Deadpool Co-Creator Rob Liefeld Calls for Kevin Feige‘s Resignation After ‘Captain America 4’ Struggles

Rob Liefeld, the co-creator of Deadpool, has publicly called for the resignation of Kevin Feige, the President of Marvel Studios. This demand follows what Liefeld considers a string of underperforming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films, including *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania*, *The Marvels*, and *Captain America: Brave New World*. The artist voiced his concerns on social media, citing declining box office numbers and a perceived decrease in the quality of Marvel’s recent productions.

Liefeld’s criticism comes at a pivotal time for Marvel Studios. While *Deadpool & Wolverine* achieved critically important success in 2024, grossing $1.3 billion, the performance of other recent films has sparked debate about the studio’s current direction. *Captain America: Brave New World*, starring Anthony Mackie, is projected to earn around $300 million worldwide. Given its reported $180 million budget, excluding promotional costs, this figure is viewed as a modest success at best, and potentially a disappointment for a franchise of Marvel’s magnitude.

liefeld’s public Outburst

Liefeld’s call for Feige’s resignation was made via social media, where he shared an article discussing the second-weekend box office performance of *Captain America: Brave New World*. Using baseball terminology, Liefeld stated:

Remove Feige from his post. It is indeed indeed at the end.

he further supported his argument by referencing an analysis by scott Mendelson,a box office analyst,highlighting the increasing frequency of significant box office drops for MCU films. Mendelson’s analysis pointed out that before 2021, no Marvel film had experienced a second-weekend attendance drop greater than -62.2% in the United States. However, *Captain america: brave New World* is the eighth film to perform worse than that benchmark, following *Black Widow* (-68%), *Eternals* (-62.3%), *Spider-Man: No way Home* (-67%), *Doctor Strange in the multiverse of madness* (-67%), *Thor: Love and Thunder* (-68%), *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania* (-70%), and *The Marvels* (-78%).

Liefeld elaborated on Mendelson’s analysis, drawing parallels between the Marvel brand and successful sports franchises:

As shared by Scott Mendelson, the MCU is on a prolonged decline. It goes beyond a trend, it’s become a standard. If this was sports, Feige would be removed. Marvel brand is like Dodgers,Lakers,Yankees,Celtics,coaches that win championships are replaced a year later if the results are disappointing.

He further emphasized his point, questioning the overall quality of recent Marvel films:

the analysis of box office Scott Mendelson shows this. It is indeed not a secret and it goes beyond a trend. This is the standard now.8 films that are planted over the past 3 years. Don’t we want better films? You attract the curious public and then it dives.

A History of Disagreement

It’s significant to note that Liefeld’s criticism of Feige and Marvel Studios is not new. he has previously expressed dissatisfaction with the studio’s treatment of comic book creators, specifically citing issues with Disney CEO Bob Iger and Kevin Feige. In early Febuary 2025, Liefeld stated that he would no longer work with Marvel Studios, alleging that:

Kevin Feige does not treat comic book creators well. (…) At one point, you say to yourself, “OK, message received, and the message is clear”.

Despite these personal grievances, Liefeld’s recent comments reflect a broader concern about the direction of the MCU following the success of *Avengers: Infinity War* and *Avengers: Endgame*. While films like *Spider-man: No way Home* ($1.9 billion), *Deadpool & Wolverine* ($1.3 billion), *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness* ($952 million), *Black Panther: Wakanda forever* ($853 million), and *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3* ($845 million) have achieved considerable financial success,others have fallen short of expectations. *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings* ($432 million), *Eternals* ($401 million), and *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania* ($463 million) represent more lukewarm performances, while *The Marvels* suffered the worst box office results in MCU history, grossing approximately $200 million against an estimated $300 million budget.

Marvel’s MCU in Crisis? Liefeld’s Feige Resignation Call Sparks Industry Debate

Is the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) losing its magic, and could the departure of Kevin Feige truly revitalize the franchise?

Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert in media franchise management and cinematic storytelling, shared her insights on the controversial situation and the broader implications for the MCU’s future.

Dr. Sharma stated that Rob Liefeld’s criticism, while jarring, highlights a genuine concern within the industry: the perceived decline in the overall quality and box office performance of recent Marvel Cinematic Universe films. She added that Liefeld’s comments,while perhaps overly dramatic,underscore a larger conversation about the sustainability of major film franchises and the potential risks of creative stagnation. His call for Kevin feige’s resignation, however, is a symptom of a deeper issue—the need for creative reinvention and a renewed focus on storytelling excellence within the MCU.

Regarding the underperformance of films like *Captain America: Brave New World*, *Ant-Man 3*, and *The Marvels*, Dr. Sharma noted that the box office numbers tell onyl part of the story. While *Deadpool & Wolverine*

Marvel’s MCU in Crisis? A Deep Dive into Liefeld’s Feige Resignation Call

Is the marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) facing a creative and financial crossroads? The recent box office underperformance of several MCU films has sparked a heated debate, culminating in a public call for the resignation of Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige.

Interviewer: Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert in media franchise management and cinematic storytelling, welcome to World-Today-News.com. Rob Liefeld’s call for Kevin Feige’s resignation has sent shockwaves through the industry.Can you unpack the meaning of this event and its potential implications for the MCU’s future?

Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me. Rob Liefeld’s outspoken criticism, while perhaps dramatic in its delivery, reflects a broader concern within the industry: the perceived decline in the creative quality and subsequent box office performance of recent Marvel Cinematic universe movies.His call for Kevin Feige’s resignation is indeed a symptom of a deeper issue – the urgent need for creative reinvention and a renewed focus on compelling storytelling within the MCU. It’s crucial to remember that while box office numbers are notable, they don’t tell the whole story. We need to examine the underlying creative decisions and audience response more critically.

Interviewer: Liefeld points to the comparatively lower box office returns of films like Captain America: Brave New World, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and The Marvels, compared to earlier successes like Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: No Way Home. What are the key factors contributing to this apparent decline?

Dr. Sharma: the diminishing returns observed in several recent MCU releases are multifaceted.A contributing factor might be audience fatigue. The sheer volume of MCU content released in recent years could have led to a saturation point where the novelty and excitement have begun to wane for some viewers. Additionally, critics and audiences alike have pointed to a perceived decline in the overall quality of storytelling and character development, potentially impacting audience engagement and box office success.This doesn’t discount inherent risks in filmmaking or the cyclical nature of box-office success, but it necessitates a serious look at the strategic creative direction of the MCU.

Interviewer: Liefeld’s argument seems to be rooted in the idea that a leadership change is necessary. Do you believe a change at the top of marvel Studios would indeed revitalize the franchise?

dr. Sharma: The question of whether replacing Kevin Feige would automatically revitalize the MCU is complex. While leadership changes can sometimes inject new energy and perspectives, it’s not a guaranteed solution. A more effective approach might involve addressing the core issues contributing to the current challenges, including re-evaluating the creative process, prioritizing original and compelling narratives, and ensuring adequate time and resources for development and production rather of fixating on a fast release cycle. Ultimately, success depends less on the individual at the helm and more on a collective commitment to innovation and strategic refinement of the franchise.

Interviewer: What specific steps could Marvel Studios take to regain its footing in this increasingly competitive landscape?

Dr. Sharma: marvel Studios should consider these key strategic moves:

Prioritize quality over quantity: Focus on crafting fewer, more impactful films with stronger narratives and more nuanced characters rather than adhering to a rigid release schedule.

Invest in original stories and diverse voices: Explore new storylines and genres while actively seeking out and amplifying diverse voices within the creative team.

Foster stronger collaboration with comic book creators: Strengthen the relationship between the studio and the source material’s creators, incorporating their insights and expertise into the storytelling process.

Renew a focus on character development: Prioritize in-depth character arcs and relationships, moving beyond formulaic plots and predictable outcomes, allowing room for character growth and meaningful change.

* Embrace risk and experimentation: Don’t shy away from experimentation with different narrative styles and formats, embracing bold and innovative approaches to storytelling while staying true to the essence of the Marvel universe.

Interviewer: Dr. Sharma, what’s your overall prognosis for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

Dr. Sharma: The MCU’s future hinges on its ability to adapt and evolve. While the recent box office performance of several films has caused concern, it’s not a death knell. By meticulously addressing the factors contributing to these challenges – from audience fatigue to narrative shortcomings – the MCU can navigate this period and regain its former glory. The key lies in a renewed focus on creative excellence, audience engagement, and a willingness to embrace change and innovation. The passionate fanbase and vast wealth of source material offer enormous potential,provided the studio prioritizes quality storytelling and strategic planning over rapid content production

Let’s discuss more! Feel free to share your thoughts on the future of the MCU in the comments below or engage with our discussions across social media platforms!