Marvel’s latest chapter, led by Avengers: Doomsday, has become a lightning rod for criticism. The film’s promotional campaign, featuring the return of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers and Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, is being seen by many fans as a desperate attempt to recapture the glory of the early MCU days.
While nostalgia can be a powerful tool, in this case, it feels less like a heartfelt callback and more like a calculated move to distract from years of underwhelming releases and creative missteps.
The decision to bring back Steve Rogers, after what was widely accepted as a final and meaningful send-off in Avengers: Endgame, has sparked intense backlash.
Many fans feel that Marvel is undermining the journey of Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson, who took up the mantle of Captain America and proved himself worthy in his own right. Social media is filled with complaints that the studio is belittling Sam Wilson’s legacy and undoing a pivotal moment for representation and character growth.
The move is seen as a signal that Marvel values familiar faces over meaningful progression, prioritizing box office returns over genuine storytelling.
This reliance on nostalgia is not limited to casting choices. The film’s marketing and leaked trailers suggest a heavy-handed approach to fan service, with little regard for the consequences on newer characters or the franchise’s future.
Instead of building on the legacy of the MCU, Avengers: Doomsday appears to be retreating into a comfort zone, leaving fans questioning whether Marvel still dares to innovate or if it is simply coasting on past successes.
Creative Missteps and Fan Disappointment
The backlash against Avengers: Doomsday goes beyond casting. Many fans and critics are expressing concern over the film’s creative direction. The decision to make Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom a multiversal variant of Tony Stark, rather than a true villain, is viewed as a missed opportunity.
Longtime Doom fans wanted a character defined by his arrogance, ambition, and mastery of science and sorcery, not a watered-down version that borrows heavily from Iron Man’s legacy.
There are also worries about the film’s tone and pacing. With so many plotlines and characters to juggle, fans fear that the story will become overstuffed and rushed, sacrificing emotional depth for spectacle.
Avengers: Doomsday (Credit: Disney+)
The concern is that Marvel is trying to do too much, too quickly, without giving each character or storyline the attention it deserves. This could result in a film that feels more like a checklist of fan service than a cohesive narrative.
The controversies surrounding Marvel’s recent projects h ave only deepened skepticism. From the firing of X-Men ’97 showrunner Beau DeMayo amid allegations of workplace tensions and identity politics to production delays and lackluster promotion for diverse projects like Blade, Ironheart, and Echo, Marvel’s brand has taken a hit.
These issues have created a sense that the studio is more focused on protecting its image than delivering high-quality content.
What’s Next for Marvel?
As Avengers: Doomsday prepares for release, the question on everyone’s mind is: Can Marvel recover from this wave of criticism? The studio’s reputation has been built on innovation, bold storytelling, and memorable characters.
However, recent decisions suggest a shift toward risk-averse strategies and a reliance on familiar faces to draw audiences. If Marvel continues down this path, it risks alienating both longtime fans and newcomers who are looking for something fresh and meaningful.
The box office performance of Marvel’s 2025 releases has already shown signs of decline, with several films failing to meet expectations. This could force the studio to reevaluate its approach, focusing more on quality storytelling and character development rather than simply banking on nostalgia.
The future of the MCU depends on Marvel’s ability to adapt, take creative risks, and prove that it still has something valuable to offer audiences.
For now, Avengers: Doomsday stands as a symbol of Marvel’s current struggles. The film’s reliance on nostalgia, creative missteps, and fan backlash highlight the challenges facing the franchise as it enters a new era.
Whether Marvel can overcome these obstacles and regain its former glory remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the studio’s future will be defined by the choices it makes in the coming years.
Suits, the legal drama that aired from 2011 to 2019, was never a ratings juggernaut during its original run. Yet, after landing on Netflix in 2023, the show exploded in popularity, dominating streaming charts and becoming the most-watched acquired series in a single week.
Nielsen data revealed that Suits was streamed for over 57.7 billion minutes in 2023 alone, surpassing every other show on the platform. This surge wasn’t just a fluke; it signaled a shift in how audiences consume content in the streaming era.
The show’s appeal lies in its fast-paced storytelling, charismatic leads, and a blend of legal intrigue and workplace drama. Mike Ross, the college dropout with a photographic memory, and Harvey Specter, the slick attorney with a killer wardrobe, became icons for a generation of viewers.
Their partnership, often compared to Batman and Robin, offered a dynamic that was both aspirational and entertaining. As audiences rediscovered the series, they found a world where sharp suits, clever banter, and high-stakes cases were the norm.
The timing of Suits’ Netflix debut couldn’t have been better. With the ongoing writers’ strike limiting new releases, viewers turned to library content, and Suits became the go-to choice for binge-watchers.
The “Meghan Markle effect,” the renewed interest in the show after her royal wedding, also played a role, but the real driver was the show’s accessibility and timeless themes.
Cultural Impact and Business Lessons
Suits didn’t just entertain, but they also influenced popular culture in profound ways. The show reshaped public perceptions of lawyers, making them appear not just intelligent but also stylish and charismatic.
Viewers began to see the legal profession as glamorous, inspiring many to consider careers in law. The series also tackled complex legal issues, from ethics to corporate law, making these topics more accessible to the general public.
Fashion trends took a cue from the show as well. Harvey Specter’s tailored suits became a style benchmark, with fans emulating his wardrobe choices. The show’s emphasis on professional appearance resonated with young professionals and students, who saw the suit as a symbol of success and confidence.
Beyond entertainment and fashion, Suits offered valuable business lessons. The show highlighted the importance of negotiation, strategic thinking, and the power of relationships in the corporate world.
Suits LA (Credit: Netflix)
Characters like Harvey Specter became role models for aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating how wit, confidence, and calculated risks could lead to success.
However, the show’s portrayal of the legal world wasn’t without criticism. Some viewers pointed out that the series reinforced stereotypes, particularly around race and gender, with the majority of successful characters being white men.
Despite these concerns, Suits sparked conversations about diversity and inclusion in the workplace, encouraging viewers to think critically about the norms depicted on screen.
The Failed Revival and What’s Next
With Suits’ popularity at an all-time high, NBCUniversal attempted to launch a spin-off, Suits LA, in 2024. The new series featured familiar faces and aimed to capture the magic of the original, but it failed to connect with audiences.
Critics and fans alike argued that the absence of Mike Ross and Harvey Specter left a void that couldn’t be filled. By May 2025, NBC officially canceled Suits LA, citing its lack of growth potential.
The cancellation of Suits LA highlighted a crucial lesson for the entertainment industry: not every hit can be successfully revived. The original cast’s chemistry and the unique blend of drama and wit that defined Suits were difficult to replicate.
As streaming platforms continue to mine their libraries for hits, the story of Suits serves as a reminder that timing, authenticity, and audience connection matter more than nostalgia alone.
Despite the failed spin-off, fans continue to clamor for a revival of the original series. With the show set to leave Netflix at the end of December 2025, its legacy remains secure. Suits proved that a legal drama could transcend its original run, becoming a cultural touchstone and a benchmark for future shows.
Suits’ journey from a modest cable drama to a streaming phenomenon is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of well-crafted characters. The show’s impact on popular culture, fashion, and the legal profession will be felt for years to come, making it a true classic of the streaming age.
