5 Things The MCU Could Learn From ‘Star Wars’
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In most respects, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) maintains its status as the biggest name in entertainment. The films continue to draw a loyal audience even after the pivotal Avengers: Endgame. Their arrivals on the small screen are also generating excitement, and the franchise as a whole continues raking in money. Despite its popularity and financial success, the MCU has received mixed responses to Phase Four. Recent entries lack the sense of direction and connectivity as films in the previous phases. Although reviews for Phase Four entries remain mostly positive, the general critical consensus is that the series could use a renewed sense of energy and focus. With Phase Five and Phase Six arriving in the not so distant future, the makers of the MCU could take a step back and look for inspiration. One of the MCU’s greatest strengths comes from adapting new tones and genres to pair with its own style. It could be a fun possibility to adapt elements reminiscent of another major franchise such as Star Wars.
5. Find A Better Big Bad
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The bad guys in the MCU never stack up to the heroes in the MCU. Villains with a relatable set of motivations and a genuinely scary demeanor like Erik Killmonger are rare. Some of the most powerful foes like Thanos feel a bit generic at times. Even when attention-grabbing newcomers like Gorr the God Butcher arrive, they are underutilized and not allowed to reach the true height of evil.
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The MCU could take notes on how Star Wars uses dynamic villains like Darth Vader. Few characters provoke such a wide range of emotions as the man in the dark helmet. In Rogue One, the audience watches in terror as Darth Vader casually slices his way through an entire hallway filled with rebels. Yet that same figure provokes genuine sadness in Return of the Jedi when his helmet is removed, and he dies in his son Luke Skywalker’s arms.
4. Start Your Engines
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Fights in the MCU can be visually stunning. In the best cases, audiences enjoy thrilling large-scale battle sequences like the defense of New York in The Avengers. Other enjoyable fights take place in close quarters as characters Black Widow or Daredevil pummel their way through multiple opponents.
The MCU could mix things up by making greater use of aerial combat. Nobody does dogfights in starships quite like Star Wars, and it could be fun to see similar scenes take place in the MCU. Guardians of the Galaxy and its space setting seem like a great fit for this type of sequence.
3. Keep The Kids Around
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On a gradual basis, the MCU has shifted toward an older, general audience. Specific shows like Ms. Marvel deliberately cater to young people. However, other films are so disturbing that parents will not bring along their children. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness proved polarizing when it showed Wanda brutally dismembering heroes and arguably leaned too far into a new horror vibe.
The MCU could keep Star Wars in mind as it remembers to add something for the kids. Not every element of Star Wars aimed at youth lands well. The Ewoks still look like walking toy advertisements, while Jar Jar Binks remains as cringe-inducing as ever. Moments of younger characters conquering long odds are high points in the series, though. Scenes like Anakin speeding to victory in the podrace are fun, engaging, and hopeful.
2. Highlight Unusual Characters
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Most MCU properties focus mainly on major superheroes. As the franchise unfolds, there are a growing number of lesser known heroes gaining attention, but they also have special abilities. Big names like Thor, Spiderman, and Captain America loom large.
Of course, we love seeing superheroes do their thing. Yet it could also be fun to see how side characters live in a world filled with superheroes, monsters, and outlandish activities. There are examples of this sort of character abound in Star Wars: droids, bounty hunters, mechanics, and pilots fill the world around the protagonists.
1. Embrace Mysticism
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The MCU goes big on supernatural elements, but these elements do not inspire a sense of wonder. Even a multiverse filled with gods, powerful objects, abilities, and time travel often feels ordinary. After all, our heroes are used to operating in this world, and they feel it is mundane.
One of the greatest scenes in Star Wars comes when Yoda encourages Luke Skywalker to embrace the Force and lift the X-wing out of a swamp with his mind. Luke looks on in awe to see the mysterious Force pull off such a feat. Seeing an MCU character experience genuine awe like Luke at a new power or happening in the universe would be a nice change of pace.
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