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MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios

By: Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, Gavin Edwards
Narrated by: Andrew Kishino, Joanna Robinson
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Summary

Marvel Entertainment was a struggling toymaker not even twenty years ago. Today, Marvel Studios is the dominant player both in Hollywood and in global pop culture. But what accounts for its stunning rise?

In MCU, beloved culture writers Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, and Gavin Edwards draw on more than a hundred interviews with actors, producers, directors, and writers to present the definitive chronicle of Marvel Studios and its sole, ongoing production, the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As they delve into the studio's key moments - from the contentious hiring of Robert Downey Jr. for Iron Man to the negotiations over Disney's acquisition of Marvel to studio head Kevin Feige's embrace of streaming TV - the authors demonstrate that the genius of Marvel was its resurrection and modification of Hollywood's old studio system. Dishy and authoritative, MCU is the first book to tell the Marvel Studios story in full - and an essential, effervescent account of popular culture.

©2023 Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, Gavin Edwards (P)2023 Recorded Books
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Critic reviews

'A gift. Comprehensive, accessible, and entertaining, MCU makes for a great primer on a modern pillar of Hollywood entertainment.' (Nicholas Quah)
'A riveting, deeply researched history of the collaborative wizardry and backstage showdowns behind Marvel Studios' popcorn-movie empire.' (Douglas Wolk)
'Robinson, Gonzales, and Edwards deliver the definitive chronicle of the greatest cinematic achievement of all time. An absolute treasure trove of depth and detail that will delight both new Marvel fans and Marvel zombies from way back, like me.' (Jeff Cannata)

What listeners say about MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Marvel-ous listen.

Really enjoyed hearing how the sausage was made. A must for fanboys/girks alike. Nuff said. Excelsior true believers.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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The best history of the MCU yey

Loved this retelling of the MCU history.

Fascinating quotes and detailed history of how we went from Iron Man to Infinity Saga and beyond.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A comprehensive look behind the curtain at Marvel Entertainment, from Iron Man (2007) to She Hulk (2023)

As a huge fan of Marvel Comics, Marvel Entertainment, and the MCU, the insights into the conception of Marvel and the rise of King Kevin made for a thrilling read. My only criticism was the final chapter, it seemed to end rather abruptly.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Enjoyable and fascinating

I'm not the biggest marvel fan but have seen pretty much all of the films in the first three phases and I'm also a general fan of the ringer's podcast content so this was a good match.

I whizzed through this and would recommend for anyone who has an interest in marvel, recent Hollywood history or just generally likes movie podcasts.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Outstanding

Great insight into the production of the Marvel movies and TV shows. Stories behind the magic we see on screen.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Amazing book

Smashed through this book in less than a week because I couldn't stop listening. Amazing how much research has been done and I learnt a lot.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Become a True Believer

As a Marvel Comic fan for nearly 50 years I have always wondered how Kevin Feige was able to chaperone all the characters and backstories for the characters of Marvel into the MCU. This book not only traces his challenges and leadership struggles but also how he, and others in Marvel Studios, confronted the political machinations of Marvel, Toy Biz and Disney executives too.
This was a truly fascinating story and a must read for any Marvel or MCU fan.
Catch up now before the next chapters unravel in 2024.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Why doesn't it say forward by Joanna Robinson

I'm sure all three authors contributed to this work and research. It is a TOME of details, names and adventures from the boardrooms and backrooms of the MCU. But it sure doesn't sound like the analysis and style I'd signed up for.
Joanna narrates the first short section then it rotates to Andrew Kishino reading. For the entirety of all the following chapters.

It's all good stuff, but not what I felt like I was sold. I'm genuinely conflicted here. I love movie details and trivia. I got over half way through before I started skipping to see if there's ever a section by anyone else. And wound I back, so as not to lose my place.

Would I have bought it if I read this review first.... probably not. Will I finish it.... most likely. I feel like this is a disservice to the work. But it's the truth.

This is Antman. What we got was great, but I can't help thinking about the thing I heard about.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Puff piece about MCU & how wonderful Kevin is.

Sold as a tell all book... but its not. its a very biased puff piece... Clearly done by Kevin and his pandering sycophantic inner circle...where the narrative is everything kevin does is right and everyone else is wrong and a barrier ruining everything of his brilliance.

Inadvertantly however despite poor journalism of its authors, it does explain what went wrong with MCU... they took all the checks & balances away (new york commitee) and came what seems to be an ego fuelled tyranical leader unchecked reign, who couldnt keep up and was ego-centric to share the workload... now mcu has reached a total mess.

So in summary, would i recommend rhis book... no not really as it doesnt scrutinise anything... it is however well written, so if you are ok with any lack of journalistic authors integrity to scratch under the amber nector they are being fed by Kevins inner circle, then you may enjoy.

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2 people found this helpful