Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios and a leading figure behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has recognized a legendary DC movie as the ideal superhero origin story. This acknowledgment highlights the impact of a 1978 film, which Feige credits as foundational in shaping how superhero origins are portrayed in modern cinema.
As Marvel and DC continue to evolve their cinematic universes with new films, the concept of an origin story remains crucial but has changed. Feige’s insight reveals how one classic DC film not only influenced the superhero genre broadly but also directly inspired Marvel’s approach to storytelling within the MCU.
Feige Highlights a Timeless DC Film as the Ultimate Superhero Origin
The film Kevin Feige praises is the 1978 release Superman: The Movie, directed by Richard Donner and featuring Christopher Reeve in the lead role. Now considered a cornerstone of the superhero genre, Feige has publicly acclaimed this movie as a model for origin storytelling. During a 2017 event at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Feige joined then-DC Studios executive Geoff Johns to honor Richard Donner’s contributions to film.
Feige expressed admiration not only for the film’s narrative but also for Donner’s personal influence on his career, noting that Donner gave him his first job in Hollywood. More importantly, he emphasized the lasting inspiration the Superman film provided:
Superman: The Movie is still to this day the archetype of the perfect superhero film origin story.
— Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios
This statement underscores how a DC production directly shaped the direction and success of Marvel’s cinematic ventures. Feige attributes part of the MCU’s foundation to the blueprint provided by Donner’s Superman, suggesting the genre’s evolution hinges on this early influence.
Why Superman: The Movie Remains a Standard for Origin Narratives
Feige’s endorsement of Superman: The Movie as the quintessential origin story is well-founded. Despite its age, the film continues to resonate due to its faithful yet engaging portrayal of Superman’s beginnings. Nearly five decades after its release, the movie’s enduring appeal lies in its strong narrative structure and emotional depth.
Donner’s film traces the story of Kal-El from the fall of Krypton to his upbringing by the Kents and eventual transformation into Superman. This traditional three-act layout effectively conveys the character’s journey while exploring themes of loss, identity, and heroism. The realistic and heartfelt interactions between Clark Kent and the human characters also add significant weight to the story.
Christopher Reeve’s portrayal remains definitive in the eyes of many, capturing both the vulnerability and strength necessary to bring Superman to life. His seamless shift between the mild-mannered Clark Kent and the powerful Superman enhanced the film‘s emotional impact and deepened audience connection. Superman: The Movie set the precedent for what superhero films could achieve, influencing filmmakers like Feige and others who have since advanced the genre.
The Enduring Influence of Superman on Marvel’s Cinematic Universe
Feige’s respect for Superman extends beyond professional courtesy, revealing how the film shaped his vision for Marvel’s storytelling. He mentioned,
We watch it before we make almost any one of our films, and that’s been the case for the past 17 years since I left the fold to go work for Marvel.
— Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios
This quote demonstrates the deep, ongoing influence Superman: The Movie holds within Marvel Studios. Despite heading Marvel, Feige continues to draw inspiration from a rival company’s classic film, highlighting the film’s universal impact on superhero cinema.
Feige also credits Jon Favreau, director of Iron Man—the MCU’s first major origin story—with admiring Donner’s Superman. This connection illustrates how the original Superman film not only set narrative standards but also served as a direct creative influence on pivotal Marvel projects.
With the Marvel franchise now considered the most successful superhero movie franchise in history, Feige’s acknowledgment of Superman underscores its critical role. The pioneering vision of Donner and the powerful storytelling of Superman: The Movie helped establish conventions that define the genre today, linking DC’s legacy to Marvel’s monumental success.
