Part 5/12:
Marvel’s Character Pipeline: Fizzling Out?
The recent drop-off in audience enthusiasm is partly due to Marvel exhausting its roster of well-loved characters. Marvel's strategy in Phase Four seems to focus on launching numerous new, lesser-known characters—Ms. Marvel, Ironheart, and others—who haven't yet built the cultural cachet or fanbase to headline blockbuster films.
For instance, Ms. Marvel, despite initial buzz, has experienced multiple cancellations of its comic series and tepid audience interest. Promotional efforts are uneven, with some characters appearing only on streaming services like Disney+ rather than in theaters, further diluting their impact.