There has always been a divisiveness with certain movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But that’s become especially clear with the release of The Marvels in theaters. Especially since the film is onw of the lowest performing entries in the franchise yet. Now, however, debate has sparked on social media regarding The Marvels and a sexist double standard.
As you can see below, via the social media platform X, critic Mark Cassidy expressed his own disappointment with the film. One of the reasons he admits as much is that he felt Kamala Khan took too much time “fawning over Danvers.”
So now that #TheMarvels is out, I wanna know: Kamala’s constant fawning over Danvers got old, didn’t it? It did… admit it. It’s okay. They didn’t know when to stop. It was a “Captain, my Captain” too far. pic.twitter.com/2kryHmLTiZ
— Mark Cassidy (@RorMachine) November 10, 2023
He further expressed how he believed it would have worked better for the film if Carol was perhaps “initially a bit irritated by her” but later came around to appreciate Kamala:
Also, they really missed an opportunity at a much more entertaining dynamic by having Carol initially a bit irritated by her and not wanting her around, but eventually seeing her worth etc. It’s a bit hackneyed, but it works. This didn’t.
— Mark Cassidy (@RorMachine) November 10, 2023
Of course, this is where the debate begins. Many fans felt like other MCU movies already tried similar plots and received nowhere near the backlash. For example, many users mentioned Tom Holland’s Peter Parker and Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark. The two characters have a similar dynamic where Parker likewise fawns over Stark.
Bro we sat through Tom Holland fawning over Downey for 5 movies
— Archie Marshall (@archiewmarshall) November 10, 2023
Nah, it’s endearing, and it’s exactly what would happen if this were in the real world. Any teenager who grows up loving superheroes suddenly BECOMES ONE and then finally meets their favorite one would freak out the entire time, no question. Also, Peter did the same thing to Tony
— nro87 (@nohair87) November 10, 2023
Other examples including other male superheroes were also given by upset users:
Paul Rudd (Ant-man) meeting Chris Evan’s (Capt America) Tom Holland (Spider-man) meeting Downey (Iron – Man) Iman (Ms. Marvel) meeting Brie (Carol Danvers) it’s natural to fawn over your idols. You’re just trying to find something to hate on.
— Daniel W. Johnson (@DWJ_1989) November 11, 2023
It’s certainly an interesting way to perceive the film and the MCU’s attempts to become more diverse and inclusive. Although The Marvels isn’t performing as well at the box office as Marvel Studios and Disney no doubt hoped for, it’s unlikely that this trope has anything to do with it. Especially when so many are supportive of Khan’s admiration for Captain Marvel, and furthermore, willing to point out the sexist double standard being held against The Marvels that others are making obvious.
Fans can currently see The Marvels in theaters. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates regarding the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the newly-released blockbuster as we have them.