We've seen Marvel Studios films and superhero movies in general take the blame for quite a few things over the years, but this is a first.
Comedian/actor Adam DeVine, who can currently be seen in Netflix's The Out-Laws, has a theory relating to why straight-up theatrical comedies are either not very common or not very good these days.
"Marvel ruined it," said DeVine during an appearance of Theo Von's podcast. "You go to the theater, and you expect to watch something that cost $200M to make, and comedy movies aren't that ... and they still make those [Marvel] movies kinda funny, like "Oh my god, is that raccoon talking? This is hilarious!' .... which it is, but, it's not a real comedy."
DeVine appears to be suggesting that, because so many Marvel/superhero films also contain a lot of humor, they're a more exciting prospect for cinemagoers who are looking for a few laughs than a lower-budgeted comedy that may potentially be playing at the same time.
We're not sure his theory really holds up. After all, Barbie is, first and foremost, a comedy, and Greta Gerwig's movie has just passed the $1 billion mark worldwide. Granted, no Marvel movies are currently playing along with it, but The Flash - which also has a fair bit of humor - just left theaters, and that was one of the biggest flops in history.
What do you guys make of DeVine's comments? Be sure to let us know in the usual place.