The cinematic universe in Hollywood has been the subject of great changes and innovations over the past decades. With the passage of time, more and more franchises and studios have taken on the challenge of expanding their narrative arcs and storylines into exciting new territories.
The birth of Marvel Cinematic Universe signaled a dramatic change in the way Hollywood presents its superhero sagas. Instead of limiting the storyline to standalone films, Marvel Studios embarked on the ambitious journey of creating a shared universe. The MCU kick-started with Iron Man in 2008, and since then, it has taken the world by storm, amassing a collective box office total of over $22 billion worldwide.
Not to be left behind, DC Comics also stepped into the universe-building game with its DC Extended Universe. However, DC's focus remains differentiated by their philosophy of director-driven projects, as opposed to the producer-based approach of the MCU. This has led to the creation of intense and deep individual movies like Joker and the revamped, director's cut version of Justice League.
Even away from the superhero landscape, other franchises have attempted the shared universe setting. Universal Pictures tried to kick off the 'Dark Universe,' hoping to bring back classic horror characters such as The Mummy, Frankenstein's Monster, and Dracula. Though the project was met with a lukewarm response, it showcased Hollywood's inherent tendency to innovate and experiment.
The future of the cinematic universe is now heading towards digital streaming platforms. With Disney+ successfully launching numerous MCU spinoff series like WandaVision and Loki, and HBO Max planning to invoke DC properties into a variety of different shows, the boundary between cinema and television is becoming increasingly blurred. This excursion of cinematic universes into OTT platforms ensures a more comprehensive and immersive experience for the audience.
In conclusion, the concept of the 'cinematic universe' is a manifestation of Hollywood's continued evolution. While some storytelling experiments fail, they pave the way for bolder and more profound narratives. As we look forward to the future, the cinematic universe will undoubtedly continue to revolutionize our movie-watching experiences in countless exciting ways.
The Evolution of Cinematic Universe in Hollywood
