When Disney set out on creating its Marvel Universe, it is likely the company felt that it was embarking on a lucrative project. There were certainly some risks to be had. Would audiences really warm up to some of the lesser known super heroes? How much success would these films be from a financial standpoint? Would the company be able to maintain the quality from film to film or would they suffer from mediocrity exhibited by other comic book franchises?
After nine films, it seems certain that the financial experiment has paid off in spades and that questions about quality have remained minimal at best. "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" is slated to be a big box office success and early reviews indicate that it will also be a critical darling.
But as we noted in our own review, the film is cautious in its content. Despite probing into political issues and bringing up questions about morals that apply to the modern world, the film skirts other issues regarding its own identity. Are the Marvel films supposed to be simply popcorn or is there a desire for more? "Captain America" with its rather somber tone that is low on lightness seems like an interesting film to analyze regarding this particular question.
The film teases the viewer at a number of junctures regarding the possibility of pushing the franchise into unexplored territory, especially in its early choice to kill off Nick Fury. The move initially seems bold, but an hour or so after the event he makes a heroic return. This cliché has been overdone in a number of movies, not just comic book films. But the decision to bring him back is particularly irritating when one considers the ramifications of such a dramatic decision being made on the upcoming films. Imagine the Avengers without their leader. How are they organized? Will a new fear set in that threatens to damage the group? Are any particular members (such as Captain America or the Black Widow) completely traumatized by the event to the point that it harms their ability to function within the organization?
The fate of SHIELD hangs in the balance throughout the film, but Fury's resurrection indicates that the organization will live on in future installments. What if he wasn't around to keep the organization moving? What happens to the Avengers project? These issues are all rather unique, but will likely never be explored due to a seeming fear of displeasing the fanbase.
Some may argue that the death of a major character might upset fans—particularly the younger demographic—but characters come and go and people grow to accept the changes and move on. Disney does not seem particularly worried about having to move on from Robert Downey Jr. in future iterations of "Iron Man."
Leaving Fury dead would have elevated "Captain America" above other such films. It would have represented a major turning point for the franchise and even a focal point in the universe's evolution. And maybe this is the main reason for not making the decision. Maybe the producers do not want any films to gain added importance. But by backing off this choice, the company has kept the film as an acceptable and enjoyable piece of entertainment that fails to transcend its genre trappings. While it certainly exhibits maturity, "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" and by extension, the Marvel Universe remains the equivalent of an insecure teenager that is afraid to move into adulthood.
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