Magic of superheroes: The past and the present
For over two decades, superhero films have dominated the box office and attracted audiences to theatres. Today, the genre has become an expensive experiment by entertainment conglomerates, with lots of swings and misses, and has been labelled “oversaturated” by audiences and critics. With changing expectations, concerns occur if the once-celebrated genre is dying.
The genre’s early foundations were rooted in the idea of transforming comic-book characters into cultural icons. Superman (1978) introduced the hero as a saviour, free from impurity and embodying moral certainty. Tim Burton’s Batman (1989), as well as most other superhero films of the same era, presented the protagonists as modern gods in spandex, drawn to inspire awe instead of introspection. Even though in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2 (2004), Marvel started to show the humanizing sides of these superhumans, it never felt that they were vulnerable beings. However, in recent years, these heroes are no longer almighty beings but flawed characters whose vulnerabilities often outweigh their powers. The audience sees the on-screen character in a humanizing light, making them relatable and complex. In Batman (2022), Bruce is visibly shaken by the destruction he couldn’t prevent, recognising his limits.
The directionless churning out of films has not been fruitful either, with films like The Marvels, Thunderbolts and Eternals making the list of the biggest box office bombs. The “Marvel formula” no longer guarantees success. Post Endgame, a saga had ended, and Marvel could not come up with anything to retain the audience. DC had already been in decline. However, Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy, which reshaped the entire genre, or films like Hellboy showed how superhero films can succeed outside the Marvel and DC dichotomy.
It seems unlikely for superhero films to die; people are still excited for fresh stories whenever there’s a new release. However, the genre is at a crossroads. Studios must shift from the money-making model to authenticity. The future of superhero films will not be written in box office numbers alone, but rather in whether the stories can reflect our fears, ambitions, and hopes. Ultimately, that’s the most heroic thing.
