Superheroes may have captured the imagination of millions over the years, but are we finally nearing the end of the golden era? Tom Hanks, one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, recently stirred up some thoughts on superhero fatigue, particularly when it comes to the Avengers franchise. While the cinematic world has seen remarkable success with Marvel and DC films, Hanks believes audiences might be growing weary of the high-octane, flashy spectacle, longing for more relatable, story-driven content. But despite his concerns, some of the biggest names in Hollywood are standing firm in their belief that superhero films are here to stay—and perhaps even thrive.
During a candid conversation on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, Tom Hanks opened up about the changing nature of superhero films. He recalled a time when these larger-than-life characters felt like reflections of ourselves—heroes who were both flawed and aspirational. “I think we’ve been down that road for 20 years,” Hanks noted, pondering if the genre has explored its potential to the fullest. According to him, the audience is now looking for something deeper—films with a more grounded message and real themes. The era of escapist superhero fantasies, he suggests, may be over.
But before we give up on capes and capers, there are those who still passionately defend the genre. Chris Hemsworth, who’s built his career on portraying the mighty Thor, strongly rejects the notion of superhero fatigue. Speaking out against critics, Hemsworth expressed his frustration with those who undermine superhero films as a whole. “Tell that to the billions who watch them,” he said. For Hemsworth, the genre is more than just action and special effects—it’s a space that has captured hearts globally. Despite occasional duds, the superhero genre’s broad appeal can’t be ignored.
Marvel mastermind Kevin Feige is also unfazed by critics of superhero fatigue. In a podcast appearance, Feige compared the evolution of superhero films to the long-standing tradition of adapting novels into movies. With a rich library of source material spanning over 80 years, he believes the stories are far from exhausted. Marvel’s wealth of characters, themes, and narratives ensures the genre remains fresh, even in an era of fast-paced cinematic change.
Even Tom Holland, MCU’s Spider-Man, sees superhero films as true works of art. While acknowledging the difference in scale between superhero blockbusters and Oscar-bait indie films, Holland believes that both can be celebrated for their craft. To him, superhero films share the same foundational storytelling elements as any other great movie. The fact that they come with larger budgets only makes them more spectacular—but not less meaningful.
The Russo Brothers, who brought us the game-changing Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, also weigh in on the matter. Anthony Russo dismisses the notion of “superhero fatigue” as nothing more than general fatigue. Just as the Western genre evolved over decades, superhero films are bound to reinvent themselves, growing and adapting to new times.
And then there’s Joseph Quinn, the breakout star of Stranger Things who is now set to join the MCU. When asked about superhero fatigue, Quinn was quick to dismiss it. For him, superhero films are about the characters—about the human experience. It’s not just about spectacle; it’s about the emotional investment we have in the heroes. He believes that as long as the stories stay true to this, audiences will keep flocking to theaters.
So, while Tom Hanks may see the winds of change blowing through the superhero world, these Hollywood heavyweights aren’t ready to throw in the towel just yet. Far from fading, the superhero genre seems poised to evolve, adapt, and continue delivering the larger-than-life stories fans crave. Whether you’re a die-hard Marvel fan or a casual moviegoer, one thing’s for sure—the superhero saga isn’t going anywhere soon.