10 Biggest Risks MCU Movies Made (& Whether They Actually Worked)
Summary
- Taking risks has been key to the Marvel Cinematic Universe's success, with some decisions paying off and others not.
- Replacing James "Rhodey" Rhodes in Iron Man 2 was a risk that worked out well, as Don Cheadle became one of the franchise's best heroes.
- Killing off Iron Man in Avengers: Endgame was a risky move that could have caused major issues, but it made for a wonderful end to his character arc.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has built its continued success on a number of groundbreaking cinematic innovations, taking a number of risks in the process. Since its inception in 2008, the MCU has established itself as the most successful movie franchise of all time. This success is the result of significant innovation, with the franchise offering interesting and insightful adaptations of the characters and stories of Marvel Comics. The movies of the MCU have proven hugely popular, with a good deal of its success coming as a result of the franchise’s willingness to take major risks either on-screen or behind the scenes.
Many potentially risky decisions have actually paid off incredibly well for the franchise, but certainly not all of them. Throughout the ever-growing movie timeline of the MCU, Marvel Studios has made a number of gambles on new or unexpected ideas that may not have worked as expected, as well as some that appeared to work out far better than the studio could have ever hoped. Such risks have largely contributed to the franchise’s landmark success, but they could just as easily have proved its undoing.