The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been struggling to regain its footing ever since the monumental success of Avengers: Endgame. While the franchise had immense promise, Phases 4 and 5 have been riddled with mediocrity, delivering only a handful of standout projects like Werewolf by Night, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Loki Season 1, What If…? Season 1, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. The rest have been disappointments, failing to capture the magic that defined the Infinity Saga.
The multiverse concept, which seemed so exciting on paper, hasn’t resonated with audiences the way Marvel likely hoped. Instead of intriguing storylines and meaningful stakes, it has often relied on cheap thrills, cameos, and nostalgia that no longer carry the same weight. The overuse of surprises and the predictable “anyone can return” gimmick has dulled the excitement. It’s time for Marvel to pivot to something more grounded and resonant—and the supernatural and gritty side of its universe might just be the answer.
Why MCU Needs to Focus on the Dark Universe
1. Blade and Midnight Sons: Tapping Into the MCU Supernatural
Marvel’s supernatural roster offers a treasure trove of untapped potential. From Blade to Ghost Rider, Doctor Strange, Moon Knight, Werewolf by Night, and even Man-Thing, the Midnight Sons lineup is teeming with rich, dark narratives that can provide a fresh perspective for the MCU. These characters and their stories balance fantasy with grounded, personal stakes, creating a perfect blend for older audiences who grew up with the Infinity Saga and now crave more mature storytelling.
The disappointment surrounding Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness shows that flashy cameos and half-baked plots won’t cut it anymore. Meanwhile, Werewolf by Night proved that smaller, focused stories can leave a lasting impact when executed well. With Blade repeatedly delayed and Black Knight’s introduction in Eternals still unaddressed, Marvel has the pieces in place but seems reluctant to act on them.
2. Street-Level Heroes: The Netflix Formula Worked
One of Marvel’s best ventures outside the main MCU was Netflix’s Daredevil, which remains the gold standard for superhero television. Its gritty, grounded narrative resonated with fans through complex storylines, realistic action, and profound character development. The upcoming Daredevil: Born Again is one of the few MCU projects generating genuine excitement, thanks to its connection to this legacy.
Marvel already has other street-level heroes from the Netflix universe like Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Punisher, who can easily be integrated. These characters can provide a sharp contrast to the increasingly outlandish multiverse antics, drawing back the fans who yearn for a darker, more grounded take on superhero storytelling.
3. Reducing Over-Connectivity and Cheap Cameos of MCU
One of the MCU’s biggest problems post-Endgame has been its insistence on connecting everything, often at the cost of individual stories. The multiverse narrative has made the stakes feel nonexistent because “anything is possible.” For the supernatural and street-level heroes to thrive, Marvel must decouple them from the overarching multiverse saga.
These narratives work best when allowed to stand on their own, free from the burden of cameos and universe-spanning events. Let Blade, Moon Knight, Ghost Rider, and others operate in a darker, more isolated corner of the MCU, much like how Werewolf by Night succeeded as a self-contained story.
Why the Dark Universe Resonates with Fans
The appeal of a darker, more supernatural MCU lies in its ability to tell mature, character-driven stories that explore themes like morality, loss, and redemption. These resonate deeply with older audiences who want more than just explosions and CGI battles. Projects like Werewolf by Night and Daredevil have shown that there’s a strong appetite for this kind of storytelling.
Marvel’s supernatural and street-level characters have immense potential to rejuvenate the MCU and bring back the fans it’s lost over the years. Whether it’s through Blade’s hunt for vampires, Ghost Rider’s quest for vengeance, or Moon Knight’s psychological struggles, these stories can provide the emotional depth and grit that the MCU sorely needs.
Some things are better left unburdened by the weight of an interconnected universe—and Marvel’s dark universe might just be the epic standalone saga we’ve all been waiting for.
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