Marvel Cinematic Universe

Maisel believes a new worldwide mythology is possible but harder today due to competition for attention.

“it's possible, but I think it's a lot more difficult now”

Unblinded with Sean Callagy: How Iron Man Saved Marvel: David Maisel Shares the Real Story with Sean Callagy (May 21, 2026) · Listen from 1:12:48

Maisel predicts the original Avengers cast will return in the next Avengers film in December.

“that's why you'll see not just all of them back in the next Avengers in December, which is going to be amazing”

Unblinded with Sean Callagy: How Iron Man Saved Marvel: David Maisel Shares the Real Story with Sean Callagy (May 21, 2026) · Listen from 1:10:43

Maisel explains Marvel chose to introduce characters in solo films before uniting them in The Avengers.

“best to introduce the characters in their own movies so that you have two hours to get to know them”

Unblinded with Sean Callagy: How Iron Man Saved Marvel: David Maisel Shares the Real Story with Sean Callagy (May 21, 2026) · Listen from 44:44

Maisel argues that not every body of IP can become a cinematic universe regardless of talent involved.

“I don't believe any group of IP, no matter how talented the producer or the visionary is, can become what Marvel became, a cinematic universe”

Unblinded with Sean Callagy: How Iron Man Saved Marvel: David Maisel Shares the Real Story with Sean Callagy (May 21, 2026) · Listen from 34:32

Morris argues that the MCU declined after Endgame and that Deadpool & Wolverine succeeded through nostalgia rather than strong storytelling.

“I think they picked back up because they just hit all of the nostalgia points rather than actually building like the best storyline”

Digital Social Hour: Can Three People Really Be Happy? | Abigaiil Morris | DSH #2050 (Jul 5, 2026) · Listen from 32:40