Predicting the Superhero Movie Genre: A Journey Through Time

In 2060, how will you view today's superhero movie genre in film history? Marvel films, in particular, will be compared to the creation of Superman during the Great Depression, symbolizing a form of escapism for moviegoers facing immense uncertainty. This article explores how superhero movies evolved, their current impact, and their potential future in the eyes of future film scholars.

Escapism Through Superhero Films

The juvenalisation of the film industry brought about the superhero genre as the next step in the progression of bringing comics and cartoons to life. 'Popeye,' a cartoon series with a narrative tone reminiscent of superhero stories, was one early example. Similarly, the superhero phenomenon in the 1970s in the UK, like the American friend with his superhero magazines, illustrates the appeal of these characters to audiences who grew up with them.

Superhero films, however, often fail to delve into real, relatable problems. Take Peter Parker, for example. Without his superpowers, he is just a teenager living with an elderly couple, struggling with guilt, suffering, and the possibility of redemption. These are adult themes that resonate more deeply than the typical superhero plot. The issue lies in the detachment of these stories from real life, making them less engaging to a broader audience.

Superhero Films and the Post-Pandemic Era

Marvel Studios' films have played a pivotal role in bringing moviegoers back to theaters after a global pandemic. The latest Marvel film opened with the second-largest opening weekend in box office history, and the number-one spot is also a Marvel film. This resurgence highlights the enduring popularity of the superhero genre during tumultuous times.

A Future Perspective: The Evolution of Superhero Films

Considering the trajectory of superhero movies, they will be viewed much like Westerns today, a genre that dominated movies and television in the 1950s and 60s but is now a niche market. Recent Western blockbusters, relying on special effects and star power, have proven to be costly failures, like The Lone Ranger. Similarly, superhero films rely heavily on spectacle and special effects to attract audiences and guarantee a return on investment, which often leads to diminishing returns.

In 40 years, superhero movies will be seen as a phase in film history that captivated audiences for a while but ultimately fell out of favor. The reliance on ever-advancing special effects means that these films will seem increasingly implausible and silly to future generations, much like the 'extraordinarily lifelike' stop-motion dinosaurs from 1922. The enduring appeal of the superhero genre is undeniable, but its staying power may be limited by its reliance on spectacle and overreliance on special effects.

While the superhero boom has brought excitement to the film industry, it is unlikely to last indefinitely. Mainstream audiences will lose interest when the initial wow factor wears off, making way for more nuanced and relatable storytelling that resonates with a wider audience.