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MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios

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MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios

By: Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, Gavin Edwards
Narrated by: Andrew Kishino, Joanna Robinson
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Marvel Entertainment was a struggling toymaker not even twenty years ago. Today, Marvel Studios is the dominant player both in Hollywood and in global pop culture. But what accounts for its stunning rise?

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. As they delve into the studio's key moments - from the contentious hiring of Robert Downey Jr. for Iron Man to the negotiations over Disney's acquisition of Marvel to studio head Kevin Feige's embrace of streaming TV - the authors demonstrate that the genius of Marvel was its resurrection and modification of Hollywood's old studio system. Dishy and authoritative, MCU is the first book to tell the Marvel Studios story in full - and an essential, effervescent account of popular culture.

(P) 2023 Recorded Books©2023 On Your Left LLC Art Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV History & Criticism Entertainment Celebrity Superhero
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Critic reviews

'A superb chronicle of how Marvel Studios conquered Hollywood.... This definitive account of the Hollywood juggernaut thrills.'
'The book every MCU fan needs to read.' (Alan Sepinwall)
'A gift. Comprehensive, accessible, and entertaining, MCU makes for a great primer on a modern pillar of Hollywood entertainment.' (Nicholas Quah)
'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)
'A riveting, deeply researched history of the collaborative wizardry and backstage showdowns behind Marvel Studios' popcorn-movie empire.' (Douglas Wolk)
'Robinson, Gonzales, and Edwards deliver the definitive chronicle of the greatest cinematic achievement of all time. An absolute treasure trove of depth and detail that will delight both new Marvel fans and Marvel zombies from way back, like me.' (Jeff Cannata)
'I thought I was an authority on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but I was wrong. This impeccably researched and reported tome is both a propulsive page turner and a real peek behind the curtain into how you build a cultural phenomenon, brick by obsessive brick.' (Marc Bernardin)
'A deeply researched and engagingly written spin through Marvel history that gives credit where it's due, without papering over cracks. Even the biggest fan will find new revelations and new perspectives in the often first-hand accounts of the studio's climb to world dominance.' (Helen O’Hara)
'At some point, the movies based on the Avengers superhero group and its individual members ceased to be just comic-book entertainment; they became cultural touchstones. Robinson, Gonzales, and Edwards bring extensive knowledge to the task of determining how, and they obviously love the craft of cinema . . . Something important took place when the Avengers assembled, and this book provides the background for the sprawling canvas.'
All stars
Most relevant
Great insight into the production of the Marvel movies and TV shows. Stories behind the magic we see on screen.

Outstanding

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As a Marvel Comic fan for nearly 50 years I have always wondered how Kevin Feige was able to chaperone all the characters and backstories for the characters of Marvel into the MCU. This book not only traces his challenges and leadership struggles but also how he, and others in Marvel Studios, confronted the political machinations of Marvel, Toy Biz and Disney executives too.
This was a truly fascinating story and a must read for any Marvel or MCU fan.
Catch up now before the next chapters unravel in 2024.

Become a True Believer

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Smashed through this book in less than a week because I couldn't stop listening. Amazing how much research has been done and I learnt a lot.

Amazing book

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I'm not the biggest marvel fan but have seen pretty much all of the films in the first three phases and I'm also a general fan of the ringer's podcast content so this was a good match.

I whizzed through this and would recommend for anyone who has an interest in marvel, recent Hollywood history or just generally likes movie podcasts.

Enjoyable and fascinating

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Really enjoyed hearing how the sausage was made. A must for fanboys/girks alike. Nuff said. Excelsior true believers.

Marvel-ous listen.

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