For a lot of hardcore Marvel or DC fans, there seems to be an intense rivalry between the two comic book publishers – and more specifically these days, their respective cinematic universes.
While we do get occasional comments from those involved with either franchise which seem to stoke this “war” – see Chris Pine’s recent remarks about Avengers: Infinity War – things are generally very civil between the two parties, and that’s certainly the case with the latest comments from Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige, who has downplayed any rivalry and stated that he’s rooting for the DC Extended Universe to succeed.
“There’s not really a rivalry,” Feige tells AlloCine. “The rivalry is much more amongst the press, I think. Geoff Johns is a very good friend of mine. We grew up together in the business and recently celebrated Richard Donner, who we both used to work for. So, I applaud all the success he’s had. I really just look at it as a fan. When the movies perform well and are well received, it’s good for us – which is why I’m always rooting for them.”
Feige also praised the latest chapter of the DCEU, adding that: “The success of Wonder Woman is wonderful. It makes us incredibly happy. Finally, we can put to rest the falsehood that audiences don’t want to see female characters. We never believed that was true. There were a run of movies that just weren’t very good 10-15 years ago that caused that reputation. I’m glad that Wonder Woman has blown that away.”
I imagine it also makes Marvel breathe a little easier with regards to their own female-led superhero movie Captain Marvel, which is due out in 2019.
Originally published June 15, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
