The war between the pro-Marvel and anti-Marvel continues. Recently, it was the turn of actor Sebastian Stan, who plays Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), to give his opinion on the matter.
The Marvel debate
The debate around the Marvel industry has been animating the Hollywood world for several years now. The MCU divides the audience into two categories. Those who consider that Marvel films have their place in the pantheon of the seventh art, and those who consider that Marvel films are simply not cinema. This is notably Martin Scorsese who started this endless debate, when he declared a few years ago that Marvel movies were not cinema, but simply entertainment. He compared the MCU to a coaster but categorically denied their cinematic implication.
Since then, many artists like Steven Spielberg, Tom Cruiseor Chris Pratt have given their opinion on the matter. Recently, it was Sebastian Stan who wanted to comment on the debate. The interpreter of Bucky Barnes in the MCU wanted to defend Marvel Studios, and in particular the CEO of the firm: Kevin Feige.
Sebastian Stan to the rescue of Marvel
Sebastian Stan joined the Marvel Universe in 2011 when he was hired to play Bucky Barnes, Steve Rogers' best friend, in Captain America: The First Avenger. A role he has since reprised 7 times. His last appearance in the MCU was last year when he reprised his role for the needs of season 2 of What If…? We will also find him next year in Thunderbolts. One thing is certain, the role of Bucky was a real springboard for Sebastian Stan.
His career has taken off, and for the past ten years he has appeared in a variety of influential films such as I, Tonya (2017), Destroyer (2018) and Fresh (2022). He will also be seen again in a few weeks in the role of Donald Trump for the release of The Apprenticeon October 9th. In short, all this goes to say that the 42-year-old actor owes a lot to Marvel Studios for his Hollywood rise. And Sebastian Stan does not forget to pay tribute to this industry that has given him time, notably at the microphone of Variety:
It’s become really convenient to go after Marvel movies. And that’s okay. Everybody has an opinion. But they’re a huge part of this business and they also allow us to make smaller movies. It’s a lifeline that runs through the entire Hollywood machine. It brings in a lot more profit than people care to acknowledge. Sometimes I stand up for them because the intention is really good. It’s so fucking hard to make good movies over and over again.
In addition to defending the MCU films, Sebastian Stan also wanted to sing the praises of his boss, the big boss of Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige:
I can personally attest that Kevin Feige is the most selfless man on the planet. Despite his enormous success, he hasn't changed or wavered. He spends so much time thinking about what's going to surprise people, give them something different. His motto is, “The best idea wins.” It all comes from a good feeling. And that's the only reason I sometimes defend these movies. Because the intention is really good.
Statements that make relative sense. We also like Marvel productions in themselves, we just wish the quality was sometimes better. In any case, for MCU fans, Marvel Studios launched last Wednesday the broadcast of Agatha All Along, the new MCU series, available on Disney+.