Part 7/11:
Adding fuel to the debate, renowned filmmakers like Martin Scorsese have previously dismissed Marvel as "theme park rides" rather than genuine cinema. Yet, in recent commentary, even Inverse defends the idea that Marvel movies can be critiqued seriously, emphasizing that no film is above criticism, regardless of representation or diversity.
Mainstream media outlets are now more openly recognizing that Eternals' underperformance is not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend. An article from Fast Company acknowledges that Marvel's streak of success was unprecedented but that the franchise was "overdue for a bomb." The notion of "Marvel exhaustion" is gaining traction, with many now questioning whether the shared universe's formula is losing its appeal.