Kevin Feige, the mastermind behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has had an unprecedented run of success. From “Iron Man” in 2008 to the colossal “Avengers: Endgame,” Feige has overseen the creation of a sprawling, interconnected cinematic universe that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Yet, even amid this success, there have been moments of reflection and regret. Notably, Feige has spoken about specific decisions in “Captain America: Civil War” and “Avengers: Infinity War” that, in hindsight, he wishes had been handled differently. As the MCU evolves, these regrets find resolution in new creative directions, trading one set of challenges for another in the ever-expanding universe.
The Spider-Man Dilemma in ‘Civil War’
“Captain America: Civil War,” released in 2016, was a pivotal moment in the MCU. It pitted hero against hero in a conflict that tested friendships and alliances, ultimately leading to a fractured Avengers team. One of the most exciting elements of the film was the introduction of Spider-Man into the MCU, portrayed by Tom Holland. This was a groundbreaking moment, as the character’s rights had been under Sony’s control, separate from Marvel Studios.
Feige’s regret centers around Spider-Man’s role in “Civil War.” Initially, Marvel Studios approached the film without certainty that they could include Spider-Man, due to the complex legal situation with Sony. As a result, the character’s inclusion was planned to be minimal. However, once the deal was struck, allowing Spider-Man’s entry into the MCU, Feige and his team wished they had more fully integrated the character into the narrative from the start.
Tom Holland’s portrayal of Spider-Man was met with widespread acclaim, capturing the youthful enthusiasm and moral complexity of the character. Feige later reflected that if they had known earlier that Spider-Man would be available, they could have woven him more intricately into the plot, offering a deeper exploration of his dynamic with other heroes and his impact on the storyline. This regret was not about the quality of Spider-Man’s scenes but rather the missed opportunity to more fully utilize the character’s potential in the narrative structure.
The Absence of the Living Tribunal in ‘Infinity War’
Another significant regret for Feige involves “Avengers: Infinity War,” the penultimate film in the MCU’s Infinity Saga. The movie, which culminated in the catastrophic snap by Thanos, left audiences stunned and set the stage for “Avengers: Endgame.” However, Feige has expressed that there were elements they wanted to include but ultimately had to cut, one of the most notable being the Living Tribunal.
The Living Tribunal is a cosmic entity in Marvel Comics, serving as a multiversal judge that maintains balance across the multiverse. The inclusion of the Living Tribunal in “Infinity War” would have provided a broader cosmic perspective, underscoring the immense power of the Infinity Stones and the far-reaching consequences of Thanos’ actions. Feige and the creative team considered a scene where Doctor Strange would encounter the Living Tribunal, adding a layer of cosmic grandeur to the story.
However, the scene was cut during the editing process. The decision was driven by narrative pacing and the need to keep the focus on the central storyline. Feige has expressed regret over this, feeling that the inclusion of the Living Tribunal could have enriched the cosmic narrative of the MCU and offered fans a glimpse into the broader universe beyond Earth and its heroes. The exclusion of such a powerful and enigmatic character was a significant missed opportunity to deepen the lore and complexity of the MCU’s cosmic elements.
Trading Regrets for New Horizons
Despite these regrets, Feige and Marvel Studios have continually pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in superhero storytelling. The introduction of Spider-Man in “Civil War” and the cosmic scale of “Infinity War” were just the beginning. The MCU has since expanded into new territories, exploring diverse genres and characters.
The inclusion of Spider-Man in future films, including his solo outings and key roles in “Infinity War” and “Endgame,” has allowed Marvel to explore the character more deeply. The challenges faced in securing Spider-Man’s inclusion have been transformed into a broader narrative that explores his place within the MCU and his relationships with other heroes.
Similarly, while the Living Tribunal did not appear in “Infinity War,” the MCU’s exploration of cosmic and multiversal themes continues to grow. The advent of the Multiverse Saga, including projects like “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” and the Disney+ series “Loki,” promises to delve into these complex themes. Feige’s willingness to reflect on past decisions and adapt is a testament to his leadership and vision.
In retrospect, Kevin Feige’s regrets are not just about missed opportunities but also about the nature of storytelling in an expansive universe. As the MCU continues to evolve, Feige and his team learn from these experiences, using them as stepping stones to explore new creative avenues.
The challenges of integrating beloved characters and cosmic concepts have only fueled the ambition of Marvel Studios, leading to an even richer tapestry of stories. The regrets of the past are transformed into the triumphs of the future, demonstrating that in the MCU, everything is indeed achievable.
