By far the highest grossing film franchise to date, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has not only emptied our wallets but filled our imaginations. This modern-day mythical saga and science-fiction adventure consisting of more than 20 films spanning multiple genres and storylines has expertly crafted an ever-growing tale of the cosmic battle between good and evil.
Beyond the ever-evolving complex and elaborate narratives, the charismatic and charming characters, and the inter-galactic battles and wars – there is some element of the Marvel Universe that not only captures the imagination but strikes at the viewer’s heart.
With the recent release of Marvel’s newest trailer, both celebrating the art of storytelling as well as showcasing what is to come in the Cinematic Universe, we are given a glimpse of the true core of the blockbuster films, and perhaps the reason why these stories have captured the hearts and minds of so many.
As the trailer begins, the voice of the brilliant mastermind behind the Marvel Universe, Stan Lee, pronounces boldly, “The world may change and evolve, but the one thing that will never change: we’re all part of one big family.” It is without a doubt that the Marvel movies strive to foster in us a sense of camaraderie and companionship, a sense of belonging and family, a sense of being part of a greater story.
Amidst the flashing of scenes from previous movies and the echoing of Stan Lee’s voice in the background of the newest trailer for the MCU, we read onscreen: We go to escape, to get lost in a story, to feel connected, to share moments we will remember forever.
If there is one thing that the Marvel films succeed at, it is making us feel like we are part of a family, part of a greater story. This desire for belonging to something bigger is written on the human heart. We crave belonging, connectedness, family.
As the famous line from English poet, John Donne, goes: “No man is an island.” Sadly, in today’s world many feel distanced, disconnected, and alone. In the face of this cosmic loneliness, many long for a sense of belonging, desire to be part of something bigger, and hope that there is more to the human story.
Cosmic battle between good and evil
This is one of the reasons that the great stories such as Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Star Wars have been so successful. We all have a tacit awareness that there is something bigger than us, that our lives and stories are part of something even greater. We desire to share in the great adventure of life and history, to fight on the side of good and battle the forces of evil.
It is precisely because the Marvel films have captured the great drama of the battle between good and evil that we are so entranced by the stories, that we feel so personally involved and affected by the choices and actions of the heroes. These movies and stories are pure fiction, but truly point to realities that we encounter. Every day we encounter the battle between good and evil – both in our hearts and in the world around us.
The Marvel films give us the opportunity to live vicariously through those who stake their lives on the side of good and willingly lay down their lives in the face of evil for the sake of saving others. And these films are filled with characters willing to do just that, sacrifice themselves for others.
One of the endearing aspects of the Marvel films is the ever-growing number of characters – there is always a new superhero with a new superpower, eager to aid in overcoming the newest enemy. From the earliest Marvel movies to those not yet released, the number of characters and the size of the universe has grown by leaps and bounds. As the dark and nefarious forces for evil grow ever larger and more formidable, so too do the forces for good. Yet, we always know, no matter how big the threat, how evil the enemy, how hopeless the situation – the side of good is always victorious.
And yet, we are still eager to watch and re-watch the films. We do not watch the Marvel films to see if the forces of good will vanquish evil, we know they will. We watch the films, over and over again, so we can share in that adventure, so we can belong to the drama of good and evil, so we can watch with joy and excitement as the forces of evil lose to the forces of good, over and over again.
As Christians, we ought to approach our lives in a much similar way, recognizing Christ’s victory over sin and death, knowing the demons of Hell have been thoroughly vanquished by the Lord and His angels. And yet, unlike the movies, we are called to actually participate in the battle of good versus evil. The war has been won, but the battles must be continually fought, most especially in our own hearts.
The hearts, minds, and imaginations of millions have been captured by the great tales of the Marvel Cinematic Universe because these excellent films tell the beautiful drama of the war between good and evil, inviting us to feel part of this great story. But, when the movie is over and the TV turned off, we might be tempted to feel alone and insignificant, distant and disconnected.
We must be reminded that we really do belong to something bigger. As Christians we are part of the family of God, and there really is a war between good and evil, a true story in which all our lives a play a role. The adventure of Christianity is one that far exceeds the depth, complexity, and excitement of the MCU – because it is a story that is true.
Hunter Leonard
Hunter Leonard is a passionate Catholic with an intense love for learning about and sharing the Faith. He holds an M.A. in Theology from the Augustine Institute and a B.A. in English from California State University at Northridge. Hunter works as a Happiness Engineer with Flocknote and publishes monthly articles with Catholic Stand.