According to confirmed reports, Don Cheadle’s Armor Wars, a highly anticipated undertaking, is paving the way for major transformative change. The project that was supposed to be a series is now being redesigned and redeveloped as a feature film. Needless to say, the creative decision is a brilliant course of action taken by Marvel Studios. Shaking up the Disney+ 6-episode formula format is generally known for its points on a potentially great premise.
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This change has several implications and may be an attempt by Marvel Studios to deal with their past mistakes. With efforts like Ms. Marvel, Hawkeye, and moon knight, the pacing seemed to be the biggest drawback. Some parts felt endless, and others felt incredibly rushed. Obviously, the established format didn’t help the MCU’s narrative tell a deep story. In this regard, how exactly Armor Wars transcended beyond such limits? Let’s take a closer look.
The Problem With The Disney+ MCU Series
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The more the merrier, right? Maybe not in the case of Disney+ Marvel shows. While most of these series have redeemable qualities, they still signal mishaps caused by a constrained formula premise. With MCU films, regardless of the narrative, the pacing is kept well to focus on the central aspects surrounding the subject of the film. In the case of the series, it becomes an effort to squeeze too much into one show – perhaps out of fear of lack of renewal.
Take for example, Ms. Marvel. Apart from the 6 episode structure which completely slaughtered specific plot points, we have to consider the problem that the villains of the series were dealing with. Exposed to terrible pacing and lukewarm character arcs, the show’s villains felt far from menacing. The underground barely had time to develop. Over the course of a few episodes, a lot has happened in a very short time.
This left fans beyond disappointed. What could have turned out to be one of the coolest groups of villains turned out to be mere flukes. Something similar happened with both The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Moon Knight. The first featured a group known as the Flag Smashers. Their deceptive and nonsensical motives fell flat. A subsequent attempt to humanize the characters made it seem halfhearted, unnecessary, and noncommittal.
The latter, on the other hand, featured villains who felt archetypal notions the MCU seemingly can’t let go – villains who seemingly have a purpose that is for the “greater good”not just because they “want to.” However, this particular flaw is more embedded in the overall MCU narrative. Therefore, blaming the format of the show will not help in this regard.
However, with each repeat, nearly every villain in the Disney+ MCU series feels like a half-hearted attempt. That doesn’t give us substantial reason to resonate with the plot’s heroes. Instead, we’re too busy figuring out what happened or why something isn’t happening.
Beyond the 6 episode structure, we also have efforts like Wanda Vision which could have actually benefited from a shorter stroke instead. The problem here lies beyond a basic structure that must be mechanically followed. Each story has different requirements. It involves different characters, different motivations, and different villains – all with something unique to tell and offer the premise. If we put constraints on how it should be formatted or presented, it can ruin many elements.
Likewise, an effort to overdo it and constantly add fillers for public spectacle should probably be stopped. And that brings us to the next point.
Another issue that has plagued Disney+ MCU efforts is the cameo issue. While it builds hype or teases what the future is about to bring, it takes all the focus away from the character we’re supposed to care about. It goes without saying, She-Hulk: Lawyer suffers greatly from this flaw – thousands of fans feeling bitter about the lack of Daredevil, instead of caring about the story Jen Walters has to tell.
Ultimately, Marvel Studios needs to realize that the oversaturation of such elements and shows is the backbone of the “MCU fatigue” people seem to be feeling. With redundant and overly repetitive plot points, the lack of well fleshed out characters, and the understated relevance of the main characters to consider, Don Cheadle’s Armor Wars not being a 6 episode series is a pretty big and well deserved change.
Why Armor Wars is an important film
According to the much-discussed THR report, Armor Wars will pass 6 episode restrictions and transcend the reputation of the Disney+ MCU series. This change, while much celebrated, arguably should have been the plan from the start. Don Cheadle’s James Rhodes is a character audiences have known for a while now. Armor Wars planned to delve into Rhodey’s psyche, an active attempt to further establish his character in the franchise.
Additionally, the Yassir Lester-penned project would see War Machine become a full-fledged character, honoring Tony Stark’s legacy but rising above his shadow. With such aspects to consider, Armor Wars not being a series does more good than harm to Don Cheadle’s effort. In fact, it’s meant to keep the focus on Rhodey, instead of having to stick to the prescribed standards of the Disney+ Marvel TV formula.
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When budget is taken into consideration, the shows are suffering a lot with a substantial decrease in such a crucial area of production. The oversaturation of such a series prohibits producers from investing in one big project at a time. What we then get in turn is a She-Hulk-esque CGI problem. Armor Wars we hope that they will not suffer such threats.
As fans of the franchise will attest, the news is a great indication – Marvel Studios might finally be heeding the constructive feedback and criticism. Also, a title like Armor Wars should definitely get the cinematic treatment. The plot, too – which will detail the havoc that could occur if Stark technology falls into the wrong person’s hands – is perfect for a theatrical experience, rather than a 6 episode weekly wait.
A perfect premise for a real action thriller, Armor Wars the transition to a feature film format will not only shine the spotlight on Rhodey, but potentially allow the studio to highlight other key characters – new or old, good or bad, heroes or villains.
Therefore, this latest reveal could honor Don Cheadle’s contributions to the franchise more than a Disney+ series could have.
Armor Wars will begin production in 2023.
