What Went Wrong with 'The Marvels' Movie in 2023?
The movie’s director has her own view about its flop.
I’ve been following the Marvel Cinematic Universe closely, and the story of The Marvels movie in 2023 is a perfect example of how even a big-name superhero film can stumble.
It wasn’t a "bad" movie — the Marvel moments, action sequences, and even the post-credits tease of X-Men were all there. Yet, the film failed to hit the blockbuster heights many expected. According to director Nia DaCosta, the reason is simple: the film lacked a solid script.
Nia DaCosta on the Real Reason The Marvels Movie Struggled
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, DaCosta didn’t mince words:
"Making the 28 Years Later sequel was one of the best filmmaking experiences I've had. One of the issues I had with Candyman and Marvels was the lack of a really solid script, which is always gonna just wreak havoc on the whole process."
This candid insight highlights a core problem with The Marvels movie. No matter how large the Marvel brand, no matter the star power or visual spectacle, a weak script can derail even a highly anticipated superhero movie.
Why the Script Made All the Difference for The Marvels Movie
From my perspective, the lack of a strong story was exactly what held The Marvels movie back. The characters had charm, the action delivered, and the film had its moments of hope and friendship, but the narrative felt rushed and the emotional stakes didn’t land.
Nia DaCosta’s honesty about the script’s weakness — a challenge she also faced with Candyman — is refreshing. It reminds fans that even in the MCU, story and structure are king.
Even if a superhero movie has everything else — massive VFX, beloved characters, and a huge fanbase — without a solid foundation, it struggles. And for me, that’s why The Marvels movie didn’t become the blockbuster it could have been.
