The Marvels has officially become the least successful film in the history of the MCU, with a modest box office performance of $80 million USD in North America and $197 million USD globally after just four weeks in theaters.
Despite the usual anticipation for a potential boost during the busy holiday season, Disney seems to lack confidence in a turnaround. In a recent statement to the press, the studio declared, "With The Marvels' box office now winding down, we will stop weekend reporting of international/global grosses on this title." While the film is set to remain in theaters until New Year's, the memo suggests that Disney isn't optimistic about its future success. The movie has currently dropped to 11th place at the box office, earning a mere $2.4 million USD in its fourth week.
The Marvels initially opened on November 10 with a domestic revenue of $46 million USD, marking the worst debut in MCU history. From the beginning, the film faced challenges, experiencing the largest second-weekend drop in the series. Helmed by Nia DaCosta, the movie features Brie Larson as Captain Marvel, Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel. Notably, it is the first Marvel film to fall short of the $100 million USD mark. Explaining the underwhelming performance, Disney CEO Bob Iger acknowledged, "The Marvels' was shot during COVID. There wasn't as much supervision on the set, so to speak, where we have executives [that are] really looking over what's being done day after day after day." He also emphasized the need for a more realistic outlook, recognizing the previously set high standard of a billion dollars in global box office as unsustainable.
Trivia
Debut of Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel): The Marvels comics marked the first appearance of Kamala Khan, who later becomes the superhero Ms. Marvel. Kamala made her debut in "Captain Marvel" #14 in 2013 and quickly gained popularity for being a relatable and groundbreaking character as a Muslim-American teenager.
Legacy of Captain Marvel: The title "The Marvels" pays homage to the Marvel Comics legacy, especially Captain Marvel's role in it. Captain Marvel has been a mantle taken up by various characters over the years, including Mar-Vell, Monica Rambeau, and Carol Danvers. "The Marvels" explores this legacy, showcasing the interconnectedness of different characters who have carried the Captain Marvel title.
Nia DaCosta's Influence: The film director Nia DaCosta, known for her work on "Candyman" and "Little Woods," directed "The Marvels." DaCosta's unique storytelling style and visual flair bring a fresh perspective to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, making "The Marvels" stand out as a film that merges superhero action with innovative filmmaking.
Brie Larson's Return: Brie Larson reprises her role as Carol Danvers, aka Captain Marvel, in "The Marvels." This film continues Carol's journey in the MCU after her debut in "Captain Marvel." Larson's portrayal of the character has been praised for its strength and complexity, contributing to the broader narrative of female empowerment within the superhero genre.
Exploration of Multiverse: "The Marvels" delves into the concept of the multiverse, a theme that has become increasingly prominent in Marvel Comics. The multiverse opens up possibilities for encountering alternate versions of well-known characters and exploring different realities. This narrative element adds layers of complexity and excitement to the overarching Marvel storytelling.
