George Lucas Stands Up for Marvel Movies After Martin Scorsese’s Critique:“Marty Has Kind of Changed His Mind a Little Bit”

The MCU has seen its highs and lows in recent years, yet it remains the most successful franchise of all time. What began with a single movie in 2008 has evolved over 16 years into the largest cinematic universe to date, spanning both live-action films and TV shows.

Despite this remarkable achievement, there’s been a growing trend among prominent directors to criticize the MCU and superhero movies in general. Filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Francis Ford Coppola have mocked their concepts and execution, arguing that superhero movies don’t qualify as true cinema.

Five years ago, Martin Scorsese, one of the most acclaimed directors of all time, took aim at the genre, stating that he didn’t view them as cinema.

I don’t see them. I tried, you know? But that’s not cinema. Honestly, the closest I can think of them, as well made as they are, with actors doing the best they can under the circumstances, is theme parks. It isn’t the cinema of human beings trying to convey emotional, psychological experiences to another human being.

Scorsese’s statement continues to be referenced, particularly by critics of superhero movies. In a rare interview at Cannes this week, Lucas was questioned about his perspective on Scorsese’s critical stance toward superhero movies. He offered an intriguing response:

Look. Cinema is the art of a moving image. So if the image moves, then it’s cinema. I think Marty has kind of changed his mind a little bit

Considering that Star Wars shares many themes with MCU movies, it’s understandable that Lucas holds this perspective on superhero movies.

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