Martin Scorsese Attempts To Clarify Recent Remarks About Marvel Movies Not Being "Cinema"

Has The Irishman director set the record straight, or dug an even bigger hole for himself? Well, in a new interview, Martin Scorsese tries to clarify what he means by Marvel movies not being "cinema."

By JoshWilding - Oct 17, 2019 01:10 AM EST

Filed Under: Marvel Studios

Martin Scorsese has been making headlines a lot lately, but not for The Irishman. Instead, it's because he dismissed Marvel movies as not being proper "cinema," something a lot of filmmakers have had responses for. Well, he's now attempted to clarify those remarks, but we'll leave it up to you to decide whether he's making sense...or just making things worse!

"What has to be protected is the singular experience of experiencing a picture, ideally with an audience," he explained. "But there’s room for so many others now, and so many other ways. There’s going to be crossovers, completely. The value of a film that’s like a theme park film."

"For example, the Marvel-type pictures, where the theaters become amusement parks, that’s a different experience," the legendary director continued. "I was saying earlier, it’s not cinema, it’s something else. Whether you go for that or not."

What's he's essentially getting at is that Marvel movies aren't "cinema" in the traditional sense; instead, they're a very different experience. That's an argument that...doesn't really add up?

The fact is, Marvel movies are cinema, and while that's not a sentiment Scorsese agrees with, just because they feature a lot of action and special effects, it doesn't mean they don't tell worthwhile stories. You also have to wonder how many of them the director has actually sat down to watch!

What do you guys think?

Hit the "View List" button to check out all the rumoured
and confirmed Marvel movies coming in Phase 5!

The Inhumans - Rumored

A number of relatively reliable sources have claimed that Ms. Marvel will reboot the Inhumans after that disastrous TV series, and that surely leaves the door open to Feige developing the Game of Thrones-inspired movie he talked about all those years ago.

Vin Diesel is rumoured to be up for the role of Black Bolt, while Avengers: Age of Ultron star Aaron Taylor-Johnson may end up pulling double duty in the MCU by moving on from the role of Quicksilver to star as the villainous Maximus the Mad.

Fantastic Four - Confirmed

Feige specifically name dropped the Fantastic Four at Comic-Con and rumours continue to persist that the reboot will arrive in theaters in 2022. Marvel's First Family has a lot of potential, as do their villains; after all, the likes of Annihilus, Galactus, and Doctor Doom could be game-changers for the MCU and their influence could be felt beyond just this one franchise.

With that in mind, it's no great surprise that this appears to be a priority for Marvel Studios right now.

Captain Marvel 2 - Confirmed

Another movie specifically mentioned by Kevin Feige earlier this year, Captain Marvel 2 getting the greenlight wouldn't be a surprise, especially after the first instalment grossed over $1 billion this March.

The stage has been set for a "Secret Invasion," and there are a lot of gaps in Carol Danvers' history to fill in; for example, what happened when she returned to space, and is the Kree/Skrull War still taking place? Oh, and how does she fit into the present day MCU? These are all questions this sequel is going to have to answer.

Young Avengers - Rumored

Whether it's ageing Cassie Lang up in Avengers: Endgame, Hawkeye on Disney+, or the rumoured introductions of characters like Wiccan and Speed, it looks like the stage is being set for the Young Avengers to assemble either on the big screen or on TV.

Whether they're going to be the next iteration of Earth's Mightiest Heroes remains to be seen, but it makes sense, and would follow what happened in the comics after the team "Disassembled."

X-Men - Rumored/Confirmed

Feige only mentioned "mutants" at Comic-Con, while fellow Marvel Studios executive Victoria Alonso has indicated that she thinks the "X-Men" moniker is somewhat outdated these days. Fox ran the franchise into the ground, so moving away from that branding could be a smart move - but it's one that's sure to upset a lot of fans out there.

Regardless, a new take on the X-Men will happen eventually, and it will be fun seeing how Feige decides to reset the characters and whether he takes any cues from Jonathan Hickman's comic book reboot.

Black Panther II - Confirmed

This was Marvel Studios' big reveal at D23, and there's understandably a lot of excitement surrounding the movie, especially now it has a May 6th, 2022 release date. It's possible that will fall into Phase 4, of course, but it seems far more likely that it will actually be a major Phase 5 tentpole.

It's still early days for the movie, but expectations are high, especially with Ryan Coogler back at the helm.

Blade - Confirmed

It was at Comic-Con we learned that Mahershala Ali will suit up as the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Blade, and while we still don't know whether that will be on the big or small screen, bringing vampires into this shared world will change it in unimaginable ways.

We've already delved into the cosmic side of the MCU, but the supernatural side is something we've definitely not touched on as of yet. The Blade announcement could also shed some light on where things are going for the MCU moving into Phase 5, or might just be a small part of a bigger story.

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 - Confirmed

James Gunn is currently busy working on The Suicide Squad for Warner Bros. but when the filmmaker is finished in the DC Extended Universe, he'll return to the MCU for this long overdue threequel.

A few plot rumours have done the rounds over the past year or so, and Adam Warlock is expected to come into play. Gunn, meanwhile, has pointed to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 being the final chapter for this iteration of the team, a sign, perhaps, that we'll be saying goodbye to Star-Lord and company (or at least some of them) as we move into a new era of cosmic stories.

Dark Avengers - Rumored

It's been said for a long time now that Marvel Studios is sitting on a Dark Avengers script, but the end of their partnership with Sony Pictures seemingly closed the door on Norman Osborn's MCU arrival once and for all. Well, things have changed on that front, and it's once again possible that this movie could happen...depending on whether this new partnership will last!

An evil team of Avengers is a novel idea and one that could bring Spidey to the forefront of the MCU. There's no way Feige will want to commit to this without a long-term deal with Sony, though.

Nova - Rumored

Feige has promised fans that Nova is a name on Marvel Studios' radar and it's about time the Human Rocket gets his due. There are conflicting reports about the possibility that his live-action debut will take place either on the big or small screen, but he's definitely a hero who can hold his own in a solo setting rather than as part of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise.

Right now, it's hard to say how high up the priority list Nova currently sits, but Richard Rider showing up in Phase 5 seems like a strong possibility, especially after what happened to Xandar.

Doctor Doom - Rumored

Before the Disney/Fox merger, Legion showrunner Noah Hawley was working on a solo movie for Doctor Doom and he's mentioned on multiple occasions that he's met with Feige. While it doesn't sound like he knows much more than us when it comes to the odd of it becoming a reality, there have been rumblings about this being rejigged into a Disney+ TV show.

It would certainly make sense to lay the groundwork for Victor Von Doom in a show like this, as it could both tie into the Fantastic Four movie and set him up as an overarching MCU villain.

Deadpool 3 - Rumored

Ryan Reynolds recently met with Marvel Studio,s and the writers of the first two movies have said a few times now that they're hoping to continue the Merc with the Mouth's franchise in an R-Rated setting, while also having him appear elsewhere across the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

This is a franchise that's way too successful to be left on the shelf for long, and while Feige no doubt wants to figure out how to softly reboot the character, Phase 5 seems like a safe bet at this point.

Ms. Marvel - Confirmed

The casting process has already begun to find an actress to play Ms. Marvel, and, as we mentioned, some online scoopers are already throwing around the possibility that Kevin Feige will reboot the Inhumans in this show after that disastrous limited series from Marvel Television.

A lot of fans are excited about this one, and the project is probably a priority for Marvel Studios and Disney+. With that in mind, it's bound to be a huge part of their Phase 5 plans.

She-Hulk - Confirmed

Speculation is running rampant online that Peter Parker will turn to lawyer Jennifer Walters for help clearing his name in the next Spider-Man movie, but whether that proves to be the case or not, it's going to be a lot of fun seeing She-Hulk on the small screen. Chances are The Hulk will get involved here, and that his story will also be addressed in the series.

Recent rumours have claimed that both "Thunderbolt" Ross and his daughter Betty will appear, a sign that this could also serve as a sequel of sorts to 2008's The Incredible Hulk.

Silver Surfer - Rumored

Adam McKay has expressed interest in helming a Silver Surfer movie, and we know Feige is a fan of the character as he once offered Fox the chance to keep the rights to Daredevil in exchange for The Sentinel of the Space-Ways and Galactus. Now, all these years later, the Fantastic Four characters are finally in his hands and it's easy to imagine him having big plans for them.

A solo outing for Silver Surfer also gives Marvel Studios the chance to explain who and what Galactus is before he crosses paths with Mister Fantastic and company.

Moon Knight - Confirmed

One of three Disney+ TV shows announced at D23, we don't know when this (or the shows listed below) are coming to the streaming service, but it sounds like Marvel Studios is already searching for their Moon Knight. It's said that they want a "Jewish Zac-Efron-type" to play Marc Spector, which points to Feige and company staying true to the character's roots.

There have been rumblings that Werewolf at Night could appear, and thatwould be another strong indication that the MCU is going to be heading down a supernatural route over the coming years.

Thunderbolts - Rumored

William Hurt's "Thunderbolt" Ross was recently spotted on the set of Black Widow, and while it's possible he was only there because the movie takes place after Captain America: Civil War, speculation has gone into overdrive that this could be some sort of tease for a Thunderbolts movie.

This is very much a rumour for the time being, and is probably more likely to be a Phase 6 release, but you have to believe it's an idea that's definitely been batted around by Marvel Studios.

Namor The Submariner - Rumored

Rumours have persisted about Namor for years now, and common sense says that he will indeed appear at some point. Now, there's nothing to say that will be in his own movie, but there are plenty of people out there who have claimed that he could somehow factor into the Black Panther sequel.

Time will tell on that front, but Namor could definitely be a surprise addition to Marvel's Phase 5.

A-Force - Rumored

Over the past few weeks, Scarlett Johansson, Elizabeth Olsen, and Brie Larson have all made it clear that they've approached Feige to push for an all-female Marvel Studios movie, and that's bound to be a project inspired by A-Force.

Whether he'll listen to their demands is another matter, of course, but fans definitely want this and it would be fun to see, especially after that memorable scene in Avengers: Endgame.

Ant-Man 3 - Rumored

A third Ant-Man movie is indeed supposed to be in the works, and while we don't know much more than that right now, a recent report stated that the character (along with The Wasp) isn't heading to Disney+ as some have claimed. There's clearly no room for Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne in Phase 4, but it would be a mistake to bench them for the fifth Phase as well.

You have to believe this movie would deal with Cassie Lang's transformation into Stature, too.

RUMOR: Marvel Studios Interested In NOPE Star Keke Palmer For A Major MCU Role

Recommended For You:

MCU Rumor Roundup: Updates On THE FANTASTIC FOUR's Silver Surfer Twist, AVENGERS 5, BLADE, And More

DISCLAIMER: ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and... [MORE]

ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

Do you have what it takes to write for us?

Want to contribute?

121 Comments

1 2 3 4

Jeight8 - 10/17/2019, 1:58 AM

Martin with all due respect but how exactly can you judge whether they are cinema or not if you haven't seen a single one of them by your own admittance.

I i want to have an opinion about German literature it would reasonably to expect to have at least read some german novels.....

Matador - 10/17/2019, 5:12 AM

@Jeight8 -

crawley - 10/17/2019, 7:18 AM

@Jeight8 - except when his first quote was doing the rounds he said "believe me, I've tried to watch them."

mastakilla39 - 10/17/2019, 8:42 AM

@Jeight8 - But he did. He tried watching 1 of them for 20 mins and thought they were ridiculous. He has the right to not like popular films and with his filmography he has earned the right to voice an opinion.

50 shades of grey & Twilight are popular films that I had to turn off after the 1st 20 mins because i thought they were terrible too. Everyone is allowed an opinion.

Canon108 - 10/17/2019, 2:10 AM

Scorsese is wrong, it's cinema, you view them in the cinema, bottom line is his comment was factually incorrect.

Ryguy88 - 10/17/2019, 12:10 PM

@Canon108 - you can view sporting events in the cinema, is that now cinema too?

Canon108 - 10/17/2019, 2:54 PM

@Ryguy88 - don't be obtuse, sporting events are different than scripted, produced, and directed films. If Scorsese directed a film that makes $1 billion would he say his own film wasn't cinema? It's a stupid comment on his part because there's zero truth to it. Reminds me when Fallon asked Louis CK if he liked napping more than sleeping...just have to shake your head at how dumb the comment was.

Ryguy88 - 10/18/2019, 2:54 PM

@Canon108 - [frick] you, you literally said its cinema because you view it in the cinema. I was pointing out your dumb comment without actually calling you dumb. So you're welcome.

Canon108 - 10/18/2019, 4:11 PM

@Ryguy88 - I pointed out how it was scripted, produced, and directed...which I didn't think I had to for describing a tentpole film...you can hook up a video game console to a film projector, doesn't make it cinema. You're way out to lunch, time to move on.

Ryguy88 - 10/18/2019, 4:18 PM

@Canon108 - I was clearly commenting on your original comment, what you pointed out here was in your reply to me.

WakandanQueen - 10/17/2019, 2:19 AM

Tentpoles are cinema and they have existed for decades.

Se4M4NSt4ine - 10/17/2019, 2:25 AM

I’d respect his opinion if he said: “yeah I’ve been dragged along to look after the grandkids, seen a handful of them and thought meh this just wasn’t for me and isn’t what I perceive as cinema.”

Yeah that’s fine if he said that, because 1. He’s seen a handful, enough to actually have an opinion on the matter, especially when he openly sat and admitted he doesn’t even watch any of them, which again bothers me because how can you give a qualifying statement on the matter? And 2. He’s not forcing his very aged and condescending opinions down anyone’s throat.

I just don’t get how a genius, a legend and a master of the screen can sit and act so unintelligent by making claims about a genre he’s already admitted he hasn’t even watched? It discredits his very valued opinion and makes him seem like nothing more than a bitter lost old man. And that’s the saddening part to me, because I’ve always thought it was the opposite with him. I’m not let down because he’s bashing Marvel or whatever, I’m let down because he’s bullying a genre of film, purely because he doesn’t agree with it?

Sad.

Matador - 10/17/2019, 5:24 AM

@Se4M4NSt4ine - Well he might be a senile old coot who needs some de-aging himself.

MaximusTheMad - 10/17/2019, 2:27 AM

Well, I guess Scorsese's right when he says there's no singular experience in the MCU, since they're all connected.

You see one, then you see the other until you're done with this year's releases.

Then you come back next year and you do it all again.

Does that not remind you of a theme park experience?