In the early days of the MCU, Marvel made sure to lock its actors down with multi-picture deals. These ranged from six-film pacts for Avengers mainstays like Chris Evans (though these were ultimately extended) all the way up to nine-film deals for supporting players like Samuel L. Jackson and Sebastian Stan. This strategy benefited the studio as it continued to find its footing. But now, Kevin Feige thinks it’s safe enough to move away from this practice altogether.
The Marvel Studios president outlined his thinking during a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter. And it sounds like he’s more focused on hiring actors who want to join the MCU for the experience and the camaraderie rather than the paycheck.
“That got a lot of attention way back when, with I think Scarlett, and [Chris] Hemsworth and Evans and Sam Jackson,” said Feige. “It varies now. […] It varies, project to project, cast to cast. Really, what we want are people that come in, are excited to be in the universe, are excited at the opportunity to do more things, as opposed to being locked into contractual obligations.”
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This approach sounds unstable, but it seems to be working so far. Spider-Man actor Tom Holland has repeatedly gushed over his time in the MCU, and he has indicated a willingness to extend his own contract, which will be fulfilled after Spider-Man: No Way Home hits theaters later this year. Plus, the studio was able to convince Hemsworth to return for Thor: Love and Thunder, making him the only member of the core Avengers trio to remain with the franchise.
How do you feel about Marvel’s goals to transition away from multi-film deals? Tell us what you think in the comment section below!
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