Are Marvel Movies Primarily Aimed at Kids?
MARVEL movies are designed to appeal to a broad audience, including both kids and adults. While many of the films contain elements that are enjoyable for younger viewers—such as humor, action, and colorful characters—they also explore more complex themes, character development, and moral dilemmas that resonate with older audiences.
Marvel's Diverse Audience
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been successful in balancing family-friendly content with deeper narratives, making it popular across various age groups. Additionally, some films may include darker or more mature themes, which can be more suitable for older teens and adults. While kids are a significant part of the audience, Marvel movies are crafted to entertain viewers of all ages.
Marvel and Family Entertainment
No one doubts that the MC_grupo target a wide family audience. All MCU movies are rated PG-13, which means parents are strongly cautioned that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. By making films under this rating, the MCU is clearly targeting families where parents and kids can watch together. Moreover, earlier Marvel Netflix shows, such as Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Punisher, were originally marketed under the MCU and rated TV-MA, indicating they are for a mature audience only and unsuitable for children under 17.
Online fandoms on platforms like YouTube, Reddit, and Facebook showcase that many fans are no longer children. While some may argue that they are "kidults," adults who are interested in media traditionally marketed to children, the modern audience is constantly evolving. Given the popularity of the superhero genre across multiple media, the MCU is clearly no longer only for kids.
From Comics to Cinema
Young superheroes' stories are often told by parents as bedtime stories, where characters from comic books come to life. My personal experience is that reading only one comic in my life, Superman, was a magical moment. These stories manage to blend child-friendly elements with profound themes that stick with us as we grow up. Now, as I approach 30, I find myself just as enthralling by these films. Even though the rating is still PG-13, the content is rich with references and inspirations for adults.
Character Development and Themes
Take, for example, the movie The Jungle Book and The Lion King, films that focus primarily on young protagonists without much reference to old people. However, the movie Iron Man targets audiences from the age of 20 until Tony Stark's tragic death, inspiring young people to become engineers like him. The same can be said for the movie Civil War, where characters like Steve Rogers are portrayed as undergraduate students, discussing the future of countries. These films are not just for kids; they are for the family, connecting each member on a personal and relatable level.
The genre shift from kids' content to family-friendly entertainment is apparent. As kids grow up, they continue to watch the same characters, now brought to life on the big screen. This transition has been a key factor in the MCU's success, as the same fanbase that was drawn to comics in their childhood is now engaging with the films as adults. This alignment with the progression of the audience is what makes the MCU a relevant and enduring franchise.
In conclusion, Marvel movies are designed to cater to a diverse audience, appealing to both children and adults. The PG-13 rating ensures that families can enjoy the films together, while the rich narrative and thematic depth speak to the varying stages of life. Whether you're a kid, a kidult, or an adult, there's something for everyone in the world of Marvel.