There’s no denying that Marvel Studios is able to attract the biggest A-list actors in Hollywood to appear in its films. Just look at any of the recent projects coming out of the MCU and it’s likely littered with ridiculous top-tier talent. Even on TV, with projects like “Moon Knight,” Marvel Studios is able to nab folks like Oscar Isaac and Ethan Hawke. And the latter of those guys thinks he knows why Marvel likes to focus on pleasing actors than bending to the will of directors.
In an interview with IndieWire, Ethan Hawke was very upfront with why he took a job with Marvel Studios, especially after speaking bluntly about how modern blockbusters are pushing smaller dramas to the side. In fact, in the interview, he even admits that Marvel Studios films are made for “14-year-olds” and understands why filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese “come out to tell their truth” when talking about the superhero film/TV factory.
That said, he really enjoyed his time on “Moon Knight,” and he believes it’s because Marvel Studios focuses on making sure actors are treated really well versus catering to the demands of directors.
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“That group of people is extremely actor-friendly. They might not be director-friendly, and that could be what Scorsese and Coppola are talking about. But they love actors,” said Hawke. “I think Kevin Feige had a great thing happen with Robert Downey Jr. and he understood that Downey’s passion was a large part of the success. When actors are excited by a part, audiences get excited about watching them. Feige understood the algorithm there, so they’re extremely respectful toward the process. The best thing about ‘Moon Knight’ for me was Oscar’s performance. It’s a gonzo thing that happens to have a giant budget — a pretty out-there performance.”
While there really haven’t been many directors who have worked with Marvel Studios and trashed them on the way out, it’s true that nearly every actor has nothing but great things to say about Kevin Feige’s studio. And it’s clear in any interview and marketing material you watch for the various MCU projects, the actors are having an absolute blast.
While there is definitely a same-ness to the overall style in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly on the film side, that really hasn’t proven to be much of a problem for Marvel Studios’ bottom line. Every year, the box office is dominated by superheroes, so if it ain’t broke, why fix it, right?
“Moon Knight” is available now to stream on Disney+.
