The Marvels

The Marvels is a superhero film released on 10 November 2023 in the United States, following its premiere on 7 November 2023 in Las Vegas. Directed by Nia DaCosta, the film is a sequel to Captain Marvel (2019) and continues from the Ms. Marvel miniseries (2022). It is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and is notable for being the 33rd film in the series.

The story revolves around three superheroes: Carol Danvers (played by Brie Larson), Monica Rambeau (played by Teyonah Parris), and Kamala Khan (played by Iman Vellani). This trio finds themselves mysteriously swapping places whenever they use their powers, prompting an adventure that leads them to confront Kree enemies and form a new team dubbed "the Marvels."

The film received mixed reviews from audiences and critics alike. While the performances of the lead trio were praised, especially the chemistry among them, the film's script and inconsistent tone were criticized. It has been labeled as a box-office bomb, grossing only $206.1 million against a production budget of around $374 million, making it the lowest-grossing film in the MCU.

Development for a sequel to Captain Marvel began in early 2020, with Megan McDonnell brought on as co-writer alongside DaCosta. The production faced several delays primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with principal photography wrapping up by mid-May 2022 across various locations, including New Jersey, England, and Italy.

The film's narrative kicks off with Carol Danvers destroying the Supreme Intelligence, a significant turning point that leads to chaos on the Kree home world. The struggle between the Kree and Danvers ultimately results in the formation of the Marvels team, which must confront the antagonist, Dar-Benn (played by Zawe Ashton), who seeks to restore her home planet.

As the plot unfolds, the characters travel to various unique worlds, including a water planet, where they face off against Dar-Benn's schemes to siphon energy from the sun to revive Hala, their desolate home world. The team dynamics and abilities of the three superheroes come together in a race against time to save multiple planets from Dar-Benn’s destructive plans.

The film highlights themes of teamwork and identity, showcasing a humorous and imaginative adventure, despite the criticisms it has faced. Fans of the MCU may find enjoyment in the vibrant interactions and character development presented throughout the film.

For music, Laura Karpman composed the score, which emphasizes the film’s themes of family and camaraderie. The soundtrack was released on 8 November 2023.

The marketing for The Marvels included appearances by the lead cast at events like the D23 Expo and a teaser trailer that generated excitement among fans, reinforced by promotional partnerships with brands like Bic and Pita Pit.

Overall, The Marvels marks a significant entry in the MCU, driven by its female-led cast, and explores new dynamics within a well-known universe. Despite the hurdles it encountered in its box office performance, the film remains a noteworthy part of the Marvel franchise.