The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has captivated audiences worldwide, undoubtedly making a name for itself in the entertainment industry. The visionary directors, exceptional cast, and steadfast commitment to storytelling are largely responsible for the success of this wildly popular franchise. But the hilarious tale of Shane Black, the legendary director and writer of Lethal Weapon, and his peculiar choice to forego $1.25 in exchange for a bagel from Marvel’s kitchen has grown to be an intriguing chapter in MCU history.
The critically acclaimed screenwriter of The Monster Squad and The Last Boy Scout was taken aback by the studio’s subpar amenities when he visited Marvel to discuss some film collaborations with them. So much so that Black mocked Marvel’s frugal culture.
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Shane Black Mocked The Budget-Conscious Culture Of Marvel
The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s exponential growth over the years has turned out to be a deliciously satisfying win against all odds. It hasn’t, however, historically been very effective. MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios detailed the austere surroundings, gray carpets, and vagabond lifestyle of the Marvel offices.
Shane Black, who made his feature film directing debut in 2005 with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, was surprised by the lack of amenities when he visited Marvel to talk about writing and directing a film for them. He deliberately made fun of the emphasis on cutting costs that was pointed out in MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios:
“When Black took a bagel from the Marvel kitchen, Drew Pearce recalled, ‘he left a note for top Marvel executive Louis D’Esposito and $1.25’.”
When we fast-forward to the present, we see that the MCU has expanded rapidly, setting records at the box office and becoming a cultural giant. Under the direction of President Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios has mastered the technique of seamless storytelling, drawing viewers into their vast story.
Black’s playful gesture notwithstanding, the MCU has exceeded all projections, expanding by an astounding 31 times greater than the $120.2 million in box office receipts of Lethal Weapon.
Shane Black Discussed Marvel Studios’ Sustaining Success
Loved comic book characters, incredibly charismatic actors, and a wave of visionary directors, including Jon Favreau of Iron Man, Joss Whedon of The Avengers, and Shane Black of Iron Man 3, have all contributed to the creation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But the ever-expanding MCU’s success is about more than just that. And, Black was kind enough to share his insights with ScreenRant about the unseen elements that set Marvel films apart from the plethora of superhero films hitting theaters:
“The reason (Marvel is) scoring so big at the box office is they have these mythic caped heroes come striding out of the fog, lit from below and backlit. And then they stub their toe! They remember to do that part…They know to do that…they know to go straight to that kind of a choice. Those decisions are made routinely there.”
The Lethal Weapon writer, 61, said he was appreciative of the studio’s commitment to the original material:
“I am really a fan of the Marvel sensibility, mostly because the guys running the show–the studio itself–they’re comic book guys. They grew up with this shit. It’s very important [to them]. When I was leaving to go home [on Iron Man 3], Kevin Feige was staying ’til midnight working to get the details right from these comic books. I just think that’s why they’re good. Everyone else is a suit trying to make a superhero movie, and these guys are comic book guys.”
Black’s last film was The Predator, a 2018 science fiction action film that he co-wrote with Fred Dekker. Critics and viewers gave the movie mixed reviews, and despite a $88 million budget, it made $160.5 million worldwide.
