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Over the past decade of filmmaking, the superhero genre has become a pop culture sensation. Comic book adaptations have been able to make tons of money at the box office, and plenty of studios have gotten in on the action with their own shared universe. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is partly due to this, as serialized storytelling and crossovers have become commonplace. Superhero flicks have recently come under attack by filmmaking greats like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola, and now Doctor Strange actor Benedict Cumberbatch has addressed these comments.
Despite how popular the MCU and other blockbusters are, legendary directors Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola have made their disapproval of the genre known. The latter director went so far as to call comic book movies "despicable", with the generations of fans taking umbrage with the dismissal. Now Benedict Cumberbatch has addressed the directors' concerns, saying:
I know there’s been a lot of debate lately with very fine filmmakers coming to the fore saying that these film franchises are taking over everything. But lucky us actors who get to both kinds of variety, at either polarity of budgeting. And I agree you don’t want one king to rule them all and have a kind of monopoly on it. Hopefully that’s not the case, and we should really look into continuing to support auteur filmmakers on every level.
Stephen Strange seems to understand the growing concern about superhero fatigue and the studios' power. But he still appreciates his job as a Marvel hero, and the other projects that gig might afford him.
Benedict Cumberbatch's comments to Jenny McCarthy on her SiriusXM show is a decidedly more neutral reaction than some of the other responses to Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola's viral comments about the genre. Rather than taking offense with the comments about comic book movies not being cinema, Cumberbatch is simply appreciative to have his various acting opportunities. Big releases like Doctor Strange make his smaller projects more enjoyable, and vice versa. The 43 year-old actor works in a variety of mediums, leading a TV show with Sherlock and regularly performing in live theater.
Related: Marvel’s Jon Favreau Responds To Scorsese And Coppola Criticism Of The Superhero Genre
Later in his comments, Benedict Cumberbatch also mentioned not wanting one studio or franchise to have monopoly over the film world. This will make way for new filmmakers, and movies that are artistic, challenging, and are perhaps not going to be a hit at the box office. Recent mergers have made the entertainment world feel smaller, as studios and their assets have combined. Benedict Cumberbatch doesn't seem to think that any company has a monopoly yet, but he seemingly understands those concerns.
Benedict Cumberbatch will jump back into the MCU with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Fans are eager to see the good doctor get a second solo movie, especially joined by the likes of Elizabeth Banks' Scarlet Witch. But it'll be a few years before that highly anticipated blockbuster arrives in theaters. In the meantime, you can read up on Stephen Strange's adventures on the page here.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is currently expected to arrive in theaters on May 7th, 2021, and Benedict Cumberbatch can be seen in 1917 on December 25th. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
