The Marvel Cinematic Universe has seen better days. After Marvel Studios’ multi-billion-dollar run to end the decade, a series of lackluster films and TV shows have left audiences wanting for more. After running out of excuses, specifically a global pandemic, it appears that it’s now considering a radical move – bringing back the original Avengers team that started it all back in 2012.
The MCU, a cinematic juggernaut that has dominated box offices for over a decade, has recently shown signs of fatigue. Following 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, Marvel has expanded its universe through a blitz of Disney Plus programming and a succession of movie releases. However, the reception has been mixed, with some productions falling short of commercial expectations and receiving lukewarm critical responses.
Variety’s comprehensive report sheds light on the internal debates and turmoil within Marvel Studios. The studio, which is currently grappling with less-than-stellar performance outings like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and facing critiques for prioritizing quantity over quality, has reportedly considered several strategies to regain its footing. Months after discussing slowing down its release pipeline to maintain certain higher standards, it’s next move might involve bringing back Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, and Jeremy Renner.
The idea of resurrecting iconic characters such as Tony Stark and Natasha Romanoff, despite their monumental deaths in Endgame, speaks to the enduring appeal of the OG members. The comics have long embraced the concept of death and resurrection, often leveraging the multiverse as a narrative tool to reintroduce beloved characters. But, for better or for worse (well, mostly for the better), the big screen adaptation hasn’t embraced the idea much, perhaps due to the challenges that may come with its presentation.
From a logistical standpoint, the proposition of reuniting the star-studded original cast presents financial hurdles. Both Downey Jr. and Johansson, among Hollywood’s highest-paid actors, command hefty fees that would significantly inflate the production budget. Moreover, the revival of characters long thought dead might risk undermining the emotional weight of their sacrifices, a concern that reflects the double-edged if not trivial nature of death in the comic books.
Plus, there’s the question of, “who’s next?” that audiences will inevitably ask after every MCU film after Marvel Studios decides to go the resurrection route, even if it might go as far as to explain it via the Multiverse.
Despite the risks and considerations, the prospect of an original Avengers reunion does make a lot of sense, financially speaking. As the MCU navigates its most troubled phase in years if not ever, characterized by an existential crossroads and internal pressures, a return to its roots could offer a familiar anchor in a sea of change. The original Avengers, after all, are the cornerstone upon which the MCU’s monumental success was built. RDJ, in particular, remains the face of the MCU in the eyes of many, casting a looming shadow despite not having had a credited appearance in four years.
As Marvel Studios plots its course forward, it faces more than just creative decisions. The company has dealt with legal troubles surrounding Jonathan Majors, who portrays Kang, leading to discussions about potentially recasting the role. Behind the scenes, the departure of influential producer Victoria Alonso, purportedly over concerns regarding the MCU and its declining quality since Endgame, which further proves the mounting pressure that the studio is currently facing.
The MCU’s upcoming movie slate, which includes The Marvels, Deadpool 3, Captain America: Brave New World, as well as Thunderbolts, and the troubled Blade reboot, reflects an MCU in flux. While the studio hasn’t committed to the idea of reviving the original Avengers, it’s a concept that has evidently been given serious consideration at the highest levels.
Marvel Studios currently finds itself at a pivotal moment. As it confronts the challenges of finding the magic that once captivated audiences worldwide years ago, the decisions made now will shape the future of one of cinema’s most beloved universes.
