Don’t take this at face value, yet. This latest report has came from Variety’s sources and have mentioned there is talks to bring back Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man and Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, both of whom were killed off in Endgame.
There have been talks to bring back the original gang for an ‘Avengers’ movie,” according to Variety’s sources. “This would include reviving Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man and Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, both of whom were killed off in ‘Endgame.’ […] But the studio hasn’t yet committed to the idea.
Quote pulled from Polygon
It’s no secret since Endgame, Marvel has struggled to maintain the same momentum they had. They’ve had some sparks of brilliance and high box office hits like Spider-Man: No Way Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Obviously some of the box office numbers can be traced back to the Covid pandemic and it does make sense considering most of the world completely shut down. Looking at the numbers from the majority of projects since 2020, it hasn’t truly recovered.
Solutions on the table reportedly include reducing output, slashing budgets and expectations, and, at least for a moment or two, resurrecting Iron Man and Black Widow.
Polygon
When I look at the solutions on the table. I want to discuss these options and give my thoughts on which one would be better to maintain the MCU.
Reducing output could definitely be viable. There’s been some awful Disney+ shows but some great ones. I think for Marvel’s sake, having 1 or 2 high level shows per year to run alongside movies would work better. Having a show here, there and everywhere is destined to cause issues. Not only that, there’s been shows for characters who we have no idea what happens next. Moon Knight, She-Hulk, Bucky and others all were stars in their shows but there’s been nothing as to where these characters go. I think by reducing output, mainly of the shows side, they can keep everything in order like it used to be.
Slashing budgets and expectations are a no. We’ve seen what Marvel is capable of with the Avengers films, No Way Home and others. Unfortunately, fans expectations are always going to remain high and so they should. By slashing budgets you’re just asking for further negative feedback.
Resurrecting Iron Man and Black Widow is dependent on how it’s done as to whether or not it will work. It would help but I don’t think fans are complaining of not seeing Iron Man or Black Widow. It’s movies like Thor. Or shows like She-Hulk from my own personal experience.
All in all in the end of everything, I don’t think it matters. As a Marvel fan, I just want a great project I can immerse myself into. If they bring back RDJ and Scarlett then I’m all for it. I’ll take it.
I do think there’s a lot to look forward to with Marvel. Fantastic Four, X-Men, Kang Dynasty and others. If Marvel opts for a reboot (which has been thrown around) then I don’t think it’ll work as well. Better direction is needed. Thor’s Love and Thunder is a prime example.
