In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), character deaths are not uncommon, often serving to heighten the stakes and emotional impact of the stories. However, one peculiar trend within the MCU involves the unfortunate fate of siblings. Whether it’s Loki and Thor, Natasha and Yelena, or Wanda and Pietro, it seems that siblings are consistently targeted for heart-wrenching moments. Even the relationship between Nebula and Gamora faced irrevocable changes after the demise of the “original” Gamora on Vormir. As the MCU embarks on Phase 5 with The Marvels, there is hope that this trend may finally be broken.
The Marvels’ Unique Plot And Its Impact On The MCU
The Marvels: A New Direction for Sibling Dynamics in the MCU
In a recent interview with Empire, director Nia DaCosta shed light on the unique direction The Marvels will take. DaCosta aims to establish a strong sisterly bond between the titular heroes, explaining, “I thought it would be cool to map an estranged family history onto them,” which aligns with the movie’s title. While Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers), Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan), and Photon (Monica Rambeau) are not blood-related, their shared experience of navigating light-based powers and space-swapping shenanigans has already forged a bond between them, whether they realize it or not. The film’s recent trailer underscores Captain Marvel’s loneliness before she becomes intertwined with the lives of these two strangers who possess powers similar to her own.
Traditionally, the MCU’s sibling-focused death trend would suggest that one or more of these newfound “sisters” is in mortal danger. However, The Marvels appears to defy this pattern, offering no indication that any of the movie’s co-stars are destined for death, at least not in the immediate future. Danvers, Rambeau, and Khan each have substantial roles to play in the MCU, with the latter two characters having only recently been introduced. It would be premature and arguably unnecessary for Marvel to eliminate any of these characters now, especially when the film is actively establishing a dynamic that could greatly benefit the MCU and address longstanding complaints.
Rectifying An Old MCU Critique
The Marvels: Paving the Way for Meaningful Female Relationships
One long-standing critique of the MCU has been its limited portrayal of substantive relationships between female characters. This criticism was notably highlighted during the all-women team-up scene in Avengers: Endgame, which some fans felt lacked emotional depth. The Marvels, however, appears poised to rectify this issue by placing a significant emphasis on the development of a sisterhood among its three protagonists. This newfound focus on meaningful female relationships could have far-reaching implications for the MCU, potentially culminating in emotional and exciting payoffs in the Multiverse Saga finale.
In summary, The Marvels has the potential to break the MCU’s peculiar trend of sibling deaths, as it introduces a sisterly bond between its titular heroes, Carol Danvers, Kamala Khan, and Monica Rambeau. Rather than perpetuating the tradition of killing off siblings for dramatic effect, the film seems committed to nurturing these characters and their relationships, ensuring that their eventual fates will carry substantial emotional weight. Additionally, The Marvels could address an old critique by providing substantial relationships between its female characters, fostering a sisterhood that could lead to compelling developments in the MCU’s overarching narrative. As Phase 5 unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate whether The Marvels will indeed defy expectations and chart a new course for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
