Over the past few years, there have been many debates over the superhero genre. Some claim that the genre is dead, while some defend their beloved franchises and characters. The debates sparked after filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola expressed their dislike for these movies.
The debate still goes on, and many celebrities have hopped into the conversation, sharing their opinions. One of the biggest icons in this industry, James Gunn, once shared his views on the topic. Superhero movies have been around for a long time and as cinema grows, they will grow as well.
James Gunn defended the superhero genre
Filmmaker James Gunn, who was appointed as a co-chairman and co-CEO of DC Studios by Warner Bros in 2022, once gave his opinions on the superhero genre (via James Gunn’s Instagram),
“Superheroes are simply today’s gangsters/cowboys/outer space adventurers.”
Robert Iger, chairman and CEO of Disney, also defended the genre, saying that they are “making films that people are obviously enjoying.” He is not wrong, as its popularity is only increasing.
Gunn’s comments hint that during the days when Martin Scorcese and Francis Ford Coppola became hit directors, gangsters were a common “theme” in cinema and both directors have made movies on them. In today’s time, superheroes too have a similar hold.
Benedict Cumberbatch supported Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola
Amidst the conversation, actor Benedict Cumberbatch, who is well-known for playing Doctor Strange in the MCU, supported Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola by saying that people should support “auteur film-makers” (via The Jenny McCarthy Show),
“I know there’s been a lot of debate recently with these very fine filmmakers coming to the fore saying that these film franchises are taking over everything… And I agree, you know. We don’t want one king to rule it all and have a kind of monopoly. We should really look into continuing to support auteur film-makers at every level.”
The Marvel Cinematic Universe ranks among the highest-grossing film series of all time, grossing over $29.6 billion while DC has earned over $6.7 billion at the global box office.
Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola hate superhero movies
All the debates were sparked after legendary director Martin Scorsese claimed that superhero movies are “not cinema” and compared them to “theme parks.” Shortly after this, fellow director Francis Ford Coppola supported Scorsese’s statement by saying that superhero films are “despicable.”
Ken Loach, another legendary director, said that these movies are “a cynical exercise [that] has nothing to do with the art of cinema.” These arguments certainly make sense as auteur filmmakers struggle with presenting their films to a wider audience.
Related: James Gunn Credited His “Rotten Childhood” and Marvel Movie For Peacemaker’s Unexpected Success
Source: James Gunn’s Instagram
