MCU
The Reign of Marvel Studios
by Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, Gavin Edwards
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Pub Date Oct 10 2023 | Archive Date Sep 30 2023
W. W. Norton & Company | Liveright
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Description
The unauthorized, behind-the-scenes story of the stunning rise—and suddenly uncertain reign—of the most transformative cultural phenomenon of our time: the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Marvel Entertainment was a moribund toymaker not even twenty years ago. Today, Marvel Studios is the dominant player both in Hollywood and in global pop culture. How did an upstart studio conquer the world? In MCU, beloved culture writers Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, and Gavin Edwards draw on more than a hundred interviews with actors, producers, directors, and writers to present the definitive chronicle of Marvel Studios and its sole, ongoing production, the Marvel Cinematic Universe. For all its outward success, the studio was forged by near-constant conflict, from the contentious hiring of Robert Downey Jr. for its 2008 debut, Iron Man, all the way up to the disappointment of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and shocking departures of multiple Marvel executives in 2023. Throughout, the authors demonstrate that the original genius of Marvel was its resurrection and modification of Hollywood’s old studio system. But will it survive its own spectacular achievements? Dishy and authoritative, MCU is the first book to tell the Marvel Studios story in full—and an essential, effervescent account of American mass culture.
About the Authors: Joanna Robinson is a writer and podcaster at the Ringer. Previously, she worked at Vanity Fair.
Dave Gonzales is a podcaster and has written for the New York Times and the Guardian.
Gavin Edwards is the best-selling author of The Tao of Bill Murray and twelve other books.
Advance Praise
“I watched all the movies. I devoured all the articles. I listened to all the pods. I thought I knew everything there was to know about the MCU . . . and then I read this magnificent book. For fans, by fans; hilarious, gripping, and emotional; no infinity stone is left unturned. I loved it three thousand.” —Damon Lindelof
"At some point, the movies based on the Avengers superhero group and its individual members ceased to be just comic-book entertainment; they became cultural touchstones. Robinson, Gonzales, and Edwards bring extensive knowledge to the task of determining how, and they obviously love the craft of cinema . . . Something important took place when the Avengers assembled, and this book provides the background for the sprawling canvas." - Kirkus Reviews
"The book every MCU fan needs to read." - Alan Sepinwall, author of The Sopranos Sessions
"A deeply researched and engagingly written spin through Marvel history that gives credit where it’s due, without papering over cracks. Even the biggest fan will find new revelations and new perspectives in the often first-hand accounts of the studio’s climb to world dominance." - Helen O’Hara, Empire Magazine
"A riveting, deeply researched history of the collaborative wizardry and backstage showdowns behind Marvel Studios’ popcorn-movie empire." - Douglas Wolk, author of All of the Marvels
"A gift. Comprehensive, accessible, and entertaining, MCU makes for a great primer on a modern pillar of Hollywood entertainment." - Nicholas Quah, Vulture and New York Magazine
"Robinson, Gonzales, and Edwards deliver the definitive chronicle of the greatest cinematic achievement of all time. An absolute treasure trove of depth and detail that will delight both new Marvel fans and Marvel zombies from way back, like me." - Jeff Cannata
"I thought I was an authority on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but I was wrong. This impeccably researched and reported tome is both a propulsive page turner and a real peek behind the curtain into how you build a cultural phenomenon, brick by obsessive brick." - Marc Bernardin, screenwriter and comic book author
Available Editions
| EDITION | Hardcover |
| ISBN | 9781631497513 |
| PRICE | $35.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 528 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Stuart R, Reviewer
I absolutely loved this book. No matter how much you think you know about the MCU, I am sure you will still learn so much. The authors have such a fine eye for detail - I felt validated by their own delight in the “Avengers Assemble” cry being cut short at the end of Age of Ultron. They seem to have spoken with everyone ever associated with a Marvel film. The writing is breezy but not breathlessly adoring. They strike a wonderful balance of business analysis and artistic deep-dives.
Rather than dwell too long on any MCU movie, the book’s premise is that the star of the MCU (besides Kevin Feige and the charmingly megalomaniacal Robert Downey, Jr.) is the interlinked, crossed-over, continuing monolith saga spanning across the films and now TV. You can’t finish this book without recognize that u inquest and monumental achievement.
(And, as when watching Marvel movies, don’t skip thru the credits - you won’t be disappointed.)
Many thanks to W.W. Norton & Company and NetGalley for the advance reader’s copy.
Elisabeth d, Reviewer
Thank you W. W. Norton & Company for providing me with an ARC
I've been a Marvel fan since X-Men '92 and watched every MCU entry since Iron Man. However, I didn't know about the behind-the-scenes process and the people behind the studio. For example, I knew that getting a female fronted solo film was not happening because they (the faceless they) didn't think it would sell toys. But I didn't know the who specifically, or the why, or the culture of Marvel. MCU was a great deep-dive into twenty-plus years of the cinematic history of Marvel movies and the MCU.
It's fast-paced for a non-fiction book. I couldn't put it down, which is a non-fiction rarity for me. I was interesting in reading this book because of one author: Joanna Robinson, who I listen to on the House of R podcast on the Ringerverse network. If you are a Marvel fan, I'd recommend that pod, and this book.
Mollie F, Reviewer
Thank you to W. W. Norton & Company and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I heard this existed from a ScreenCrush video where Ryan Arey had gotten a copy which told me that I needed to read this. There was so much information here that Marvel fans will love. Some of these stories I had already heard in the ether, like Tom Hiddleston auditioning for Thor, but there was so much more here. It does not encompass all that has occurred in 2023 but does have some, If you want a behind the scenes look at how this studio became what it is now and all of the history behind it, you should read this book.
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