Kevin Feige Explains Why Marvel Studios Avoids Online Fan Discourse
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige is one of the most influential producers in Hollywood, overseeing the massive Marvel Cinematic Universe and the many films and shows that make it up.
With that level of popularity also comes a constant flood of fan reactions, theories, speculation, and criticism across the internet.
During a recent appearance at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, Feige spoke about why Marvel Studios intentionally avoids diving too deeply into the endless cycle of online discussion surrounding the MCU.
The event celebrated the dedication of the Kevin Feige Division of Film & Television Production, a new initiative funded by Feige that will provide long-term support for students and faculty at the school.
Feige was joined for the event by Black Panther director Ryan Coogler and Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy, and the conversation eventually turned toward how Marvel deals with fan reactions online.
With so many opinions flying around across YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit, Feige explained that it’s easy for creators to get overwhelmed if they pay too much attention.
“It can be wielded with such force now that you have to be beware.”
Feige went on to say that trying to keep up with every theory and opinion online can quickly spiral out of control.
“It will crush you. There are hours and hours of theories on YouTube, hours and hours on TikTok, hours on subreddits. You can read everything on everything and get a different point of view on it. You can go crazy. So, we don’t do that.”
Instead of following every online conversation, Marvel Studios leans on a more traditional filmmaking tool to measure audience reactions with test screenings.
Before a movie is finalized, the studio screens early versions of the film for audiences and gathers feedback. That input can lead to changes that help shape the final version fans eventually see in theaters.
Feige compared the process to the way film students share projects with classmates to get honest feedback.
“It happens when you’ve already spent almost $200 million on a movie, and you screen it for people, and they’re like, 'What was that?'”
He also noted that even some of the most respected studios in the industry rely on the same process.
“I thought we were the only morons that couldn’t do it perfectly the first time and had to really work at it to make it great. And turned out that Pixar would do the same thing.”
With the MCU continuing to expand across films and Disney+ series, the internet will always be filled with speculation about what comes next. But if you’re wondering whether Marvel Studios is keeping track of every fan theory floating around online, the answer seems pretty clear.
They’re too busy making the movies.
Via: THR