STACK NZ Aug #76

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BEGINNER’S GUIDE

We're diving straight into the Hollywood mainstream to explore one of the biggest franchises on the planet! Words: Scott Hocking THE MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE An offshoot of Marvel Comics, home of iconic superheroes like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and the Incredible Hulk, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) shares characters, concepts, plot elements and cast members to build an extended film franchise comprising standalone features, crossovers and spin-offs. Note: The MCU relates to films produced by Marvel Studios, which are the sole focus of this article. The X-Men and Fantastic Four, although Marvel characters, are licensed to 20th Century Fox. Spider-Man is licensed to Sony, however a new contract now allows him to participate in the MCU.

WHAT TO EXPECT Unless you’ve only just arrived on Earth, chances are you already know exactly what to expect and have seen at least one Marvel movie, or are at least aware of the MCU’s impact on the pop culture zeitgeist. But if you’re not the type to 3D print a Thor hammer for the next Comic-Con event, or think Iron Man sounds like a guy who presses shirts, then read on. Comic book and superhero movies are hardly new, but the MCU has transformed them into a brand synonymous with excellence in the genre. Moreover, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige’s vision of a shared universe means that

its heroes inhabit standalone films and their respective sequels, and also assemble for crossover event movies.

both sides of the camera. The studio hires indie and fanboy filmmakers like Joss Whedon, James Gunn and the Russo brothers (who all tend to deliver the best installments), as well as directors you wouldn’t normally associate with comic book movies – like Kenneth Branagh ( Thor ), Shane Black ( Iron Man 3 ) and Peyton Reed

The films have their own distinctive look, tone and feel, but yet all fit together seamlessly as part of a greater whole. Characters you’ll get to know like old friends include Tony Stark/Iron Man, Steve Rogers/ Captain America, Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, Clint Barton/Hawkeye, Peter Quill/Star Lord, and the God of Thunder, Thor. Marvel movies feature some major talent on

( Ant-Man ) – to diversify the universe. The MCU is also populated by A-list stars who bring considerable gravitas to roles requiring them to fly through the air, shrink to microscopic size, transform into a green rage monster, battle invading aliens, and give

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