There was a time when Marvel Studios could do no wrong. From the moment Iron Man hit theaters in 2008, the MCU dominated pop culture. By the time Avengers: Endgame wrapped up Phase Three in 2019, it felt like Marvel had mastered the formula.
But lately? That formula is falling apart.
What Went Wrong?
In the post-Endgame years, things started to unravel. Instead of focusing on a few well-crafted stories, Marvel went all-in on quantity. Between the non-stop Disney+ series and too many overlapping plotlines, fans have been overwhelmed and underwhelmed all at once.
And then there’s the growing criticism that Marvel has become too “woke.” While some fans welcome the studio’s modern updates, others argue that the franchise has sacrificed character depth and tight storytelling to tick diversity boxes. It’s a delicate balance; many feel Marvel has lost its grip.
There are some reasonable concerns that Disney’s “woke” agenda with the MCU may cause some dire consequences for the MCU in this upcoming film.
Enter Fantastic Four
That’s why Fantastic Four (2025) is such a big deal.
It’s more than a reboot—Marvel attempts to reset the entire MCU. Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm aren’t just superheroes; they’re comic book royalty. Bringing them into the fold is supposed to lay the groundwork for the MCU’s next big saga.
But this film isn’t just important—it’s absolutely critical. If it fails, Marvel could find itself in real trouble.
The Casting Isn’t Calming Nerves
The cast includes Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. It’s a solid group of performers, but fans aren’t sold yet. A few years ago, casting announcements alone were enough to excite social media. Now? The reactions have been a mixed bag.
What’s really stirred up controversy is the news that the Silver Surfer will be a woman in this version. The backlash was swift. Some fans appreciated the change, while others called it a tone-deaf move that ignores the character’s iconic legacy in the comics.
It’s the kind of discourse Disney doesn’t need right now, and it only adds to the skepticism surrounding the film.
Too Much at Stake
If Fantastic Four doesn’t perform, the ripple effects could be devastating. Everything from the Kang storyline to Secret Wars and the next generation of MCU crossovers depends on this movie’s success.
It’s not just about ticket sales, either. Billions in merchandise, streaming tie-ins, and even theme park expansions hang in the balance.
The brand’s reputation is already shaky. If this film fails to deliver, Marvel’s next era could die on arrival.
Will It Work?
There’s still a chance this movie could turn things around. The Fantastic Four have the kind of history and chemistry that could revitalize Marvel—if the studio focuses on storytelling and character development over constant reinvention.
But if it leans too hard into trend-chasing or tone-deaf changes, it might push away what’s left of its core fanbase. Marvel doesn’t just need a win. It desperately needs a comeback.
And Fantastic Four may be its last chance to get one.
You do realize That woke means being aware of and sensitive to (initially racial) discrimination and social injustice, right?
Since when is fighting hate and injustice a bad thing?
All you “woke offended” folk need to look in a mirror …for a really long time
Please……..ignorance is not an admirable trait. Once you go woke, you go broke. Woke is based on a false propaganda in order to trigger emotions from the weak minded. I see they triggered you.