offering a sneak peek into a post-“Avengers: Endgame” Marvel Cinematic Universe? All of this began with Iron Man’s groundbreaking Comic-Con appearance in 2007, generating tremendous excitement for an adaptation of one of Marvel’s lesser-known heroes.
On July 27, 2024, Marvel Studios resumed their Comic-Con presence for just the second time since the pandemic started. In contrast to their bustling panel in 2022 filled with major announcements, many of which were still yet to be released due to delays and production challenges in 2023, this year’s event carried anticipation for some clarifications. Would the Marvel Cinematic Universe continue to prioritize streaming shows and the multiverse as seen in recent years? Was Kang the Conqueror indeed taking over as the MCU’s new villain? And was there any hope for a Squirrel Girl movie to finally materialize?
During Marvel Studios’ 2024 SDCC panel debut, there were several pressing questions – added to which was the weighty history of almost twenty years of successful Comic-Con attendance.
During the panel led by Kevin Feige (following an entertaining Deadpool & Wolverine choir performance of “Like a Prayer), he shared that Marvel Studios would be discussing only the next three MCU movies in today’s presentation. This revelation came as a relief to many, signaling that unlike the previous SDCC Marvel panels where ten movies and TV shows were unveiled, this time around, there was a clear shift from an excessive focus on quantity towards quality. Marvel Studios decided to leave out any mention of small-screen programming during this event, hinting at a return to the importance of theatrical exhibition in Hollywood, which has been somewhat overshadowed by the streaming-centric landscape of early 2020s.
At the Marvel Studios SDCC 2024 panel, the initial announcement was about “Captain America: A New World” with Giancarlo Esposito unveiled as Seth Voelker/Sidewinder, the leader of the Serpent Society in the upcoming film. Feige highlighted that this production would maintain the gritty feel akin to “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” However, an ambitious intention considering Sam Wilson is set to confront The Leader and the Serpent Society. Following that, “Thunderbolts*” was showcased with a trailer previewed for Hall H audience members. The principal cast appeared on stage, expressing their admiration for Florence Pugh, the acclaimed actress spearheading this project. A pity no DVDs of “Lady Macbeth” were distributed among the attendees.
Arguably the biggest 2025 movie to show up at Marvel’s Hall H panel, though, was The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Not a fan of that title (just call it The Fantastic Four!), but the Spider-Man reboot films showed that Marvel feels a need to give its own movies distinct subtitles to separate them from earlier movie adaptations. At this panel, the main four members of the cast (Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach) and director Matt Shakman appeared. Accompanying them was test footage exclusive to Hall H attendees. This material showed off Pascal’s Reed Richards teaching a schoolroom of children and none other than Galactus. The footage was apparently in a 4:3 aspect ratio, and please Marvel, capture the whole movie in that format. I’m such a ho for films shot in the Academy Aspect ratio!
Shout out to Ebon Moss-Bachrach, by the way, for securing the role of Ben Grimm/The Thing in this MCU production. A character actor across film and television for 25 years, Moss-Bachrach has always demonstrated solid chops in productions like Blow the Man Down or The Punisher. However, his outstanding The Bear performance catapulted him to a new level of notoriety, as it should have! His acting in that “Love Story” sequence in The Bear’s second season is truly unforgettable. It’s so exciting to see him in a high-profile role like this! Oh, and finally, it was also confirmed Michael Giacchino would be scoring The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Having already composed five separate Marvel Cinematic Universe titles (including all three Spider-Man features) and the studio’s logo music, not to mention directed Werewolf by Night, this is about as surprising as saying the sky is blue. However, as anyone who’s heard his The Incredibles score can attest, Giacchino doing a 60s-inspired collection of compositions is bound to be exceptional.
To conclude the event, Feige posed a question to the enthusiastic crowd: “Shall we discuss the upcoming two Avengers films?” Following affirmation from the casts of Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, and The Fantastic Four, Feige officially announced that Anthony and Joe Russo would be back to direct the next two Avengers productions. It’s remarkable how they managed to fit in the Avengers projects amidst their other obligations, such as directing subpar streaming content and advocating for questionable A.I. media ventures.
After making that decision, it was revealed that the Avengers films would be titled “Avengers: Secret Wars” and “Avengers: Doomsday.” The former was already known, but the latter title came as a surprise. “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” is now cancelled, farewell Kang the Conqueror. The green logo on “Doomsday” hinted at Doctor Doom’s arrival. In “Doomsday,” we can expect Doctor Doom to be the focus, similar to how “Infinity War” centered around Thanos. The Russo Brothers then shared that an exceptional actor was needed for the role of Victor Von Doom in “Doomsday.” To emphasize the vast potential of the Marvel multiverse, they announced Robert Downey Jr. as the cast member taking on this challenge. On stage, with a new mask and unchanged mission, Downey Jr. exclaimed to an ecstatic audience, “New mask, same task.”
At that instant, upon learning about the new cast, I felt a pang in my heart. Five years ago, the Marvel Cinematic Universe presented an exciting lineup at a panel, teasing a fresh start for the MCU post-Endgame. Stars like Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Scarlett Johansson had moved on. In their place came lesser-known characters such as Shang-Chi and the Eternals, leading their own films. We also looked forward to numerous productions helmed by actors of color, a significant increase in female directors, and Mahershala Ali stepping into the role of Blade. This shift not only aimed to enhance the franchise’s representation on screen but also provided new Marvel characters and actors for a generation of young fans to become passionate about. Watching the original Avengers assemble had left an indelible mark on me. Now, a new wave of comic book enthusiasts could eagerly anticipate the emergence of ten Eternals or Kang as a new multiverse threat.
Following the success of “Deadpool 2” and “Wolverine,” Marvel Studios is tapping into nostalgia once more. Many of the new MCU faces from the 2019 panel have been replaced, as well as the female directors. In their place are movies aimed at appealing to an older audience (30+). The descriptions for “Brave New World” echoed “Winter Soldier,” while “Thunderbolts” brought to mind masculine ensemble films from mid-2010s, such as “Rogue One,” “The Magnificent Seven,” and “Suicide Squad.” Marvel’s upcoming Avengers movies are reviving Robert Downey Jr. and The Russo Brothers in an attempt to recreate the feeling of 2018 through science or magic.
In more simplified terms, Marvel Studios has encountered a series of creative missteps at the start of the 2020s with productions like “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and “Secret Invasion.” They’ve attempted to make every movie as grand as “The Avengers” and turned TV shows into extended films. Additionally, they’ve made careless teases for insignificant characters, such as Kit Harington’s Black Knight. These issues seem to stem from a lack of connection to recent times instead of drawing from the past. This misstep, similar to a company’s sudden shift in direction, results in excluding underrepresented groups, demonstrating that diversity or corporate representation alone cannot prevent such setbacks.
After the role in “Oppenheimer,” I looked forward to exploring new places with Robert Downey Jr.’s acting career. However, it seems he holds a certain fondness for revisiting old times. I can relate as I didn’t fully embrace independence, writing, or my queer community during 2015-2019. My life goals were still distant dreams. I wasn’t on hormone replacement therapy, and I hadn’t discovered the support systems that have greatly impacted my existence. The present has its flaws, but as Nora from “Past Lives” puts it, “If this is where I ended up… this is where I’m meant to be.” We should cherish the present and not solely dwell on past experiences.
It’s perfectly normal to long for the past and find solace in cherished memories. Old songs from the mid-2000s or favorite videos from high school can provide momentary comfort during tough times. However, as portrayed in films like “Ugetsu” and “I Saw the TV Glow,” dwelling too much on the past can be dangerous. Nostalgia and escapism can distract us from the present and hinder our future progress.
It remains to be seen if the upcoming “Avengers” films will fall into the pitfalls of media that overly focuses on the past. At present, it’s unfortunate that a new actor wasn’t given the opportunity to portray Doctor Doom (Natasha Lyonne was ready…and she’s in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps!”), and it’s disheartening to see that the future of the MCU bears an uncanny resemblance to its past. Back in 2006, Marvel Studios came to Comic-Con to hype up a Robert Downey Jr. blockbuster that was still two years from hitting theaters. Seventeen years later, we find ourselves in the same situation with another Robert Downey Jr. blockbuster on the horizon. As wisely put by David Byrne, “same as it ever was.”
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2024-07-29 08:02