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MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios Hardcover – October 10, 2023
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INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
"A superb chronicle of how Marvel Studios conquered Hollywood…. This definitive account of the Hollywood juggernaut thrills." ―Publishers Weekly, starred review
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.
- Print length528 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherLiveright
- Publication dateOctober 10, 2023
- Dimensions6.5 x 1.7 x 9.6 inches
- ISBN-101631497510
- ISBN-13978-1631497513
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From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
― Amy Nicholson, New York Times
"MCU is a thoroughly reported history of the world-conquering movie company and its products. Robinson, Gonzales and Edwards set out to write 'the most thorough, authoritative history of Marvel Studios to date,' and that is exactly what they have done. In the gap between power and its parody, between heroism and humiliation, glints something far more arresting than the most impressive special effects: humanity, with its airs and affectations and occasional flares of unexpected valor."
― Becca Rothfeld, Washington Post
"Over the course of more than 500 pages and hundreds of interviews, the authors explore how an iconic 20th-century comic-book brand pretty much willed itself into becoming this century’s most potent box-office force. The focus is not on a critical dissection of the individual movies; instead, the book concerns itself with the people and decisions that have shaped Marvel Studios from before Iron Man through today. With The Marvels’ box-office performance (or lack thereof) prompting a wave of stories about the studio at a crossroads, this feels like a potential epitaph for the company’s first epoch."
― Josef Adalian, Vulture
"A highly entertaining, well-researched, wide-ranging, detailed, and objective examination of one of the greatest Hollywood success stories. Documenting this specific story illuminates the universal story of big-budget studio filmmaking in the 21st century. There will never be another story like the Marvel Studios story, and maybe there shouldn’t be. But those who want to understand this phenomenal story can do no better than read MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios."
― Michael Curley, PopMatters
"Not to skip to the post-credits scene, but the book is necessary reading for anyone who fancies themselves an MCU fan... Honest and unmerciful... [MCU] delivers a wealth of new context... It’s a testament to the authors that the narrative thread remains easy to follow given the growing expanse of Marvel Studios’ reach.... There is no better document charting Marvel’s improbable rise and total disruption of the Hollywood paradigm.... Readers are sure to learn something new on every page, from which MCU stars first auditioned for roles years earlier to exactly what happened with Edgar Wright’s Ant-Man. A volume of trivia, drama, and humor, MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios belongs on every Marvel fan’s bookshelf."
― Carlos Freytes, Agents of Fandom
"MCU reveals the real saga behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe.... A fresh backstage perspective into the successes, failures, and twists that have spanned Marvel’s long production history. I thought I knew everything there was to know about the MCU, but the book is filled with revelations I never imagined... [MCU] is not only enlightening, but enthralling."
― Cosmic Circus
"A superb chronicle of how Marvel Studios conquered Hollywood…. This definitive account of the Hollywood juggernaut thrills."
― Publishers Weekly, starred review
"[A] compulsively readable book... Marvel fans and film aficionados alike will appreciate this highly recommended, smashing insider look at one of entertainment’s greatest success stories."
― Library Journal, starred review
"The book every MCU fan needs to read."
― Alan Sepinwall, author of The Sopranos Sessions
"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, Empire Magazine
"A riveting, deeply researched history of the collaborative wizardry and backstage showdowns behind Marvel Studios’ popcorn-movie empire."
― Douglas Wolk, author of All of the Marvels
"A gift. Comprehensive, accessible, and entertaining, MCU makes for a great primer on a modern pillar of Hollywood entertainment."
― Nicholas Quah, Vulture and New York Magazine
"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, screenwriter and comic book author
About the Author
Dave Gonzales is a graphics producer, animation director, and popular podcaster. He lives in Denver, Colorado.
Gavin Edwards is the New York Times–best-selling author of thirteen books, including The Tao of Bill Murray. He lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Product details
- Publisher : Liveright
- Publication date : October 10, 2023
- Language : English
- Print length : 528 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1631497510
- ISBN-13 : 978-1631497513
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.5 x 1.7 x 9.6 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #80,807 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #12 in Video Direction & Production (Books)
- #26 in Movie Direction & Production
- #50 in Movie History & Criticism
- Customer Reviews:
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Customers find this book to be a compelling read that is exhaustively researched and fills in many details about the MCU. They appreciate its storytelling ability, with one customer noting how it covers the entire history of Marvel Studios. The book receives positive feedback for its writing quality and interview content, with one review highlighting the wealth of insights from interviews with key personnel.
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Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a compelling and engaging read that is particularly enjoyable for Marvel fans.
"...The book is well-researched, insightful, and entertaining, making it a must-read for every Marvel fan...." Read more
"Very thoroughly researched & a great read..." Read more
"I really enjoyed this book. Well-researched and well-written. Would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the MCU and behind-the-scenes drama." Read more
"...The book is interesting but in the end it loses focus and become mere summary of releases, box office...." Read more
Customers praise the book's thorough research, noting it fills in many details and provides a comprehensive history of the MCU.
"Well-written, engaging, in-depth, insightful. Cannot put it down! Film nerd or not, Rhys is a fantastic read." Read more
"...Exhaustively researched & includes tons of behind-the-scenes interviews with everyone from RDJ to Kevin Feige, Stan Lee, and more. Highly recommended!" Read more
"I really enjoyed this book. Well-researched and well-written. Would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the MCU and behind-the-scenes drama." Read more
"Probably 3.5 stars. Well researched, well written. Drags a bit at times due to researched details, but still very comprehensive." Read more
Customers appreciate the storytelling ability of the book, with one customer highlighting its comprehensive coverage of Marvel Studios' history.
"...Truly an amazing story" Read more
"...first thing that sets this book apart from others is its storytelling ability...." Read more
"I loved the behind-the-scenes stories and learning how various aspects of the movie business work - strategies, politics, pivots, etc." Read more
"...I loved the anecdotes that gave my favorite MCU moments even more to love...." Read more
Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book, with one mentioning it was written by renowned culture writer Joanna Robinson.
"...and the MCU I am grateful for this work and how it was organized and written. Wonderfully done!" Read more
"...It is so well written that even non-fans might want to pick this up just to know how Hollywood’s most substantial movie studio was born...." Read more
"I really enjoyed this book. Well-researched and well-written. Would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the MCU and behind-the-scenes drama." Read more
"Well-written, engaging, in-depth, insightful. Cannot put it down! Film nerd or not, Rhys is a fantastic read." Read more
Customers appreciate the interviews in the book, with one mentioning they have a wealth of insights.
"...The interviews have a wealth of insights into how Marvel Studios managed to revolutionize an entire entertainment industry, how they navigated the..." Read more
"...The book is like have a conversation with friends about stuff you love!" Read more
"Solid but few direct interviews with key players, and loses focus in the end..." Read more
"...Filled with great stories, behind the scenes goodies and interviews with key personnel, it tells the story of a most unlikely studio who achieved..." Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2024Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseMCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios is the first book of its kind, providing an extensive chronicle of Marvel Studios‘ journey from its inception to the very apex it currently occupies. It is written by renowned culture writers Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, and Gavin Edwards, backed up by hundreds of interviews with the who’s who of the entertainment world.
While people have always been fascinated with superheroes, villainy, and a world of adventure, but when Marvel Studios stepped in the world of superhero moviemaking took on a whole new meaning. The studio has put in a lot of hard work, grit, and determination into building the iconic brand that we know today.
MCU: The Reign of Marvel StudiosThe first thing that sets this book apart from others is its storytelling ability. The writers have carved out the story of Marvel Studios and built it up in an almost cinematic fashion. The book serves as both an encyclopedia and a narrative in its own right, which makes it an even more riveting read. It is so well written that even non-fans might want to pick this up just to know how Hollywood’s most substantial movie studio was born.
MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios covers everything, from the early days of Marvel comics to the movie-making business showdowns Marvel Studios has faced, the creation of Avengers and beyond. The interviews have a wealth of insights into how Marvel Studios managed to revolutionize an entire entertainment industry, how they navigated the rough times, and what kind of vision and artistic freedom empowered them to make such huge box office successes work.
Moreover, the book also delves into the MCU’s most massive blockbusters, including their immense box office returns and the critical acclaim they have received. It also highlights how Marvel Studio’s approach to creating content is exceptional and how they continue to push the boundaries of what a superhero movie could be. It also touches upon topics such as inclusion and representation and how these values are becoming a mainstay for Marvel Studios.
The book does an excellent job of shining light on the immense pressure and countless challenges that the studio has faced. Whether it is the not-so-loved Incredible Hulk film, the hunt for the perfect Spider-Man, or how Kevin Feige almost left the company under Marvel founder Isaac Perlmutter, the book covers it all. It goes to show that Marvel Studios’ breathtaking success came from hard work, determination, and standing by its creative vision.
MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios is a comprehensive account of a company that’s redefined an industry. The book is well-researched, insightful, and entertaining, making it a must-read for every Marvel fan. The team of authors have outdone themselves, weaving the story of the company in such a way that it not only provides the readers with what they came for (the company’s story), but they do so in a way that makes it a compelling read. From a casual reader to a diehard fan, this book is for everyone.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2023Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThis book is a wonderful in-depth story of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Filled with great stories, behind the scenes goodies and interviews with key personnel, it tells the story of a most unlikely studio who achieved success few have been able to match. From Ike Perlmutter and Avi Arad, to the genius of Kevin Fiege who assembled a team that told compelling stories of what used to be little known characters, made new fans and box office gold. It makes the confusing early days, quite clear and introduces you to the complicated list of players.
While it is comprehensive, I would have loved more coverage of Civil War and Endgame. The film sections were great, but didn't spend as much time as I would've liked on some cast stories. VFX is heavily covered as is the writing staff, creation of various shows and films and the unique culture crafted that Fiege nurtured despite the views of Pearlmutter and the committee that oversaw early productions. The section with Sony was very interesting, finding a way to work Spider-Man into the MCU.
The book covers the triumphs and lows and a glimpse into the uncertain future of the next phase of entertainment. Key to all this is Fiege. I wish he had a Star Wars trilogy- he would do Knights of the Old Republic the justice it deserves. The authors made this an enjoyable read/listen (I listened to the audiobook).
- Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2023Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThe “tell all” MCU book is an entertaining and enjoyable read. The style is more of a compilation of previously-read articles and gleaned trivia from director commentaries than an outright oral history compendium but the authors do a successful job of telling a deep and definitive story of Marvel Studios. Fans of sausage making will not be disappointed.
MCU includes it all, True Believer: the good (the artistic reign of Kevin Feige), the bad (arguably most post-Endgame theatrical releases and a vast majority of the streaming shows), and the ugly (the bigoted, racist, one-percenter Ike Perlmutter).
For as exhaustive of a read as it is, MCU also ends rather quickly. Granted, there probably is not a lot to tell specifics wise on any of the post-Endgame releases, but the conclusion is as abrupt as Thanos’s snap. Yet it also ends positively. Feige is still in control. And even though She-Hulk was a disastrous slip in quality control, if anyone can get Marvel out of this tail-eating loop of inane “Phases” and back into good, complex, superhero movies, it is Kevin Feige. ‘Nuff Said.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2024Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseThis book chronicles the rise of Marvel's movie making efforts over the last couple of decades. As a Marvel comic & movie fan I enjoyed this book tremendously! Exhaustively researched & includes tons of behind-the-scenes interviews with everyone from RDJ to Kevin Feige, Stan Lee, and more. Highly recommended!
- Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2023This book shows the humanity behind a studio I believed to be a robot/alien/wizard that acted on what it believed to be the best ideas. Makes total sense this is a business and it’s ruled by what is going to sell best and the sea of people involved needs to talk and discuss and have arguments just as any other business in the world. It’s incredible what I thought was the best strategy is basically a series of extraordinary coincidences. And the present failed state of the MCU is a reflection of the countless tries people at the top have made in order to make a proper process out of the successful mess. Recommended read for any person who has seen one of this movies and wondered how the sausage gets made.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2025Format: KindleVerified PurchaseGonzales, Robinson, and Edwards have crafted the singular history and story of the rise of the MCU, and at the same time, the story of Kevin Feige.
Top reviews from other countries
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Katrin KröningReviewed in Italy on December 1, 20235.0 out of 5 stars Per amanti del mondo Marvel
Riccamente illustrato ripercorre la linea temporale del MCU. Fantastico regalo per amanti dei film ma anche dei fumetti Marvel.
Gordon DavisReviewed in Canada on January 19, 20255.0 out of 5 stars Great read if your a Marvel fan
Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseGreat read. Life long Comic fan and this gave great insight into Marvel Studios and how it was all built (and the trouble that comes with that).
-
ScpReviewed in Germany on October 19, 20235.0 out of 5 stars der ehrliche Blick hinter die Kulissen von Marvel
Dieses Buch ist zweifellos ein Must-Read für jeden, der sich für die Welt der Superhelden oder der Filmindustrie interessiert.
Joanna, Da7e und Gavin haben hervorragende Arbeit geleistet, um die Entstehungsgeschichte des MCU von Anfang an detailliert zu dokumentieren. Sie liefern ungeschönten Einblicke in die Triumphe, kreativen Entscheidungen aber auch die hinter-den-Kulissen-Dramas, die zur Schaffung dieses Filmuniversums geführt haben.
aurelienReviewed in France on November 16, 20245.0 out of 5 stars Super interesting
As a fan I really enjoyed discovering all these behind the scenes
iROBOTReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 10, 20245.0 out of 5 stars An excellent insightful account of the highs and lows of the MCU!
A well written, fair book that perfectly captures the history of Marvel Studios, from being revolutionary in producing successful blockbuster sagas to the interesting power struggles behind the scenes. Highly recommended for both Marvel fans and film fans.












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