Welcome to Weekend Watch, a recurring feature where we highlight some of the best geek-related videos around the web. Whether it’s short films, behind the scenes videos, video essays or top 10 countdowns, the only requirement is that they are about–in some shape or form–our favorite geeky topics!
In this edition of Weekend Watch, we’re taking a look at the past, present, and future of the MCU through the lens of its key creative force – Kevin Feige. Much like the studio he operates, there’s a certain veil of secrecy that Feige brings to the table as a creator. Through this series of videos, we’ll get more insight into one of Hollywood’s most prominent producers.
This week, we have a couple of videos on Feige’s origins in the industry, along with his crucial influence in the founding of Marvel Studios. Plus, we have a trio of videos where Feige delves into each of the three phases of the MCU. Finally, we have three more videos that touch on what the future might hold in store for the groundbreaking cinematic universe. So without further adieu, let’s jump into this super-sized edition of Weekend Watch!
Kevin Feige On How He Got His Start In The Movie Business
Up first, we’ve got a great interview clip from the Producer’s Guild of America where Feige talks about his start in the movie business. Like many significant forces in Hollywood, the acclaimed producer came from humble beginnings. He worked his way up the ladder from PA to his current role with Marvel Studios. Although Feige had worked below-the-line positions on a number of projects beforehand, his big break came when he got his first Associate Producer credit on X-Men in 2000. With a few exceptions, he has essentially worked on every significant Marvel movie for the past two decades.
Kevin Feige & The Rise of Marvel Studios
Next, we have a great video from TV Junkie that gives us some context on how Feige got to be where he is today, it also sheds some insight into his massive role in Marvel’s success. As the President of Marvel Studios, Feige has a heavy day-to-day influence in every film that the studio creates, along with overseeing the larger narrative and continuity between entries.
The video also goes into the quick history on the formation of Marvel Studios, along with the way Feige organized the key creative cast and crew decisions early on. Even though it doesn’t cover some of the more recent movies, this video lays the groundwork for what we have next on the docket.
The Three Phases Of The MCU With Kevin Feige
In the first of three videos from Rotten Tomatoes, Feige takes us through the beginnings of the MCU. Aside from touching on each of the six films that comprise Phase One, Feige also recalls how the studio found it’s footing. He also talks about the bold casting of key players like Robert Downey Jr., as well as the various themes, anticipation, and expectations that various movies that bring to the table in the cinematic universe.
The next video delves into Phase Two, by taking a look at the evolution of the characters and storylines in the MCU. A big reason for this evolution is Feige’s decision to hire filmmakers with increasingly singular visions, such as Shane Black, the Russo Brothers and James Gunn. Feige makes it clear that Marvel Studios’ goal in Phase Two was to push the limit of what they could do with these stories, and Guardians of the Galaxy is the epitome of this idea. Feige also explains how this vital phase of Marvel films proved to lay the groundwork for not only Phase Three, but for Infinity War as well.
The third video naturally looks at Phase Three and the massive critical, commercial and cultural progression of the MCU. Although Feige alludes to it in one of the earlier videos, this one puts a heavy emphasis on the way that certain entries like Captain America: Civil War have managed to mirror society in a seemingly unintentional way. Feige also cites Doctor Strange and Black Panther as characters that he had long wanted to bring to the screen. Additionally, he speaks about director Taika Waititi, who was brought into the fold with Thor: Ragnarok. Feige also touches on the cultural impact of Black Panther, before sharing his favorite post-credits scenes.
Kevin Feige’s Britannia Awards Promo & Acceptance Speech
In this pair of videos, Kevin Feige gets the 2018 award for “worldwide contribution to entertainment”. The first comes from Marvel Studios Movies, which is the traditional awards montage that plays before acceptance speech. There’s not much heft here, other than providing some fun context for the actual speech below.
This second video from BAFTA showcases Feige’s acceptance speech for the award itself. It’s easy to see from this clip how humble Feige remains, despite his massive success as a creator and producer. Aside from the usual acceptance speech mumbo jumbo, it also gives some insight into his what philosophy is on the direction of the MCU moving forward.
Kevin Feige On Black Panther’s Impact On The Future Of The MCU
Looking to the future of the MCU, this “close-up” clip from THR showcases Kevin Feige’s best moments form the annual producer’s routable discussion. Aside from citing Black Panther’s success as the key to the MCU moving forward, we also hear Feige’s thoughts on the nearly complete Disney/Fox merger. Although Feige remains coy about their specific plans moving forward, he does mention Disney+ as a crucial part of that future.
Kevin Feige Hints At Avengers: Endgame & X-Men
Finally, this video from Everything Always features a recent interview clip where Feige discusses the future of the MCU – including the possible inclusion of the X-Men. Although this clip doesn’t give a definitive answer as to when the Fox characters would make their big screen debut in the MCU, it does give us an update on when the acquisition would be completed. Considering the additional six month period that Feige cites before Marvel Studios can develop Fox properties, we’re unlikely to see the X-Men in the MCU for at least a few more years – possibly even longer.
What are your thoughts on the future of the MCU? Which characters would you like to see brought to life in the future? Make sure to let us know in the comment section below!
