It’s just f***ing hard to make a good movie”: A Marvel Star is Coming to Kevin Feige’s Defence After Fans’ Incessant Bullying Over The Marvels, She-Hulk and More

SUMMARY

• Sebastian Stan defends Marvel's creative intentions amid recent criticism of its films and series.
• Stan highlights how Marvel's success supports smaller independent films in the broader industry.
• The actor praises Marvel’s constant efforts to innovate and surprise audiences despite immense expectations.

For over a decade, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has dominated the film industry, producing one box office success after another. With larger-than-life superheroes, epic storylines, and a seamless continuity of narratives that connected fans globally, it seemed like Marvel Studios could do no wrong. But the tide shifted with the release of The Marvels and She-Hulk, among other recent MCU projects.

Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark in Ironman | Credits: Marvel Studios

As social media platforms became hotbeds of these debates, one voice rose to defend Kevin Feige and the studio’s work, and it is none other than Sebastian Stan! The actor, who is set to reprise his role as Bucky Barnes in Thunderbolts, expressed his frustration with the growing trend of bashing Marvel. 

Sebastian Stan Defends Marvel and Kevin Feige

Sebastian Stan ll Image by Gage Skidmore, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sebastian Stan is a key fixture of the MCU since his debut as Bucky Barnes in Captain America: The First Avenger and has watched the franchise grow into a global phenomenon. In a recent interview with Variety, Stan spoke openly about the criticism aimed at Marvel Studios, particularly over the recent films like The Marvels and the Disney+ series She-Hulk.

It’s become really convenient to pick on [Marvel films], and that’s fine. Everyone’s got an opinion. But they’re a big part of what contributes to this business and allows us to have smaller movies as well.

He argued that the studio’s success enabled smaller, independent films to thrive, and without the financial backbone that Marvel provides, many of the intimate, artistically daring films we see today might not have the chance to be made. This sentiment underscores how deeply Marvel influences the broader industry, and it’s something Stan believes goes unrecognized by many of its detractors.

Sometimes I get protective of it because the intention is really f*cking good. It’s just f*cking hard to make a good movie over and over again. I’m someone who has witnessed [Marvel Studios president] Kevin Feige as the most selfless man on this planet, who, despite the enormous success he’s had, has never changed or wavered. 

They legitimately spend so much time thinking, how could we surprise people and give people something different? His big motto is ‘The best idea wins.’ It just comes from a good place — and that’s the only reason why sometimes I get protective of it. Because the intention is really good.

Stan’s defense doesn’t just stem from loyalty,  it’s grounded in his firsthand experience working with Marvel’s president, Kevin Feige. The actor knows that the company is all about innovation, dedication, and a relentless desire to surprise the audience with something novel, and he acknowledges the difficulty in continuously raising the bar while facing immense expectations.

What Sebastian Stan’s Words Reveal About Marvel’s Challenges

Tatiana Maslany plays the titular character in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law | Disney+

Sebastian Stan’s candid remarks reflect the immense pressure that Marvel Studios faces, not just from fans but from the industry as a whole. The studio has built an empire on the backs of beloved characters and groundbreaking storytelling, making it an enormous target for criticism when any film or series doesn’t meet the sky-high expectations of its audience.

According to Stan, Marvel spends significant time strategizing how to innovate and deliver stories that defy predictability. This means taking risks, whether by introducing lesser-known characters or experimenting with different tones, as seen in She-Hulk’s blend of comedy and legal drama.

Stan’s defense of Marvel isn’t just about the individual projects but about recognizing the studio’s broader goals. Despite the critical noise, the studio’s intention, as Stan highlighted, comes from a place of passion, creativity, and a genuine desire to keep audiences engaged.

There’s no denying that after over 30 films and countless television series, maintaining the same level of audience excitement is a monumental challenge. As with any long-running franchise, there will be highs and lows.

Thunderbolts is scheduled to be released on May 2, 2025. You can She-Hulk and The Marvels on Disney+.

Written by Sonika Kamble

Articles Published: 100

Sonika thrives on her passion for cinema, artistic expression, and philosophical exploration. Every medium of storytelling intrigues her, and she can’t help but dissect the layers to unravel the deeper meaning behind an arc or a scene. She finds contentment in playing chess, vibing to background scores, and penning the next chapter of her book. Sonika is driven by the idea of being a dutiful and responsible human who dedicates herself to a task, regardless of the outcome—a principle she’s committed to upholding at FandomWire.