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MCU

The Reign of Marvel Studios

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MCU

Written by: Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, Gavin Edwards
Narrated by: Andrew Kishino, Joanna Robinson
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About this listen

“I watched all the movies. I devoured all the articles. I listened to all the pods. I thought I knew everything there was to know about the MCU . . . and then I read this magnificent book. For fans, by fans; hilarious, gripping, and emotional; no infinity stone is left unturned. I loved it three thousand.” Damon Lindelof

The unauthorized, behind-the-scenes story of the stunning rise and suddenly uncertain reign of the most transformative cultural phenomenon of our time: the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Marvel Entertainment was a moribund toymaker not even twenty years ago. Today, Marvel Studios is the dominant player both in Hollywood and in global pop culture. How did an upstart studio conquer the world? 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. For all its outward success, the studio was forged by near-constant conflict, from the contentious hiring of Robert Downey Jr. for its 2008 debut, Iron Man, all the way up to the disappointment of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and shocking departures of multiple Marvel executives in 2023. Throughout, the authors demonstrate that the original genius of Marvel was its resurrection and modification of Hollywood’s old studio system. But will it survive its own spectacular achievements? Dishy and authoritative, MCU is the first book to tell the Marvel Studios story in full and an essential, effervescent account of American mass culture.

©2023 Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, Gavin Edwards (P)2023 Recorded Books
Film & TV Fantasy Celebrity Witty
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What listeners say about MCU

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Essential reading/listening for any MCU fan

Provided so much insight & filled in so many gaps into what I knew (or thought I knew) about the films and what’s gone on behind the scenes over the last 15+ years. Additional note: if you enjoy this, check out Joanna Robinson talk more about Marvel films and much more on “The House of R” podcast (no, I’m not a plant - just someone who appreciates her work).

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A well told tale worth telling

These three writers have done the legwork to tell the story of cinemas greatest hegemony. Engaging and highly entertaining.

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Great But Wanted More

This was a great book to listen to, I’m just annoyed they skipped over talking about Doctor Strange entirely in the Phase 3 section of the book. Maybe one day, we’ll get more on that, though I doubt it’ll be soon.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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an absolutely must read

an incredibly delightful insight into the construction and formation of one of the titans of the industry that leaves you shaking your head, laughing and going "whoa" with startling frequency. an absolute must read for anyone even remotely interested in how the Marvel Cinematic Universe came into being without for a moment feeling dry or over informative.

My ONLY wish is that Joanna had read this whole book herself, as I found her reading the intro just a little more engaging then the rest of the narration - but she's one of my favorite podcast hosts, so that's to be expected!

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An Exercise in Water Carrying

The book is well narrated but the subject matter is presented in such a positive light it makes one wonder if Marvel itself secretly commissioned the book. The book glosses over or, in many cases, outright ignores facts that run contrary to the narrative that post 2015 or so Marvel can do no wrong. Its baffling. There's also the issue that a considerable amount of the information in the book is generic information that can be found on dozens of sites. If you’re hoping for a proper look under the hood of Marvel, this isn’t it. A huge disappointment.

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