The Avengers: Doomsday cast photo is a nightmare, and it's not just because of the awkward arrangement of characters. It's a reflection of the MCU's current state, with a mix of familiar faces and questionable choices. Here's my take on why this photo is a disaster and what it implies about the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
A Cast of Confusion
The photo showcases a motley crew of Avengers, with some familiar names and others that feel like afterthoughts. Here's a breakdown of the issues:
Steve Rogers (Chris Evans): The iconic Captain America is back, but in a black T-shirt holding Mjolnir. This feels like a step backward, especially after the character's evolution in Endgame. It's a reminder that sometimes, less is more.
Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie): Captain America's passing of the torch to Wilson was a significant moment. Yet, Mackie's Captain America is relegated to a supporting role, while Evans' Steve Rogers takes center stage. This suggests a lack of trust in Mackie's leadership, despite his proven track record.
Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.): The return of Downey Jr. as Doom is a head-scratcher. The character's involvement in the MCU is already confusing, and pairing him with Doom only adds to the mystery. It's a strange choice that raises questions about the narrative direction.
The Fantastic Four: Reed and the rest of the team are given top billing, despite their limited impact in the MCU so far. This feels like a case of overpromising and underdelivering.
Thunderbolts: Yelena's prominent role is a positive step, but the team's underperformance in their previous movie casts doubt on their inclusion. It's a risky move that could backfire.
Thor: At least Thor is back to his old self, but the character's recent movies have been a disappointment. The lack of hair growth is a minor detail, but it symbolizes the overall lack of growth in the character's arc.
Ant-Man: Scott Lang's journey has been a downward spiral, with Quantumania being the worst offender. His inclusion feels forced, especially with the absence of other key characters.
Shang-Chi: A great character, but his limited screen time in a single movie makes his presence in Doomsday feel like an afterthought.
Shuri and M'Baku: The loss of Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa has impacted the Wakanda storyline. Their prominence in the photo highlights the importance of their characters, but it also serves as a reminder of the void left by Boseman's passing.
FOX X-Men: The X-Men's inclusion is a mess. Channing Tatum's Gambit is a real-life joke, and the team is missing crucial members. It's a chaotic and confusing addition to the MCU.
Missing the Mark
The real tragedy of this cast photo is what's missing. The original Kang Dynasty storyline, a fan favorite, is a distant memory. Characters like Captain Marvel, Vision, Doctor Strange, and Hawkeye are notably absent, along with other key figures like the Hulk, She-Hulk, Moon Knight, and Ms. Marvel. The Netflix Defenders, including Daredevil, are also left out, despite their significant impact on the MCU.
The issue lies in the underutilization of these characters. Many have only appeared once or twice, while others have been staples of the MCU for a decade. This imbalance feels like a disservice to the fans who have invested in these characters over the years.
A Call for Balance
The Avengers: Doomsday cast photo is a wake-up call for Marvel. It highlights the need for a more balanced approach to character inclusion and development. The MCU needs to find a way to integrate these beloved characters without diluting their impact. It's a delicate balance that the studio must navigate to ensure the franchise's longevity.
In my opinion, Marvel should focus on creating a cohesive narrative that incorporates these characters in meaningful ways. The current state of the MCU feels disjointed, and it's time for a fresh approach that respects the fans' dedication to these iconic characters.
