When Avengers: Endgame was released in theaters in 2019, it was more than just a movie; it was a cultural moment. The film smashed box office records and grossed nearly $2.8 billion worldwide. It combined the stories of Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Ant-Man, the Hulk, and many more into one movie. Fans were very buzzed and excited about the epic climax the movie provided. But a few years after the release, it’s been evident that Marvel has become less popular because of Endgame.
The answer to “Is Marvel becoming less popular because of Endgame?” is black and white. While Marvel still dominates with its brand recognition, past and new movies, and new shows, there is no denying that Marvel doesn’t feel as great as it was before Endgame. However, some fans believe that Marvel is going through a phase instead.
The Impact of Endgame
First and foremost, Endgame was a one-time movie that marked the end of the main Marvel saga and concluded Infinity War, the prequel to the film. Fans loved Tony Stark and Steve Rogers and watched their stories conclude at the end of the movie. Overall, Endgame is the perfect ending to the main Marvel series. Also, there are some fun Marvel trivia questions and Would You Rather questions that go along with the Marvel movies and are worth checking out.
The Shift in Marvel’s Storytelling
The issue is that Marvel’s new phases, starting with Phase 4, don’t yet have the same sense of urgency or cohesion. The Infinity Saga built up a clear central villain, Thanos, and a goal that unified all the heroes. Post-Endgame, Marvel has introduced dozens of new characters and storylines, from Shang-Chi to Eternals to the multiverse-focused Loki series. While some of these projects have been praised individually, the larger narrative feels scattered. Without a clear throughline or a new “big bad” that rivals Thanos, it’s been harder for fans to feel the same level of investment.
Oversaturation and Quality Concerns
Marvel has consistently released films since its inception, but after Endgame, film production has ramped up big time. Since 2021, Marvel has increased production, delivering not only films like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Thor: Love and Thunder, but also multiple Disney+ series, including WandaVision, Moon Knight, and Ms. Marvel.
While it’s very exciting to see new films with beloved characters, the pace at which they are released makes it harder for fans to keep up. Instead of a must-watch event a few times a year, there is now a hefty amount of content to consume throughout the year. This dilutes the special feeling that made Marvel films so unique.
For a long time, Marvel movies prioritized quality over quantity, releasing only a few films per year that were top-notch. However, some recent releases have faced criticism for inconsistent writing and lackluster CGI. Movies like Eternals and Thor: Love and Thunder received mixed reviews, with fans complaining that they lacked the depth and polish of earlier MCU entries.
Disney+ Shows: Hit or Miss
Even the Disney+ shows, while ambitious and new, have been hit or miss. For every breakout success like WandaVision, a falter like She-Hulk: Attorney at Law has divided audiences with its tone and execution. This struggle to keep production quality high has made it harder for Marvel to maintain the level of trust it once had with their viewers, who could previously count on every release being great.
Increased Competition
Marvel also faces more competition now with DC, which has stepped up its game tremendously with new big hits like The Batman and Joker. People are craving great superhero movies, and given the inconsistency with the newer Marvel films and DC’s big hits, Marvel’s fan base may decrease.
Is Marvel Really Becoming Less Popular?
So, is Marvel becoming less popular? In some ways, yes. The post-Endgame era has been marked by challenges such as oversaturation, inconsistent quality, and difficulty living up to the previously released masterpieces. However, Marvel isn’t down for the count. It’s in a transition period, experimenting with new characters and stories that could eventually capture fans’ hearts again. Whether it’s another Endgame-level event or a slow rebuilding of goodwill, Marvel’s next big moment is likely just over the horizon. The question is whether audiences are willing to stick around for the ride.
While you wait for the next movie, you should definitely consider checking out some Marvel trivia or comics!
Elara is a dynamic writer and blogger who specializes in pop culture and movie reviews. With a background in film studies and journalism, she combines her deep knowledge of the entertainment industry with a sharp, insightful writing style that keeps readers coming back for more.
