The recent cancellation of the Marvel series "Wonder Man" has become a focal point for a growing disinterest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, according to an opinion piece by IGN's Jacob Kienlen. Kienlen, a long-time fan and observer of the MCU, cites the show's unique approach and strong performances as reasons for his disappointment, especially given its unexpected axing after positive reception and even a confirmed Season 2.
IGN's Jesse Schedeen had previously reviewed "Wonder Man," awarding it an 8 out of 10. He highlighted the series' success in exploring the lives of struggling actors, finding it "funny and heartfelt in equal measure" and praising the performances of Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Ben Kingsley. Schedeen noted that the show intentionally distanced itself from the overarching MCU narrative, focusing instead on character-driven stories.
Kienlen argues that "Wonder Man" represented an effort by Marvel to appeal to a broader audience beyond dedicated MCU fans, a sentiment echoed by his own wife's enjoyment of the series despite a general waning interest in Marvel's output. The piece suggests that Marvel's business strategy, prioritizing large-scale theatrical releases over streaming content, may lead to a departure from creating broadly accessible and enjoyable television.
The author acknowledges the business logic behind focusing on blockbuster films but laments the potential loss of standalone, engaging series. The increasing complexity and interconnectedness of the MCU, requiring extensive prior viewing for new installments like "Avengers: Doomsday," is presented as a barrier to casual viewership.
Despite this disappointment, Kienlen indicates he will likely continue to follow select upcoming MCU projects, such as "VisionQuest" and "Avengers: Doomsday," though the initial excitement has diminished. The piece expresses a desire for future MCU projects to reignite optimism but harbors little hope.
Looking beyond the MCU, Kienlen identifies several other cinematic universes that currently hold his excitement. These include continued expansions of the "Game of Thrones" universe, with upcoming spin-offs and a film, and the adaptation of Brandon Sanderson's "Cosmere" universe for Apple TV. The "Cosmere" adaptations are particularly anticipated due to Sanderson's direct involvement and the self-contained nature of the books within a shared universe. The "Dune" and "Alien" franchises are also mentioned as sources of continuing interest.