The Role Of Humor In MCU’s Most Recent Films

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been on a roll, churning out blockbuster after blockbuster, each one more epic and action-packed than the last. But amidst all the superhero drama and intense battles, something has become increasingly apparent: the importance of humor in making these films truly unforgettable.

Take, for example, Thor: Ragnarok, a movie that single-handedly revolutionized the way we perceive Marvel’s favorite Norse god. Under the guidance of Taika Waititi, the film effortlessly balanced humor with heartbreak, making it both a critical and commercial hit. The outcome was an instant classic that set the bar high for future MCU movies.

One of the main factors that have contributed to the MCU’s success in incorporating humor into their films is their expert handling of self-aware, meta humor. This specific type of humor flourishes in situations where characters are in on the joke and frequently address or make winking references to viewers directly.

Another notable release that perfectly demonstrated this trait was Guardians of the Galaxy, directed by James Gunn. Peter Quill (Star-Lord) instantly became an icon for breaking the fourth wall through several impressive monologues that left viewers cracking up and searching for more. Meanwhile, the banter exchanged between his love interest Gamora and other notable members of the odd-ball household including Rocket Raccoon, left the movie world enchanted by snappy comedic dialogue and sheer, colorful spectacle.

Of course, the characters within these films are the beacons of that humor. Marvel films typically see characters bounce off of each other in some form. Sometimes this involves silly banter between characters while, on other occasions, it showcases genuine human vulnerabilities which make viewers sympathize with the individual and somehow care about the upcoming impending doom. Recent releases, especially from Spider-Man: No Way Home, have even explored the humor associated with multiverse and the myriad rules linked with the realm that get an individual laughing and chuckling in a movie.

Recent Marvel releases hint at a significant push towards diverse genre storytelling. Marvel’s most recent movies feature different types of humor and even see characters take a stroll down a non-conventional genre path, which has made this franchise what it is today.