I’m sure we all remember the excitement leading up to Endgame — the anticipation of seeing our favorite heroes finally face off against the ultimate threat, Thanos. We first saw that purple menace back in 2012, and we spent nearly a decade tracking every Infinity Stone and every step leading to that final showdown. There was purpose. There was buildup. There was weight.
But with Avengers: Doomsday, we have no idea what the story even is — because the past six years haven’t been building toward anything. Instead, Marvel seems to want us to get excited simply because familiar actors are returning: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Channing Tatum, Ian McKellen. And sure, I love seeing them again. We all do. But where’s the emotional payoff? Where’s the arc?
Unlike the earlier phases, where every piece was placed with intention, this recent chapter has been a swirl of multiversal chaos and endless cameos. It’s as if Marvel realized that nostalgia is all they have left — so they’re piling on familiar faces to mask the lack of direction. Again - Empty chairs.
Infinity War and Endgame worked because they were the reward for a long journey. With Doomsday, I can’t help but wonder: is this just a ‘greatest hits’ album, or can the Russo brothers actually carve out something that feels like a true story? I hope they can. But right now? I’m not feeling the hype.
Look, At the end of the day, I know I’m still going to give Marvel my money. I’m a fan at heart, and no matter how many doubts I have, I’ll be there on opening night, watching Avengers: Doomsday when it hits theaters. But let’s be clear – I’m not thrilled about it. I’m not excited. I’m definitely not hyped. The enthusiasm that once bubbled up inside me whenever a new Marvel movie was announced is simply gone. The magic that made Infinity War and Endgame the monumental events they were has faded into the distance, replaced with a feeling of uncertainty and reluctance.
What I think Marvel should have done — and what they should do after Doomsday — is simple: stop. Take a break, just for one year. Let people miss the Marvel franchise, not just the characters, but the whole cinematic universe. Give us time to breathe, to want that feeling again, to tell ourselves, “I really wish there was a new Marvel movie.” Then, start rebuilding. Start small. Build up slowly with new, more focused films about smaller characters and lesser-known stories. Marvel has an entire universe of characters at its disposal – Not just the X-Men and the Fantastic Four, but so many more. Take the time to carefully craft each film, to let the universe grow organically again. We don’t need another Endgame right now. What we really need is another Iron Man – a fresh start that brings the excitement back, and takes us on a new journey we can’t wait to follow.
