The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a well-oiled machine at this level, one which consistently releases new content material in theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. Whereas OG followers have spent years watching the Marvel films so as, the youthful generations weren’t alive to had been very younger when all of it started with Iron Man in 2008. That was the case for Kevin Feige’s son, who simply received invested within the MCU via an surprising entry level.
Whereas the hardcore fandom is consistently hoping for particulars about upcoming Marvel films, Feige’s son wasn’t traditionally tht passionate. In a dialog with The Wrap, the studio head mentioned he merely “feigned curiosity in a supportive manner”, though that modified with the online game Marvel Rivals. He defined how that on-line sport modified his son’s perspective, providing:
Out of the blue, he was asking me to inform him extra about Hela. Inform him extra about The Punisher and these different characters. And then he began searching for them out within the exhibits.
Quite than stepping into the MCU on account of his well-known father, it sounds just like the youthful Feige needed to discover his nerdiness organically. So as an alternative of watching the shared universe’s TV and transfer content material, Mr. Feige’s son’s entry level was truly Marvel Rivals. And as somebody who actively performs that sport myself, I do not blame him.
Marvel Rivals was launched again in December, and incorporates a large ensemble of villains and heroes from the comics. The sport, which is free to play, is a multiversal story that is not essentially tied to the occasions of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Though you should purchase skins for characters which are tied to costumes from titles like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Thunderbolts*, Physician Unusual within the Multiverse of Insanity, and extra.
Whereas Kevin Feige’s son began asking about Marvel characters due to enjoying Rivals, among the hottest ones have not even made their manner into the MCU thus far. Jeff The Land Shark is a serious character within the sport, as are different favorites like Squirrel Lady and Luna Snow. After all, the sport additionally options among the hottest Marvel characters like Iron Man, Wolverine, Captain America, Scarlet Witch, and extra.
I want I might have been a fly on the wall throughout these conversations between father and son, nerding out over character from Marvel historical past. It appears like Feige’s son is perhaps primarily enjoying as Hela and Punisher, however possibly he is received a brand new man these days… particularly after dipping his toes into MCU programming. Personally I primarily use Invisible Lady, Mantis, and Psylocke.
Marvel Rivals is offered to play now at no cost, though there are in-game purchases accessible. The following installment within the MCU is The Unbelievable 4: First Steps on July twenty fifth as a part of the 2025 film launch listing. And that quartet of playable heroes is predicted to get MCU-inspired skins in Rivals shortly.