A rat is running around here somewhere. Two of the biggest universes have suffered from missed opportunities, toxic agitators, and watered-down stories. Disney owns both the Marvel and Star Wars brands, along with their streaming platform, Disney+.
Star Wars has fared better in recent years than Marvel. Ahsoka was thrilling. Visions and Tales of the Empire allowed us to explore other perspectives of the universe. I’m watching Skeleton Crew now, and it would be even better if they let the kids take center stage instead of focusing on Jude Law—yet another old white man waving his finger around. Despite Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni’s careful crafting, they have failed to develop any defenses against the toxic fanboys who work to whitewash every property.
Since Endgame, Marvel Studios has opted to introduce new characters but refuses to truly believe in or develop them. Anthony Mackie’s Captain America has a new movie coming out, and it feels like he’s being set up to fail. The decision to pass the shield in the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was underwhelming—a show that had fireworks but no bang. It hasn’t been greenlit for a second season, nor is it being mined for clips to promote the upcoming film. At this point, Disney+ isn’t even highlighting the Captain America collection on the app.
Loki showcased the talents of Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Jonathan Majors—but were they invited to the Deadpool & Wolverine party? Wunmi Mosaku’s B-15 did get an invite, but it felt like a glorified cameo. I loved all of their development in the show, especially in the second season, but they ultimately played second fiddle to Sophia Di Martino’s Sylvie, Owen Wilson’s Mobius, and Ke Huy Quan’s OB.
Marvel allowed Secret Invasion to crash and burn, wasting one of the MCU’s oldest actors, Samuel L. Jackson. Meanwhile, Agatha All Along somehow premiered before Don Cheadle’s Armor Wars and Dominique Thorne’s Riri Williams in Ironheart. It was reported that a series about Monica Rambeau’s Photon was in development, but following The Marvels’ reception, it was reportedly canceled. That same reception echoes the sad cries of "wokeism" and misogyny.
Iman Vellani’s Ms. Marvel was one of my favorites. Her show had a little more glitter to it—the stylized transitions, reflective storytelling, and a solid, humorous supporting cast all stood out. But when’s the next time we’re going to see either her or Monica Rambeau?
A rat is running around here somewhere. Kevin Feige’s name is still attached to every MCU property. As the diligent overseer, he bears some blame. The MCU once aspired to reflect the diversity of its comic universe, which in turn reflected our world. “Those stories have room for everyone, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or color of their skin … The only things we don’t have room for are hatred, intolerance, and bigotry.” — Stan Lee
The Acolyte is the latest victim of accusations of "wokeism" and misogyny. Amandla Stenberg led the show, which followed a Jedi investigation into a series of crimes set at the end of the High Republic era. The action was some of the best I’ve seen in years, and the world they were building was intriguing. It examined the spectrum and heart of these individuals and battalions—not all Sith began as evil, and not all Jedi are holy.
A fat rat is still running around somewhere. If you’re listening Mr. Rat, commit to these characters and stories. That includes multi-season commitments, various voices around the writers/executive tables, and stern empathetic responses that protect your talent and fanbase. The fans deserve better. The legacy of these characters deserves better. It was recently announced that Andor Season 2 is projected to cost $645 million, more than The Rise of Skywalker. This is important solely because it’s not like they don’t have the money to invest—they lack the will.
About the series
The BEYOND THE BOX Series celebrates BLACK TALENT on the silver screen and the boundless possibilities that await. In 2023, seismic strikes and industry shake-ups sent shockwaves through countless shows and performers. By the end of 2024, blind boardroom executives and toxic XFanBoyz wielded their RACISM powers to erode soundstages and streaming platforms.
EXPANSE, the latest addition to the series, spotlight productions that helped me navigate these last tumultuous years. Representation on TV has become increasingly rare and complex. Let’s celebrate the incredible array of talent Sha'Carring their way through asteroids, warlords, and BEYOND!
LEARN MORE: https://www.thedcobrand.com/post/beyondthebox2
Comments