The Marvel Cinematic Universe has never been shy about taking risks with its characters, often to the delight or dismay of its fanbase. Among a few of the most controversial decisions in recent memory stands the ridiculous transformation of Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, from a Godly mystical figure to a walking joke.
However, while fans seem fixated over the constant change in character representation of Thor, there appeared another bold choice following the 1-year anniversary of the Secret Invasion premiere. Netizens outrageously labeled the tragic and pointless demise of Cobie Smulders’ Maria Hill as Kevin Feige’s worst decision so far.
Secret Invasion’s Anniversary Reminded Fans of Kevin Feige’s Worst Decision
MCU has often been a playground of bold narrative choices where they mold beloved characters’ fates in the most unexpected ways. Take, for example, the shocking demise of Cobie Smulders’ iconic Avengers character Maria Hill in Secret Invasion. Celebrating the completion of a year since the show’s premiere on Disney+, as fans took to social media they were reminded of Kevin Feige’s controversial decision to kill off Maria.
Maria Hill had emerged as an integral member within S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers, known for her strategic prowess and unwavering loyalty. Her character arc was therefore cultivated carefully over several MCU projects, establishing her as a crucial figure in the MCU. However, by the end of the first episode of Secret Invasion, the character was shockingly killed by Skrull rebel Gravik while helping Nick Fury to stop him.
Idc if this sounds like an overreaction but this was one of the worst decisions the MCU ever made. https://t.co/OqOU1Mlk0w
— PattyNest (@PattyNest) June 21, 2024
A pointless death too. Put another mark on the chalkboard of things Marvel keeps messing up.
— Tony | RESIDENCE of EVIL (@one_big_boss) June 21, 2024
And everybody let out a huge sigh such a disappointment
— David Reed (@DavidRe33086488) June 22, 2024
this was so fucking stupid https://t.co/K8xCHla29F
— ً (@HailEternal) June 21, 2024
Happy 1 year anniversary to the only marvel project that continuously let us down, over and over https://t.co/RNjnjySGZ5 pic.twitter.com/umuCx9ojmb
— ᗢ adam ➳ (@adamspencer205) June 22, 2024
How could you have a series featuring one of the longest-running characters in the MCU and fuck it up so badly?! https://t.co/C1HyTet4VF
— 🍩 💛 (@ADonutHolesHole) June 21, 2024
Cobie Smulders’ abrupt exit had therefore sparked debate, with some arguing that her character’s death undermined her contributions to the MCU. And now, even after a year, things haven’t changed, for fans are still infuriated by Kevin Feige’s decision. Taking to X, several netizens slammed the Marvel President’s creative risk and even criticized Maria’s death as the “worst decision” ever.
Fans are Still Fixated Over Thor’s Constant Change in Character Representation
Surprisingly, Maria Hill’s death wasn’t the only decision that sparked significant controversy among fans. Thor’s evolution from the mighty Norse God into a comedic figure, through different MCU projects, shocked Marvel enthusiasts at the same time. While the character was initially introduced as a powerful Asgardian Prince, portrayed with gravitas by Chris Hemsworth, Thor gradually turned into a joke.
The pivotal shift in Thor’s characterization began with Thor: Ragnarok, directed by Taika Waititi, where traditional heroism gave way to humor and self-deprecation. Gradually, the physical appearance and comedic timing of Chris Hemsworth’s MCU character took center stage, diverging sharply from his original mythological roots. Thereafter, the character departed from his traditional portrayal to venture into slapstick comedy.
Kevin Feige’s bold choices of challenging conventional superhero tropes and focusing on Thor’s humorous antics over his authentic persona sparked passionate discourse among fans. Criticizing this transformation as a betrayal of Thor’s established persona and narrative integrity within the MCU, fans sparked debates about creative integrity and fidelity to source material.
Secret Invasion and the Thor movies are available on Disney+.
