Ethan Carter
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is set to release in two weeks, and its significance extends beyond just reviving Spider-Man. This film needs to achieve substantial box office success to demonstrate that the superhero genre is still thriving.
After the disappointing performance of Supergirl, an unnamed studio executive remarked to the Hollywood Reporter, “Gen Z doesn’t care about superheroes. That genre belongs to millennials.” While there’s some truth to that observation, it’s essential to consider the younger audience’s recent preference for indie films such as Backrooms and The Amazing Digital Circus. Overall, the 2020s have presented challenges for superhero films in terms of both critical reception and box office performance. A survey conducted in February revealed that individuals aged 10 to 24 show a stronger interest in characters who exhibit genuine emotions, a standard that many superheroes struggle to meet on screen.
But how accurate is this assessment? Iman Vellani, renowned for her portrayal of Ms. Marvel in the MCU, recently participated in an AMA on League of Comic Geeks. When asked about the studio executive’s statement, she challenged the notion that her generation lacks interest in superhero movies. “Westerns, musicals, and romcoms have all faced similar trends. Every genre experiences cycles,” she explained. “Our generation has grown up immersed in superhero narratives, so it’s natural that the novelty might fade. The expectations have increased, and we seek stories that resonate on a personal and emotional level—especially in an era dominated by AI.”
Vellani suggests that studios should focus on creating superhero films that “evolve and grow alongside their audience. Gen Z responds positively when superheroes are portrayed as relatable individuals. We crave honesty from our storytellers. We want our intelligence to be acknowledged. The solution isn’t to abandon the genre, but to explore fresh narratives that can only be conveyed through this genre.”
In support of Vellani’s perspective, the superhero fatigue often discussed may reflect the decline of certain long-established franchises rather than a downturn for the genre itself. Viewers from diverse backgrounds have embraced recent superhero tales that attempt to break the mold: Invincible, Thunderbolts, and even her own Ms. Marvel have been celebrated for their innovative themes and unique storytelling approaches. With the upcoming releases of Brand New Day and December’s Avengers: Doomsday, we will gain insights into the current cultural relevance of superheroes, and these films are likely to perform well financially. to truly gauge whether industry leaders share Vellani’s vision, we may need to observe the superhero films set to debut in 2027 and 2028.
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Daniel Mercer
David Bridges
